If you hate standing in line at ANY store as much as I do, you’re gonna love this article. Is it just me or does time seem to slow down as you watch the cashier methodically scan each item with painstaking precision, while you mentally count the minutes ticking away. But with a few smart strategies and some insider tips, you can streamline your checkout process and get the hell out of the store faster.

1. Choose the Right Time to Shop

Timing is everything when it comes to avoiding long lines.

Generally, the best times to shop are early in the morning or late in the evening, right before the store closes.

Mid-morning on weekdays and late afternoons tend to be busier, as these times align with people running errands before or after work.

Avoid shopping during peak hours if you can.

See Also: Costco Employees Tell Me the VERY Best Day to Shop

2. Scout the Fastest Checkout Lane

Not all checkout lines are built the same — some are straight-up traps.

If you wanna get out fast, look for people with smaller baskets, not just shorter lines. One dude with a mountain of groceries will hold you up forever.

Also, if you can, pick a lane where people are swiping cards instead of counting out change like it’s 1998.

And if you’ve only got a handful of stuff? Hit the express lane. It exists for a reason — don’t be a hero.

PRO TIP: PAY ATTENTION!

Pay close attention to a cashier’s efficiency. Experienced cashiers tend to be WAY faster.

I personally have two at my local grocery store that I know are FAST and I always migrate towards either of them when getting in line. Bottomline, if you recognize a cashier who’s particularly speedy, head to their lane ASAP.

 3. Use Self-Checkout Wisely

Self-checkout can totally save you time — if you don’t roll up with a cart that looks like you’re stocking a bunker.

– Small Loads: It’s really best for small or medium hauls. If your cart’s overflowing, just do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and hit a regular lane.

– Familiarize Yourself: Get to know the self-checkout system at your store. Understanding how it works will make the process smoother and faster.

– Scan Efficiently: Pro move: group your stuff smart — all produce together, all freezer stuff together — so you’re not digging around like a maniac.

– Payment Ready: And seriously, have your card or phone ready. Don’t be that person still fumbling for their wallet after everything’s bagged.

4. Prepare Your Cart for Efficiency

If you actually wanna get through checkout without losing your mind (or holding up everybody behind you), organize your cart a little.

– Group Similar Items: Keep similar stuff together — frozen with frozen, cans with cans, produce with produce — you get it.

– Barcodes Up: And if you can, flip barcodes up so the cashier isn’t spinning every single item around like a Rubik’s cube.

– Use Reusable Bags: If you’re bringing your own bags (good for you), toss them right at the front so you’re not digging for them while everything piles up.

Tiny moves = way faster checkout and way fewer dirty looks from the person behind you holding a gallon of milk and a bag of chips.

See Also: 24 Brilliant Ways to Save at the Grocery Store

5. Digital Coupons and Loyalty Cards

If you’re not using digital coupons or loyalty cards yet, you’re just making life harder for yourself.

– Load Coupons in Advance: Load up all your coupons before you even leave the house — way easier than standing there digging through crumpled paper coupons while everyone behind you sighs loudly.

– Use Mobile Apps: And a lot of stores have apps now where you can scan stuff yourself and skip the checkout line completely, which is basically living the dream if you hate waiting around. Get in, get out, move on with your life.

 6. Be Ready with Payment

Having your payment method ready can cut down your time at the checkout:

– Contactless Payments: Use contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or contactless credit/debit cards. These are faster than swiping or inserting a card.

– Store Credit Cards: Some stores have their own credit cards that offer expedited checkout lanes or self-checkout options. If you shop at a particular store frequently, consider getting their card.

 7. Avoid Price Checks and Disputes

Price checks and disputes can cause significant delays. To avoid these:

– Know the Prices: Be aware of the prices of the items you’re purchasing. If something seems off, check the price before heading to the checkout.

– Price Match Policy: Familiarize yourself with the store’s price match policy. If you’re getting a price match, have ALL the necessary information ready to show the cashier quickly.

 8. Plan Ahead with Online Shopping

If you really wanna save time (and avoid dealing with checkout lines altogether), mix in some online shopping moves.

– Click and Collect: A lot of places let you do “click and collect” — you order online, roll up, and just grab your stuff without even stepping inside. Even better, some stores will do curbside pickup where they literally bring it out to your car.

– Curbside Pickup: You barely have to unbuckle your seatbelt. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered fighting through the aisles in the first place.

See Also: All the Major Stores That Offer Free Curbside Grocery Pickup

 9. Use a Shopping List

If you don’t wanna spend your whole life wandering back and forth across the store, get your shopping list together before you go.

– Categorize Your List: Actually group your list by section — all the produce together, all the frozen junk together — so you’re not sprinting from one end to the other 14 times. And honestly, ditch the paper list.

– Digital Lists: Use a digital shopping list app where you can just tap stuff off as you grab it. Way faster, way less annoying, and you won’t end up losing your list halfway through and panic-buying whatever you think you needed.

10. Observe and Adapt

Honestly, just pay attention next time you’re in the store — it’ll save you a ton of time later.

– Peak Times: Figure out when the place turns into total chaos and avoid those times like your sanity depends on it (because it kinda does).

– Store Layout: Get to know the layout so you’re not wandering around like a lost toddler every time you need frozen peas. The more you know the setup, the faster you can get in, get what you need, and get out before the checkout lines turn into a nightmare.

11. Pay Attention to Lane Traffic

Sometimes, the busiest-looking lanes can clear out faster than those with fewer people.

Pay attention to the overall traffic flow.

If you see a line that looks long but is consistently moving, it might be faster than a shorter line that isn’t moving as smoothly.

See Also: The 6 Stores That Markdown Products Near “Best-By” Dates

12. Opt for Bagging Services

If your store offers bagging services, take advantage of them.

Bagging your groceries can take up a significant amount of time, especially if you’re trying to do it quickly.

Let the professionals handle the bagging so you can focus on paying and getting out the door.

13. Leverage Mobile Scanning Apps

Some stores have mobile scanning apps that allow you to scan items as you shop and then complete the transaction at a designated kiosk or at self-checkout.

This can dramatically reduce your time at the checkout because you’ve already scanned everything yourself.

PRO TIP: SCAN & GO

The Sam’s Club Scan & Go app is a leader in this movement. You scan and pay for everything within the app, then you head for the exit doors and show proof of your purchase to the receipt checker via the app.

14. Check for Hidden Lanes

Some stores have these random hidden checkout lanes — usually near the customer service desk or tucked by a side door — and barely anyone uses them.

They’re not super obvious, which is why they’re way less slammed. If you keep an eye out for them, you can usually skip the main crowd and get out way faster.

Hidden gem checkout lanes = one of the greatest shopping hacks nobody talks about.

Ask the Reader: Other than loading up your arms with stuff and running for the exit, what “quick checkout” hacks did I miss?

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)