What to Buy in September and October to Save Money

If you’re trying to stretch your budget a little further this fall, knowing when to shop can make just as much difference as knowing where to shop.

September and October can be surprisingly good months to score deals. As stores transition from summer merchandise to fall and winter inventory, you can find major markdowns on everything from patio furniture and lawn equipment to clothing and outdoor gear.

At the same time, there are a few purchases you may want to hold off on until Black Friday—or even after the holidays.

Here are some of the best things to buy in September and October to save money, plus a few things you might want to skip.

Best Things to Buy in September

September is all about end-of-summer clearance and Labor Day sales. Retailers need to make room for fall and holiday merchandise, which can mean some pretty impressive discounts.

1. Major Appliances

Need a new refrigerator, washer, dryer, or other major appliance? September can be a great time to shop.

Labor Day sales often bring discounts on major appliances, and retailers may also be clearing out older models as newer ones arrive.

Before buying, compare prices between several stores and look beyond the advertised discount. Free delivery, installation, rebates, or haul-away services can sometimes make one deal much better than another.

Thrifty tip: If your current appliance is still working, shopping before it becomes an emergency gives you more time to wait for the right deal.

2. Mattresses

Labor Day weekend has become one of the biggest mattress-sale periods of the year.

Mattress retailers and online brands  frequently offer percentage-off discounts, bundles, free accessories, and other promotions around the holiday.

Just remember that a big advertised markdown doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting the lowest price. Compare the final price rather than the percentage discount.

3. Patio Furniture, Grills & Lawn Equipment

One of my favorite money-saving strategies is buying seasonal items when everyone else is finished using them!

By September, stores are preparing for colder weather and holiday merchandise, making it a great time to look for clearance deals on:

-Patio furniture
-Outdoor rugs and cushions
-Grills and grilling accessories
-Lawn mowers
-Gardening supplies
-Outdoor décor
-Pool accessories
-Other summer equipment

If you have somewhere to store these items until next year, buying at the end of the season can save you quite a bit compared with purchasing them in the spring.

4. Laptops & Computers

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t necessarily end when school starts.

Retailers may continue discounting laptops, computers, monitors, and accessories into September as they wrap up back-to-school promotions.

This can be especially helpful if you need a computer but don’t want to wait until Black Friday.

5. Previous-Generation iPhones

September is traditionally an important month for Apple’s iPhone lineup.

When new models are announced, previous-generation phones may become less expensive through Apple, wireless carriers, and other retailers.

You don’t always need the newest model. Choosing a phone that’s one generation older can be an easy way to save while still getting many of the features you’re looking for.

6. Summer Clothing

Don’t walk past those summer clearance racks!

Retailers need room for sweaters, jackets, boots, and holiday clothing, so shorts, tank tops, swimsuits, sandals, dresses, and other warm-weather items can be heavily marked down.

This is also one of my favorite ways to save on kids’ clothes.

If you can reasonably predict what size your child will wear next summer, consider sizing up and putting clearance items away for next year.

7. Pool Toys & Summer Outdoor Toys

Pool floats, sprinklers, water tables, outdoor toys, beach supplies, and other summer items can take up a lot of valuable retail space.

That means stores have an incentive to get rid of them once summer ends.

Check clearance aisles throughout September and stash your finds away for next summer, birthdays, or even Christmas gifts.

Best Things to Buy in October

By October, retailers are even deeper into the transition toward holiday merchandise. There are still plenty of seasonal bargains to find—especially if you know where to look.

1. Camping & Hiking Gear

If camping season is winding down where you live, October can be a good time to look for deals on outdoor recreation equipment.

Keep an eye out for markdowns on things like:

-Tents
-Sleeping bags
-Camping chairs
-Coolers
-Hiking accessories
-Outdoor cooking equipment

Buying camping equipment now and storing it until spring can help you avoid paying peak-season prices.

2. Perennial Plants & Shrubs

Your local garden center might not be the first place you think about bargain hunting in October, but it can be worth checking.

Nurseries and home improvement stores may discount perennial plants, trees, and shrubs as they reduce inventory before winter.

Depending on the plant and your climate, fall can also be an excellent planting season because cooler temperatures give roots time to establish without the stress of summer heat.

Thrifty Tip: Always make sure the plant is appropriate for your growing zone and that you still have enough time to plant it successfully before the ground freezes.

3. Baking Supplies

Holiday baking season is right around the corner, so October is a good time to start watching for sales on pantry staples.

Keep an eye on prices for:

-Flour
-Sugar
-Brown sugar
-Chocolate chips
-Baking chocolate
-Canned pumpkin
-Spices
-Cooking oils
-Nuts
-Cake and brownie mixes

When you find a genuinely good sale, stock up on the shelf-stable ingredients you know your family will use.

Starting early can also help spread holiday grocery expenses across several paychecks instead of buying everything at once in November and December.

4. Coffee

If your household goes through plenty of coffee, start watching for sales as fall and holiday promotions ramp up.

Shelf-stable items that you regularly use can be worth stocking up on when the unit price is significantly lower than what you normally pay.

Just don’t let a sale convince you to buy more than you’ll realistically use. It’s only a bargain if it doesn’t go to waste!

5. Select Travel

October can be a good time to compare prices for certain late-fall and off-season trips.

Rather than assuming airfare will automatically be cheaper, use price alerts and compare dates and nearby airports when possible.

If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving or Christmas, however, don’t rely on last-minute discounts. Holiday airfare can behave very differently from regular off-season travel, so start tracking prices early.

What NOT to Buy in September and October

Sometimes saving money means not buying something yet.

If your purchase isn’t urgent, waiting a few weeks—or a few months—could potentially get you a better price.

1. TVs & Some Electronics

If you’re shopping for a TV or certain electronics and don’t need them immediately, consider waiting until November.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday traditionally bring aggressive promotions on TVs and many other electronics.

That doesn’t mean every Black Friday deal will be the year’s lowest price, so research the model you want and start tracking its normal price now.

2. Halloween Costumes & Decorations

If you need a costume for this Halloween, obviously you can’t wait until November!

But if you’re buying costumes, decorations, party supplies, or accessories for next year, shop immediately after Halloween.

Stores often begin discounting Halloween merchandise once October 31 passes, with markdowns potentially getting deeper as they try to clear remaining inventory.

This can be a great time to stock up on:

-Costumes in larger sizes for kids
-Outdoor decorations
-Indoor Halloween décor
-Tableware and party supplies
-Craft supplies
-Treat bags and accessories

3. Winter Clothing and Boots

Seeing winter coats and boots hit the shelves can make you want to buy them immediately, but early fall isn’t always the best time.

If you don’t need winter clothing right away, some of the better clearance opportunities often come later in the season as retailers begin making room for spring inventory.

January and February can be especially useful months to watch for winter clearance.

Of course, if your child needs a coat now, don’t wait months just to save a few dollars. Seasonal shopping works best for purchases you can plan ahead.

How to Save Even More on Fall Purchases

Timing your purchases is only one part of getting a good deal.

Try stacking seasonal markdowns with other savings whenever possible:

-Compare prices before buying.
-Check the clearance section first.
-Look for store coupons and promo codes.
-Use cashback apps when available.
-Check manufacturer rebates on larger purchases.
-Compare the unit price on groceries.
-Sign up for price-drop alerts on expensive items.
-Buy next year’s seasonal necessities at the end of this year’s season.
-Don’t buy something simply because it’s on sale.

That last one is especially important.

A 70% discount isn’t saving you money if you weren’t going to buy the item in the first place.

Plan Your Purchases Around the Calendar

One of the easiest ways to become a more intentional shopper is to stop thinking about deals only when you need something.

Instead, think ahead.

Need new patio furniture next summer? Start looking in September.

Know your kids will need summer clothes next year? Browse the clearance racks now.

Planning a camping trip next spring? Check October clearance before paying full price in April.

Small changes in when you buy can add up to meaningful savings throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

September and October are two of the best months to take advantage of the transition between summer and the holiday shopping season.

September is especially worth watching for major appliances, mattresses, patio furniture, lawn equipment, summer clothing, pool supplies, computers, and previous-generation smartphones.

In October, turn your attention toward camping equipment, plants and shrubs, pantry staples, coffee, and select travel deals.

And before making a big purchase, ask yourself one simple question:

“Do I need to buy this now, or will waiting save me more?”

Sometimes the best deal isn’t the sale happening today—it’s knowing when the better sale is coming.

Prices, promotions, inventory, and sale timing vary by retailer and location. Always compare current prices before making a purchase