For a convenience store keeper or a shopper who has to pocket his own groceries, knowing how to properly pocket his groceries can be very useful. If you don't want the bread to flatten, the eggs or the glass to break, follow these simple instructions and steps.
Step
Step 1. Choose the pouch
Paper or cloth bags are suitable for almost all groceries, but plastic bags can prevent spills all over your car or body. If you buy meat or other perishable groceries, consider putting them in the plastic bags provided in the fruits and vegetables or meats section.
Department stores in some areas of the United States have charged an additional fee for each bag of groceries. Therefore, if you do not bring your own bags, you will be charged $0.10 per bag in addition to the total grocery price
Step 2. Group similar items
By dividing your bag into four sections – pantry items, meats, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables – you will reduce the chances of spoilage or cross-contamination.
- Frozen foods, such as ice cream and frozen vegetables, should be grouped together with other perishable products such as dairy products to maintain cool temperatures. This grouping also makes it easier for you to sort out all the groceries that need to be put in the refrigerator immediately.
- Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat meats to prevent the risk of salmonella contamination. Place the raw meat in a separate plastic bag, as the meat tends to leak.
- Combine fruits, vegetables and foods that can be eaten immediately, and separate them from raw foods – especially meat – to prevent cross-contamination.
- Bag eggs separately from all foods that can be eaten raw if the eggs break.
- We recommend that cleaning products or other chemical items be packaged separately from any food to protect it from contamination.
Step 3. Bag the heavy items first
Larger items tend to be heavier, so it's better to bag them the first time. This is done to create a balance in the bag so that large items do not crush small items underneath.
- For balance, taller packages such as cereal packs should be placed on the inner edge of the bag as a support.
- It is recommended that heavy canned and similar products be placed in the bottom or middle bag.
- Staples in medium-sized packages, such as oatmeal or rice packs, should be placed in the center of the bag, above canned products.
- Crumbled foods such as bread or eggs are placed on top of medium-sized staple packs.
Step 4. Be careful in packing glass objects
Placing glass objects next to each other can make everything collide, even break. Place the glass object in the center of the cans at the very bottom of the bag. These cans will provide support and minimize the risk of glass objects breaking.
If you bring paper sleeves, you can wrap the glass objects and place them side by side. Paper sleeves can function as cushions to protect the object from breaking
Step 5. Don't put too many things in one bag
Make sure the bag is no more than 7 kg. It's a good idea to divide heavy groceries into several bags to prevent the bag from bursting.
- For canned products, limit the number to 6 or 8 cans in a bag, depending on the size. While products in glass jars, limit them to about 4 cans.
- Estimate how heavy groceries you can lift so you can plan.
Step 6. Use a double layer bag if needed
Using 2 layers of plastic or paper bags will make the bag thicker and allow you to carry more and heavier groceries.
Step 7. Consider transportable groceries
A roll of toilet paper, a large sack of dog food, or a cardboard box of soda might not fit in a bag. Most large items can be transported directly or with the help of a handle made of duct tape.
Step 8. Be polite
When you're done bagging all of a customer's groceries, thank them for shopping and ask if they need help getting them to the car.
- When you get to the car, pay attention to some of the quirks in its placement: heavier bags are placed at the bottom or at the edge, while bags containing items that break easily are at the top, or in the middle.
- Be careful when placing groceries in the back seat right next to the children's seat. Make sure that nothing can fall on the child.
Tips
- In general, separate ingredients that need to be cooked and those that don't need to be cooked in separate bags.
- Be sure to store perishable foods (such as dairy products) in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Bacteria can turn dangerous if left at room temperature for 2 hours. Consider using an ice pack cooler if you have to keep it in the car for more than 1 hour.
- The reusable thermal bag can withstand the temperature balance of hot or cold food for several hours. Make sure that the bag is not perforated or torn.
- Keep your shopping bags clean. Clean the inside of the bag and wash it regularly with a machine to make sure the bag is free of germs.
