I shop at a discount grocery store and a regular one each week. It saves me money — and I’ve found ways to make my trips efficient.

I know I won’t check off my entire list at Lidl, but I save money by going there first to try to get as many items as possible.

I can typically find 70% to 80% of my groceries at Lidl then I get the rest at a bigger chain like Wegmans or Publix.

The discount grocer is a pretty reliable spot to get common baking and cooking ingredients, basic produce, proteins, dairy, and canned goods. Many of these items are cheaper at Lidl, too.

On a recent trip, store-brand Dijon mustard was $1.45 at Lidl and $2.49 at Wegmans. Lidl’s store-brand packets of taco seasoning also cost about a third less than Wegmans’.

I’d get everything I need at my local Lidl if I could, but I know I’ll have to go elsewhere for less common ingredients, herbs other than parsley or cilantro, and some of our brand-name favorites.

It’s not efficient to take 2 trips, but I’ve found a few ways to optimize them

I usually do most of my grocery shopping at Lidl on Saturdays and then buy anything I didn’t find at a different store on Sundays.

Splitting the trips up makes the task seem less of a chore, and it gives me time to see if I forgot anything on my list. If I choose to shop at two grocery stores on the same day, I go to the one that’s directly on the way home from Lidl to be more efficient, even though it’s not my favorite.

Before visiting my second store I also rewrite my grocery list so it’s super clear and only includes what’s left to buy. Sticking to that list is also key — I don’t spend time in the stores browsing for any items not on it.

What works for me won’t be ideal for everyone. Going to more than one grocery store a week might not make sense if your time is more limited than your money or you don’t live near multiple chains.

But for me, spending a bit of extra time is worth it. I’d estimate I save about $20 to $30 a week on groceries by making two trips.