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Homeschooling on a budget can be done, but buying everything on your school supplies list plus homeschool curriculum can get expensive! Read on for 5 super easy ways to SAVE on this year’s school supplies!
Finding ways to save money on your school supplies is essential. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to find deals on homeschool supplies and curriculum materials if you know where to look. Follow these easy steps to save money on school supplies this school year.
5 Ways to SAVE on your School Supplies List!
1. When it comes to school supply shopping… Timing is Everything
Shopping for school supplies should be an ongoing process to make sure you’re getting the best deals. Begin your search for school supplies early to give yourself plenty of time to find everything you need at the best price.
Most big box stores start their school supply sales in mid-July, so that’s the best time to find some early bird deals. But waiting until after the school supply rush has ended can also be beneficial. While the selection in stores may be more limited in mid- to late-August, most stores significantly discount their leftover supplies after the traditional school hear has started.
2. Shop Around for Everything on your School Supplies List
One of the best ways to save money on school supplies for homeschooling is to buy your supplies from a variety of stores. Scan your local store’s sale circulars each week to see what bargains are available at each store, then purchase only the items that are on sale.
While this process may take a little more time and effort, it will totally pay off in the amount of savings you’ll see over the course of back-to-school shopping season. Shopping around will also allow you to make the most of teachers’ discounts offered at different stores, which are often extended to homeschooling parents as well.
When you’re comparing prices, be sure to check out some of the school supply retailers online! Many offer deep discounts and free shipping at back-to-school time.
Back to School on Amazon – Discount School Supply – Really Good Stuff
3. Stock Up on School Supplies
Homeschooled students can go through school supplies quickly, so it’s a good idea to buy multiples of items you know your kids will use up. In addition to grabbing extra glue, paper, and pencils, you’ll also save a ton of money by buying additional boxes of crayons and markers.
Take advantage of the discounts during back-to-school season to avoid paying more in January when your kids have used up all the supplies you purchased in August.
4. Reuse School Supplies When You Can
It’s likely that most the items on your school supplies list will show up year after year. Many of these can be reuses – if treated with care! So think ahead when you do buy and use your supplies.Â
School supplies that can be reused from year to year and child to child:
- scissors
- binders
- storage boxes
- pencil cases
- pencil sharpeners
- rulers
- back packs
- calculators
- office supplies like staplers and files
- craft supplies like paint brushes and cups
Be sure to make use of supplies you have on hand and save yourself a few dollars along the way.
5. Swap School Supplies with Friends
Do you have a few homeschooling friends∗ that also like to save on back-to-school? Why not help each other out? Get together and swap supplies and curriculum materials you’re no longer using – or that your kids have grown out of!
∗This is a fantastic idea for your homeschool co-op. Set up a meet-and-greet swap and get to know the homeschool parents in your area!
If you don’t have any local homeschooling connections, you can also find curriculum supplies for sale in Facebook groups like Homeschool Curriculum Marketplace or Used Homeschool Buy and Sell – or check out your local area for teachers and parents selling gently used supplies and curricula.
Check out other ways to homeschool on a budget!
Ashley helps parents who want to homeschool find the resources they need to successfully teach their children. Ashley is a former teacher, current homeschooler, published author, and designer behind Circle Time with Miss Fox printables as well as the creator of this website, The Homeschool Resource Room.
I rarely buy anything… we get so much for free by keeping our eyes open for things people are giving away. Makes it easy. Good list for those without those opportunities though