10 best times of year to buy things cheaper

Some sales are so reliable you can plan your spending around them every year. Retailers tend to follow the same patterns—overstocking before big seasons, clearing out afterward, and dropping prices when they know shoppers are looking.

If you want to stop overpaying, the key is to buy when stores are trying to move product, not when you need something last minute. Here are the times of year I always pay attention to because prices actually drop and the deals are worth it.

January for linens, fitness gear, and holiday leftovers

Retailers know people are tackling resolutions and home refreshes, which means big markdowns on towels, bedding, storage containers, and fitness equipment. If you’re looking for organization bins or dumbbells, this is when you’ll catch them cheapest.

January is also when all the leftover Christmas stock goes on clearance. You can grab wrapping paper, lights, and décor for 75% off or more. It’s not exciting to buy for next year, but it saves a ton if you’ve got the storage space.

February for TVs and winter clothing

TVs often hit their lowest price right after the Super Bowl rush. Brands discount leftover models that didn’t sell before the game, especially the mid-range sets. You won’t find the doorbuster prices from Black Friday, but you’ll get solid deals without the chaos.

Winter clothing also starts getting marked down fast in February. Coats, boots, sweaters—anything seasonal starts heading to clearance as stores prep for spring lines. It’s a good time to stock up for next year or replace what’s worn out.

March for luggage and early spring sales

March kicks off spring break travel, and that’s when you’ll see a dip in luggage prices. Brands know people are shopping, so they drop prices to stay competitive. You’ll also catch sales on spring cleaning gear like vacuums and cleaning products.

Retailers also test the waters with early spring apparel and home deals. They’re trying to entice shoppers out of winter mode, so you’ll start seeing discounts on outdoor décor and garden tools before peak season hits.

April for secondhand and lawn care

Yard sales, estate sales, and secondhand markets pick up in April. People are spring cleaning and trying to offload what they don’t want to store. You can find furniture, toys, tools, and more for cheap if you don’t mind used.

Lawn equipment also starts going on sale early in the season. If you need a trimmer or mower, watch for early-April promotions before demand spikes in May. It’s easier to get a deal before everyone starts thinking about yardwork.

May for mattresses and appliances

Memorial Day sales are one of the best times to buy big-ticket items like mattresses, washers, dryers, and fridges. Retailers push heavy discounts to kick off summer shopping and clear out last year’s models.

You’ll also see patio furniture start to drop in price in late May, especially if it’s been sitting unsold since March. If you don’t need the newest look or biggest set, you can save a chunk by shopping early clearance.

July for tools, summer clearance, and Amazon Prime

Fourth of July and mid-summer sales bring some of the best pricing on tools and home improvement gear. You’ll find drills, tool sets, and power tools discounted at stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and even Walmart.

July is also when summer apparel, grills, and pool gear start heading to clearance. Add in Amazon Prime Day and you’ve got a week packed with online deals. If you’ve had your eye on electronics or home gadgets, this is when to check.

August for school supplies and laptops

Back-to-school season brings steep markdowns on everything from backpacks and pencils to tablets and laptops. Even if you don’t have school-aged kids, it’s the best time to refresh your office setup or grab extra supplies for the house.

Clothing stores also run big sales to compete for school traffic, which means sneakers, socks, and basics get marked down hard. It’s one of the rare times you can stock up across multiple categories without spending full price.

September for outdoor gear and summer leftovers

Labor Day sales often focus on clearing out outdoor and seasonal inventory. You’ll see patio sets, grills, camping gear, and summer clothes slashed heavily to make space for fall stock.

Retailers also start teasing early fall promotions—think storage bins, light jackets, and even Halloween décor. If you wait until October, prices will go back up. September is your window to grab summer gear at its lowest point.

October for outdoor furniture and clearance appliances

This is when stores are desperate to offload anything tied to warm weather. Outdoor sectionals, fire pits, and even garden sheds go on deep clearance in October. It’s your last chance before that stuff disappears until spring.

You’ll also find discounts on appliances that didn’t move during Labor Day. Some brands drop pricing again before Black Friday rolls around. If you don’t want to wait for chaotic sales in November, October is your best bet.

November for tech, toys, and giftables

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are still hard to beat, especially on electronics, smart home gear, and toys. Retailers go hard on bundling, so you’ll often get extras thrown in—like gift cards or accessories.

November is also when beauty gift sets, kitchen tools, and seasonal home items hit peak promotion. If it’s something you’d wrap up and give away, it’ll likely be on sale. It’s the most competitive time for retailers, which means big savings for you.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.