Back-to-school sales aren't just for kids, and summer clearance sales save you money. Save more money on summer clearance and back-to-school sales with a shopping plan.

Late summer and early fall is time for clearance sales and back-to-school sales. When you shop summer clearance and back-to-school sales, think about other times during the year you would use the sale merchandise and stock up while prices are good. Your budget will benefit from some planning before you hit the clearance and school supply sales this fall. Think ahead, take stock of what you have and you need and you will get the most out of fall sales.

Take Inventory Before You Shop

Before you hit the clearance and school sale racks, you need to take inventory of your summer clothes and seasonal possessions such as lawn equipment, sporting goods, camping supplies, patio furniture, pool supplies, gardening supplies, grilling equipment and children's summer toys.

As you take inventory of summer "stuff", keep in mind the activities you enjoy in the summer months and make a list clothes and other summer season items you need. This will become your clearance sale shopping list.

As you take your personal inventory, ask yourself these questions:

• What is missing or lost? Do you need to replace it or buy parts?
• What clothes do you no longer enjoy wearing because they are uncomfortable or look dated?
• What did you put off buying in the summer because the price was too high? Do you still want those items?
• What supplies are you low on that you could store for the winter, like pool chemicals or garden fertilizer?

Plan to Declutter and to Save Money

While you are going through your belongings and are making the shopping list, keep a box or large bag nearby to use for the thing you no longer want but are in good condition so you can donate them to a charity.

Have a garbage on hand as well and use it to dispose of items that are damaged or unsuitable for charitable donations. Use this as an opportunity to purge your household of clutter as well as an opportunity to plan to save more at summer clearance sales.

Plan for Summer...and Winter

Doing this planning before shopping clearance sales will help you to remember what you need for next summer's camping trips, activities and social events. You also need to consider how you can use summer clearance clothes and other items this winter.

• You also need to take a look around your house and yard. Are there projects you want to do next summer? You may be able to find supplies on sale now to use next year.
• If you have children or grandchildren, consider the ages and stages of those children to buy toys and summer sport and other activity gear at great prices while on clearance.
• Do you work outside in the winter or enjoy winter sports? If so, you wear multiple layers to keep warm. Lightweight summer t-shirts and socks are great for layering under heavier clothes for insulation from winter elements. Wearing a light jacket under a heavier one provides a layer of warmth that is not too bulky.
• If you are taking a winter vacation to a warmer climate, consider what clothes and gear you will need so you can buy those items now on clearance so you have more money to spend on your vacation later.

When School Supplies Aren't for School

Whether you have children or not, you can save big at back-to-school sales. Stock up on office supplies that are being sold in back-to-school promotions to save money on pens, pencils, paper clips, staples, folders, personal calendars, highlighters and more.

If you have children or children frequently visit your home, you can pick up good buys on art supplies during back-to-school sales. Look for sales on art supplies like water color paints, markers, crayons, paper and colored pencils.

Typical Summer and Fall Clearance Sale Items

Now you have completed your personal inventory of summer products, and you have likely cleared your closets, garage and other storage areas as well. Having done some decluttering, you have room to store late summer and early fall sale items until you need them.

The following is a list of merchandise that is typically on clearance or sold at a good discount late each summer and early each fall. Look these items over for more ideas for taking advantage of end of summer clearance and fall back-to-school sale savings:

• Computers
• School shoes
• Convenience food items for lunch boxes
• Summer produce (freeze what you will not use immediately)
• Garden seeds (most if not all will germinate next year)
• Swim suits and beach towels
• Short sleeved shirts and shorts
• Sandals, water shoes, flip flops
• Light jackets
• Party supplies
• Water toys
• Lawn rakes
• Gardening tools
• Outdoor toys
• Outdoor furniture
• Grills and related supplies
• Summer makeup shades (the colors look great year-round)
• Tents, coolers and other camping gear
• Sunscreen, bronzers

More Clearance Sale Shopping Advice: Detailed Clearance Sale Shopping Plan Saves You Even More Money

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