1. Get Your Coupons Together

One thing you can do while you are waiting in the supermarket checkout line is to get your coupons together. This is helpful to both you and the cashier. It saves you from digging in your purse looking for them when you could be out the door and on your way. Getting your coupons together helps you to be prepared when it is your turn. When I do this, I always double check my expiration dates, too.

2. Look at a Magazine

You can also look at a magazine while you are standing in line. A lot of times you can browse through a magazine to see if it is one you would like to buy or not. This is an enjoyable way to pass the time. You can catch up on the latest celebrity gossip or learn some fashion or makeup tricks. You may just find a new favorite magazine, too.

3. Balance Your Checkbook

Standing in the checkout line is a good time to balance your checkbook. This is usually a chore that can be done quickly. You can also prepare the entry where you will enter how much was spent at the supermarket. Of course you do want to be careful to do this carefully where your account numbers cannot be seen. But it is a small chore you can take care of so that you don’t have to worry about it later.

4. Check Your Email or Social Media

Sometimes you just want to lose yourself in social media land for a few minutes. This is a good time to do that. You can also check your email to see what has come through. It is another way to make good use of your time. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

5. Plan the Rest of Your Day

This is something that I often do. I will generally plan the rest of my day while I am waiting in the supermarket checkout line. I evaluate where I am on my to-do list for the day. It kind of helps me to shift my mind onto what needs to be done next. Then, when I get home, I am ready to go on to some other project.

6. Look What Other People Are Buying

Let’s just admit it. We have all done this from time to time. It is interesting to see what other people are buying. Not just for curiosity’s sake but also because it can give you some inspiration for new snacks or meals. It is also just plain fun to scope out what is in your neighbor’s cart.

7. Strike up a Conversation

I don’t do this one often because I am content to be quiet and get lost in my own thoughts. Sometimes however, I will notice someone’s clothes or purse and strike up a conversation with them. There are a couple of advantages here. You can find out where they got their really cute stuff and kill some time. You never know, it is even possible to make a new friend.

These little tricks can help make your time in the supermarket checkout line go by more quickly. What do you do in this situation? Please share your tips with us!