I did try to do meal planning, but didn't really have much luck (okay, admittedly, I don't know how to meal plan ), so I shop for staples in bulk if I can, and what's on special. I think as I shop as to what I have (in terms of fresh items at home) then what else I need for the week's meals. I usually end up underbuying, and have to go a second time during the week, but usually also then need things like nappies (which are the bain of all existence! ). We have a good size pantry, so there is always a good stock of pasta, passata, rice, and a few other things, plus my baking staples. Freezer wise, I try to always have frozen veg (yes, I do buy fresh too), and bread (as when the boy is over it disappears, or if the Man is in a bread mood).

When I get home, I divvy up all the meat, freeze what I'm not going to use in the next few days (see, I do plan!). I freeze everything flat so it defrosts easier (inc sausages, if you freeze them flat on a cutting board or similar, then just bundle them up when they are frozen, you can very easily get however many you want).

Maybe try to get an extra cupboard for all your bulk dry staples?