For anyone who does most of their errands on foot, a wheeled shopping trolley is a wonderful invention. Instead of carrying bags that dig into your hands, you simply pull the load behind you. The walk home from the high street becomes lighter, and you can buy a little more than you could ever carry by hand.
When choosing a trolley, look at the wheels first. Larger wheels roll more easily over kerbs, cracks and cobbles, while tiny wheels tend to get stuck. A sturdy frame and a comfortable handle matter, too: the handle should be at a height where you can walk upright without stooping. Check that the bag is deep enough and has a lid or zip, so that things do not fall out on bumpy pavements.
Packing it sensibly
Pack heavy things at the bottom and close to the wheels, and lighter items on top. Put bread, eggs and soft fruit at the very top, where they will not be squashed. If you shop for fresh food, use a separate bag inside the trolley for anything that might leak. It is also worth keeping a small cloth handy, in case a carton or bottle gives way on the way home.
Pulling the trolley behind you is usually easier than pushing it in front. Keep it close to your body, and walk at a steady pace, so that it does not swing from side to side. On steps or kerbs, lift the front and pull it up slowly, or find a ramp. Think about the route you take. Smooth, even pavements are a joy, but cobbled streets and steep hills can be tiring. If you have a choice, take the flatter way, even if it is a little longer. In wet weather, a rain cover keeps the contents dry, and a bag liner works nearly as well. Store the trolley somewhere convenient, such as in the hall or under the stairs, so that it is easy to grab on the way out. A trolley that is always ready makes shopping on foot feel like the natural thing to do, and the car soon stays at home.
