A great way to save money and stock up on quality kids clothes, toys, and accessories is to shop at seasonal consignment sales. But sometimes it’s intimidating. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to be! Most seasonal sales happen in the spring and fall, and right now is a great time to get prepared to shop them.
A long time consignment shopper (see my post on shopping consignment stores and thrift stores), I’ve been saving money, going green, and filling my daughter’s closet with gorgeous clothes and toys for years. Use these tips to make the most out of your own seasonal consignment sale shopping and take the stress factor out of the equation!
1. Know what your kids have in their closet already (and what still fits). Go through closets, drawers and baskets to see what they already have. Then make them try it all on. I know it’s not going to be the thrill of your week (or theirs), but it must be done! Make a list of what you need to get, including sizes and styles, before you shop. Be sure to clear out the old stuff before bringing home the new. (Check out this post for tips on how to consign.)
2. Know what you are looking for and what it is worth. Having a list, knowing your preferred brands and styles, and being aware of retail pricing can help you score the best deals and save time. I know that by doing my research ahead of time for the brands that work for my daughter (the ones that fit and are comfortable for her as well as meet the school dress code) and by knowing how much those brands cost and what my budget is for those items, helps me tremendously when making a decision about what to purchase. This can be especially critical for toys or gear. Sometimes things are great deals and sometimes they are not. Knowing the difference is key to a successful consignment sale shopping trip.
3. Go prepared. Find out what sort of currency the sale takes, the sale dates, and what sort of items will be offered. Eat before you go and bring a bottle of water. Wear comfortable shoes and allow for plenty of shopping time. The first day is the busiest and offers the best selection, but the last day remaining items are usually half price. Personally, I try to hit both. On the first day I get the specific items I need, and on the last day I score great deals.
Article by Faithful Provisions contributor Liz Jenkins, Certified Professional Organizer.
Find more tips from Liz for how to shop seasonal kids’ consignment sales HERE. Plus, Liz shows you how to organize that flood of school papers and permission slips HERE.
