Clearance Shop Like a Boss!!

When you are on a budget all of the time you become accustomed to making a beeline for the clearance section of any store you visit.  Over the years I have navigated the ins and outs of when to buy to save maximum dollars.  Here are a few tips to get you started on the path to becoming a clearance pro!

1. Buy offseason
•  This is my golden rule when shopping for non-grocery items. I tend to follow when retailers switch out there stock for the next season's goods. So for example in September I shop clearance for next summers items, and in October I shop school supplies for next school year and so on.  The trick here is knowing you will have a need. I know my child will not be finished with school anytime soon so I stock up on the items that I know will be on the back to school list the next fall. For clothing purchases, I size up and buy for the next season. As long as your child doesn't experience any radical growth spurts it works great. It also works great for adults who's clothing sizes don't tend to fluctuate drastically.
2. Shop holiday sales the second week after a holiday
•   After each holiday, retailers want to move products out as quickly as possible to make room for the upcoming holiday or seasonal merchandise.  It varies from retailer to retailer but holiday items usually go on sale for up to 50% off right after a holiday which is great! However if you hold out just a little while longer these same items usually will be marked down again, usually anywhere between 75-90% off.  Remember, they need these items gone quickly so they can start selling the upcoming holiday's merchandise.  Because of this, you can find some great deals. I buy decorations, wrapping paper, gift boxes and the like for next years holiday.  I also keep an eye out for items that can be used year round and don't scream a particular time of year. For example, Walmart has some great pre-boxed body wash and hygiene gifting sets around Christmas. I try to pick up as many of those as I can, especially if the packaging doesn't scream Christmas. They are a special buy for Christmas only so the price will be slashed as soon as the holiday is over.
3. Always be on the lookout for items that can go in your gifting stash
• It feels great to be able to give nice gifts, but that feat is not so easy if you are a mom on a budget. Here's how I deal with that.  I started a gift stash.  Between teachers, tutors, coaches, kid's friends etc, I needed a small supply of items that could be gifted when your child announces to you that they need a gift for someone, just hours before they need it.  That way I don't have to make a trip to the store to try to figure something out and I'm not pressured into buying something pricey just because of the short notice. I try to keep an eye out year round for simple and cute gifts that can be gifted regardless of the receiver. Cute mugs, body washes, soaps, and scented candles work and are universal.
4. Annual and Semi-Annual Sales
• Annual and Semi-Annual Sales are a great way to pick up items that are traditionally a bit pricier.  Bath and Body Works and Victorias Secret both have semi-annual sales. Bath and Body Works has two sales. The first is right after Christmas until mid-January. The second one usually starts in June and ends in July.   I use the opportunity to stock up on soaps, lotions, body washes and more at up to 75% off.

Hope these tips help you to start your clearance shopping adventures!