5 Back to School Tips You Need to Know During COVID-19

The back-to-school season occurs at the same time each year, and like the holidays, it seems to have developed a habit of sneaking up on parents and their wallets. The season comes with a lot of planning, budgeting and shopping. Many of the children’s clothes have been outgrown and most of last year’s school supplies have run out, necessitating a trip to the store for some back-to-school shopping.

Shopping is a difficult undertaking in and of itself, and it’s important to try and get the best value for your money always. When you have to do seasonal shopping like back-to-school shopping, it gets even harder. According to the National Retail Federation, the average school supply expenses per household in America in 2021 was around $850. When you spend that much, you don’t want to feel like you’ve squandered money or that you’ve gotten poor value for your money. To avoid this, we’ve put up a few pointers on how to make the most of your back-to-school shopping trip.

1. Make a list of what is needed

It’s best to know what you need before you go shopping, as this will prevent you from buying unnecessary items. Some schools provide a school supply list to their students; if your child’s school does, you should follow that list. If your kid’s school does not provide a list, sit your youngster down and go over what they believe they might need for the upcoming school year. In this manner, you are not only reducing wasteful purchases, but you are also making sure that whatever you provide for them, is what they genuinely need and would put to good use.

2. Remove items from the list that you already own

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Unless they have become completely unserviceable, you don’t need to buy replacements for products your kids already own. Back-to-school shopping does not always necessitate a wardrobe or supply overhaul. There are occasionally supplies leftover from the previous school year. So, go through the house thoroughly, including the closet and basement, and cross off the items you already own from the list. Make certain that the items remaining on the list are truly necessary.

3. Create a spending limit and stick to it

It’s critical to set a spending limit that you’re happy with and that covers the essentials. Going shopping for school supplies without a budget will only lead to overspending. Instead of current sales prices, base your budget on regular retail prices. When it’s time to shop, overestimating your expenses will provide you with some breathing room. Do you have enough money once you’ve calculated how much you expect to spend? If you don’t, you’ll have to make changes.

4.  Prioritize comfort and quality over brands

It’s easy to get carried away with brands, especially for parents and college students who are fashion conscious and enjoy wearing them. When shopping for back-to-school shoes especially, it’s critical to put comfort and functionality first. While there are many prominent shoe brands to choose from, it’s ideal to choose high-quality shoes to last the entire year. 

5. Don’t rush

Try to begin your shopping plans as early as possible, as this will give you enough time to compare prices from various stores. You’re looking for the best deal, so take your time until you find something that fits your budget.

Back-to-school shopping can be stressful for even the most organized families. Save yourself the burden of waiting until the last minute and get started on next year’s shopping now.