How to Save Time on Back to School Shopping

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Mobile Shop. All opinions are 100% mine.

With back to school season now upon on us, I’m reminded of the time a few years ago when I left everything to the last minute. I’m not normally a procrastinator, but for whatever reason, I didn’t do anything to prepare for back to school until the day before. I remember scrambling like mad rushing out to the stores and dealing with crowds buying their back to school supplies, too. I guess they were like me and waited to the very end of the summer. The stress was too much. Since that experience, I vowed to never do it again.

When you think about it, it doesn’t take that much out of your day to get all your back to school shopping done….if you plan it right! With two daughters, I’ve learned a trick or two over the years to save time on back to school shopping. We are all busy people and just want to get back to enjoying every last bit of summer vacation. These tips will help you do just that!

1. Start planning NOW. Yes, that means today. The sooner you get organized, the easier and less stressful it will be. I know it’s still August, but trust me, you don’t want to wait till the day before. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!

2. Shop at home first. You’d be surprised at how much you already own in terms of back to school supplies. Check out your kid’s backpacks and see if they have anything in there that you can use for next year. You’ll save yourself unnecessary trips to the store and a little money, too.

3. Make a list and stick to it. I normally check the school’s website to find out what they recommend for the coming school year and build my list off it.

4. Shop in the early morning or late at night. I don’t like crowds so I always go to the stores during the less busy times of the day. Look online at the store hours and go either near opening or closing times. It will be less busy so you can zip in and out.

5. Leave the kids at home. If you can swing it, do it! Going shopping alone is so much faster than trying wrangle your kids in a busy store. Plus, you’ll avoid impulse purchases with kids who love to throw “extras” into the cart.

6. Stick to one-stop shopping. I love finding stores that offer everything I need under one roof. For example, when you’re out doing your groceries, pop over to The Mobile Shop and check out their great selection of phones and plans from all major carriers in Canada. My daughter, Olivia, is leaving the nest year to go to university in London, ON. I’m going to stop in for a Cell Phone Plan Check-up and find out what phone and plan they recommend for her to have while she is away. I know I’m going to miss her so I’ll be phoning and texting her daily!

Do you have any time-saving back to school tips? I’d love to hear them!