This sponsored post also appears on Second Chances Girl.
I have been a busy bee the past couple of weeks. Between work, vacations, planning for an end of summer party and back to school shopping, I am spent. Shopping for back to school supplies and clothing used to really stress me out but now with four kids going into either middle school or upper level elementary grades, I have become an expert on stress-free back to school shopping!
Tip #1: Gather all documentation ahead of time. School started here in South Florida on August 24th. I did not wait until teachers hand out supply lists, I made sure I got them a couple weeks before, whether on the school website or by calling the school. If you cannot get a list from your child’s teacher ahead of time, look up a grade-specific list online and start purchasing the basics (pencils, crayons, paper, etc).
Tip #2: Make a master list and a budget. I put together all four lists into one major list. Instead of four lists mentioning the need for 2 boxes of pencils, I put 8 boxes of pencils on my list. I take one list to the stores. I also set a budget and stick to it.
Tip #3: Enlist an assistant. There is no reason to go back to school shopping on your own. That’s boring! I call my friends and we make a fun outing out of it. If my friends are unavailable, I take one (yes ONE!) of my kids with me. I ask them and the one that volunteers first goes. It gives me some one on one time with that child and I’m not shopping alone!
Tip #4: ย Take advantage of back to school sales, discounts and tax-free holidays. Tax-free week in Florida was August 7-15 and I made sure to do my shopping that week. I gathered my list and store ads and see what was on sale where. I made a plan on which stores to go to and at what times. I used coupons and checked for any BOGO’s (buy one get one offers). I even shop online, if possible. Think this is crazy? Well how about I tell you that I purchased all the basic supplies for four kids for less than $70! ย Also, buy in bulk if you are buying the same items for multiple kids. Every classroom requested disinfecting wipes and tissue. I purchase those in bulk and just separate per class. With a little research, you can save alot of money!
Tip #5: Stick to your budget. ย Stores do understand that back to school shopping can get expensive. They have amazing sales at this time to help families out. After years of back to school shopping, I know to make a budget and stick to it. I start saving, little by little, since the beginning of the year. This money is only for back to school shopping (supplies, shoes, uniforms). I usually come in under budget and use the little extra for a special dinner out as a family before school starts!
Remember a little pre-planning can go along way to save money and time this back-to-school season!
For more back-to-school content on Mami of Multiples, visit http://bit.ly/MOMEDUCATION
Disclosure: I participated in a back to school campaign with Mami of Multiples. I was provided compensation to purchase back to school items and for writing this post. All opinions are mine alone.
