It’s hot and humid here in the United States and we’re nearing the height of summer. So it’s the perfect time to buy a heater!

But seriously, if you were to go out and pick up an air conditioner or fan right now you’ll be paying a premium price. So, look for these items out of season for the best deals.

Depending on the store and item, you might get the best deals during “shoulder” season, right before or after the height of season. This might translate to fake Christmas trees in November, when every store is slashing prices to get your business, or early January when there’s a couple left and they need to clear inventory.

There are a few items which truly go on sale at specific times of year and then, you stock up. Think of baking items during the holidays, marshmallows and Hershey chocolate in summer, food dye for eggs around Easter, etc.

The best way I manage these trends is to keep an ongoing list on my Notes app of what I need and the general season or month I should be looking for it in stores. Since I live rurally, it’s not difficult to cross reference that list when I’m going to the next major town for shopping.

What season items are on your shopping list?