Scoring the lowest price is all about timing. Retailers follow predictable sales patterns, which means you can plan purchases around them. Knowing the best time of year to buy major items, from home appliances to new TVs, saves hundreds over impulse shopping.
Here’s a month-by-month guide that doubles as your personal seasonal sales calendar.
January: Fitness Gear and Electronics
The new year sparks deals on fitness gear as resolutions kick in. Expect discounts on treadmills, yoga mats, and weights. It’s also a smart time for when to buy electronics, especially TVs, since CES launches new models and older stock is cleared out with steep markdowns.
Things to Buy:
- Treadmills, weights, and home gym gear
- TVs, laptops, and headphones
- Winter clearance on holiday leftovers
For more ways to shop smarter, see 10 Retail Tricks That Make You Spend More (and How to Outsmart Them).
February: Winter Apparel and Mattresses
Retailers clear winter stock fast, and Presidents’ Day brings some of the steepest discounts of the year. This is also the best month to buy mattresses, with sales often reaching 30–50%. Look for perks like free delivery or bundle offers on bedding and furniture.
Things to Buy:
- Winter coats, boots, and cold-weather gear
- Mattresses and bedding sets
- Furniture and home décor clearance
March: Vacuums and Home Goods
Spring cleaning season drives discounts on vacuums, bedding, and storage solutions. Retailers also use March for clearance sales timing to move out last season’s stock. It’s a smart month to refresh home essentials before new product lines arrive for spring and summer.
Things to Buy:
- Vacuums and floor cleaners
- Cookware sets and organizers
- Bedding and pillows
April: Spring Apparel and Tools
April discounts transitional clothing and shoes while also spotlighting outdoor tools for gardening and landscaping. Buying now helps you beat summer demand, when prices usually climb. Seasonal apparel sales also hit as retailers prepare to bring in early summer styles.
Things to Buy:
- Jackets, sneakers, and spring fashion
- Gardening tools and lawn care items
- Outdoor accessories
For more tips, see How to Save Money on Clothes Without Shopping Fast Fashion.
May: When to Buy Appliances
Memorial Day is the prime for when to buy appliances, from refrigerators to washers and dryers. Brands roll out new models mid-year, so older stock gets aggressive markdowns. Retailers sweeten deals with delivery perks and extended warranties.
Things to Buy:
- Refrigerators, ovens, and stoves
- Washers, dryers, and dishwashers
- Appliance bundles with free shipping
June: Dishes and Home Décor
Wedding season sparks big markdowns on kitchenware and décor. Department stores and online retailers compete with registry promotions, so June is perfect for stocking up on tableware, cookware, or gift-ready items for summer celebrations.
Things to Buy:
- Dinnerware and cookware sets
- Decorative items and home accents
- Glassware and registry bundles
July: Outdoor Gear and Furniture
Independence Day brings discounts on grills, patio furniture, and summer clothing. July also doubles as one of the overlooked deep discount seasons for indoor furniture, as retailers prepare for fall launches. Great time for backyard upgrades and home refreshes.
Things to Buy:
- Grills and patio sets
- Summer clothing and swimwear
- Sofas, chairs, and indoor furniture
August: Back to School Supplies and Tech
August is all about back-to-school deals on laptops, tablets, and dorm gear. Retailers push promos and bundles, making it a smart month to shop for smaller electronics, too. It’s also among the best times to buy TVs before holiday pricing ramps up.
Things to Buy:
- Laptops, tablets, and printers
- Dorm furniture and essentials
- TVs and smaller electronics
Before upgrading, check How to Find the Best Deals on Tech Without Falling for Scams.
September: Cars and Mattresses
Dealerships clear out old models in September, making it the best time for bargain hunters. Labor Day doubles as a major mattress holiday, with sales rivaling February’s deals. Look for steep markdowns on luxury and hybrid mattress lines.
Things to Buy:
- Cars and SUVs
- Mattresses and adjustable bases
- Patio and summer clearance
October: Outdoor Equipment and Appliances
October closes the door on outdoor season, so gear like grills and lawnmowers gets heavily discounted. It’s also an underrated month for appliances, especially dishwashers and microwaves, if you missed the May sales.
Things to Buy:
- Grills and lawn care tools
- Dishwashers, stoves, and microwaves
- Fall clothing sales
November: Holiday Sales Events
November is the king of holiday sales events, where Black Friday and Cyber Monday rule the month. This is the best time to buy TVs, gaming consoles, and laptops at their lowest prices.
Things to Buy:
- TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles
- Kitchen appliances and cookware
- Smart home tech and wearables
December: Toys and Holiday Leftovers
December is toy month, with major discounts leading into the holidays. After Christmas, you’ll catch some of the year’s best clearance sales timing on clothing, décor, and gift bundles. Savvy shoppers stock up now for next year’s holidays.
Things to Buy:
- Toys and games
- Holiday decorations and gift sets
- Winter clothing clearance
Wrap Up
Timing purchases around sales cycles is the surest way to save. By following this guide, you’ll always know the best time of year to buy everything from mattresses to TVs. Instead of letting retailers set the pace, you’ll take control of your spendin and keep more money in your pocket.
