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Last updated on April 7th, 2022 at 10:30 pm
All you busy women of the world, today’s post is dedicated especially to you. I am one of you, and I am constantly on the lookout for ways to work smarter, not harder. That means if I can cut time off any weekly tasks, like grocery shopping, I’m all for it.
I’ve had clients tell me, “I wish I had time to go grocery shopping.” Between pick ups, drop offs, working, and all the life in between, it’s really tough to find the time to go to the grocery store.
Until now 😊
Friend, I’ve started using Instacart, and it’s like I pressed the easy button on life.
Today, I want to share how using Instacart has saved me so much time (and headache) when it comes to getting the weekly groceries without ever stepping inside a grocery store!
How Instacart works
Since I was confused at first, I’ll tell you how Instacart works.
When you download the Instacart app you can search for grocery stores in your area. The prices vary depending on if Instacart works with that particular store. Sometimes prices are higher, or with Costco, you don’t get the purchases added to your membership.
To shop, select your items and add notes about certain things, like how ripe you want your avocados.
Instacart also offers exclusive deals on some items …you just have to keep an eye out.
Once you’re happy with your cart, set your delivery time.
Once someone starts shopping for you, the app sends you an alert. The “shopper” may message you if he/she has a question or needs to replace something that’s out of stock.
The app alerts you again when your groceries are on the way! Once they’re delivered, you can add or change your tip to the shopper (which is nice to do since a lot of the shoppers are moms too.)
Delivery fees are low and you can change your tip to the shopper after the delivery of your groceries.
If you’ve never used Instacart before, get free delivery on your first order of $35+!
Instacart offers free delivery when you buy certain brands (obviously with a minimum purchase). The app will tell you what qualifies.
Some stores work exclusively with Instacart. Sprouts, our grocery store of choice, uses Instacart delivery, and delivers in an hour or less!
The hour or less feature is HUGE! Here’s why …
Use it when the kids can’t/won’t cooperate.
I am so grateful to know about this service and that it’s quick.
On a Friday afternoon, food was running low in our fridge …meaning it was practically empty. Child just came down with a fever, and all she wanted was some homemade chicken soup to feel better. With an empty fridge, I didn’t have enough ingredient to make anything.
In the past, I would have been completely out of luck. Either I would have had to drag my poor, sick child to the store or tell her that I couldn’t make her soup.
Just the thought of it breaks my heart.
Instead, I grabbed my iPad and quickly pulled together a cart full of groceries that was delivered within the hour.
The soup was ready by the time my girl got up from her nap.
Thank you, Instacart!
This service is there for when it’s #notgonnahappen. You know those days? Where your kids decide to misbehave while you’re trying to shop?
Yup, just have groceries delivered.
Use it when your schedule is full.
When time is an issue, Instacart is the bomb. I can spend just a few minutes getting the grocery shopping done, then move on to other things.
We’ve had weekends jam-packed with events. My weekdays are spent working a 9-5, so shopping is out of the question.
Instead of stressing out about when I can make time to shop or considering ordering take-out, I just use Instacart.
Use it when you just can’t/hate going grocery shopping.
You know, when you just can’t bear the idea of leaving the house and dealing with people??? We all have those days.
Or maybe you hate wandering around the store trying to find a specific ingredient.
Or maybe you have a newborn or you’re recovering from injury or illness. Definitely a good time for Instacart.
Other things to note …
By ordering food online, it’s easier to stay closer to budget (and away from fake foods) because you can’t see the foods to be tempted by them. Taking away temptation is a plus in my book.
At first I was concerned that the shoppers wouldn’t pick the best produce, but that wasn’t the case at all. I’ve had a couple ask me questions to clarify the ripeness of fruit, the size of the sweet potatoes, or how many bananas I want in a bunch.
They also seem pretty conscious of the expiration dates on dairy products.
With service like that, I’m happy to hand over this errand (and my money).
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really started appreciating all these convenience services. If I can save time and effort, I will take it.
I know so many of us would rather spend time doing other things, like spending time with family. Instacart will help you get one time-sucking task off your plate.
Are you ready to save some time and effort? Check out Instacart and never set foot in a grocery store again!
i LOVE LOVE LOVE online grocery shopping. I personally use Kroger Clicklist. I can either have my groceries delivered OR I can go get curb side pick up. It saves me SO much time AND it helps me make better food choices.
Hey Autumn! We don’t have Kroger out where I am, but I’m totally loving that these services are being offered everywhere. And, yeah! I make better choices too because I’m not browsing the snack aisle :). Thanks for stopping by!
I’m just now dabbling in online shopping for groceries! Thanks for these tips!
I appreciate the point that you made that it’s easier to stick to a budget when you order food online. I’ve found that I end up spending more at the grocery store than I intend to. I can see how being able to see an itemized list of all the prices online can help if you have a strict budget.