Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling into bed after a long day. But buying a mattress? That event is almost ZERO parts zen. There's much to consider when hunting for the centerpiece of your bedroom -- but the mattress-buying process doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's a quick briefing that will ensure your shopping trip is as smooth as a midday nap. There is indeed a "cheapest" time to buy. Most experts recommend purchasing a mattress near a holiday -- like Presidents Day, Labor Day, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day -- or in the month of May, when mattresses are usually marked down in showrooms. In January, you can start prepping for your mattress purchase at "white sales," which are deeply discounted sales for bedding. Higher prices does not mean better sleep. One of the biggest complaints when buying a mattress is price, and figuring out why they cost so damn much. This is usually attributed to large markups, which depends on the brand. We recommend staying in the $500 to $1200 range, as anything over that price doesn't necessarily indicate better quality or better sleep, and probably has the same amount of cushioning and support as more expensive mattresses.
You can negotiate your price. Though it may surprise most people, it is possible to negotiate the price at most of the bigger mattress chains. Robin Wilson, an eco-friendly interior design expert, says that if you bargain "at a department store, you might be able to get tax taken off the mattress price, or delivery for free." You'll also have a better chance of getting a discount or redeeming a coupon if you go to the store to purchase a mattress, rather than buying online. "Firm" mattresses are not the same "firmness" everywhere. Yes, labels may tout a mattress's level of firmness, but one brand's "firm" may be another brand's "soft," according to Consumer Reports Expert Shopper Tod Marks. "The only way to determine if the cushiness and the firmness is right for you is to lie down on the bed and try it for yourself," he says. It's harder to return a mattress than you think. Most mattress retailers (from IKEA to Tempur-Pedic) will allow you to try out your mattress for up to 90 days, but they differ on the amount of money you'll get back if you return it.
Other stores require an exchange fee or disposal fee, which can cost hundreds of dollars. There are organic options. The squishy foam on mattresses is often made from petroleum oil, which (not surprisingly) can cause health problems for some. Organic mattress brands like Keesa use their own foams that put plant oils into the mix. While they may be more costly, all-natural mattresses are worth it, says Wilson. "We spend one third of our lives sleeping," she explains. "Consider your mattress a health investment." You can order a mattress online as easily as you can order a pair of shoes. Yup, you'll find mattresses right in the Amazon store, many listed with free shipping. And a whole new suite of boutique mattress retailers (like the newly-popular Casper) operate solely online, sending mattresses to your door in a nice, neat box. These new online retailers often allow returns for a full refund, without any fees or charges whatsoever. But the old standby brands -- which you might find on discount sites like Overstock -- likely won't do the same, so it's smart to go test them out in a store first.
You don't need to buy your mattress from a brand you've heard of. The aforementioned Casper is an online retailer that aims to ease everyone's mattress-buying headache with a 100-day trial period and sleek design. Other sites like Saatva (which has an eco-friendly focus) and Novosbed (which also boasts free delivery, free trial periods and free returns) also deliver to your door in a snap. Hop on the bandwagon, because this is the future of mattresses.The Best Time To Buy a Mattress: Shop Smart and Save Big! Our e-mail newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives Consumer Reports will not sell or rent your email address to third parties. See our Privacy Policy.What is Insufficient Sleep? Fun Facts About Pajamas When to Buy a Mattress Save big bucks with this simple guide. Finding a mattress that suits your particular preferences is vital for getting a good night’s sleep. How often you should replace your mattress depends on many different things, such as the original quality, but you should typically replace your mattress every seven years or so.
Another clue is to look at the warranty—once it’s up, it might be time for a newer model. Lastly, if you wake up with stiffness and aches or your mattress shows obvious signs of wear, such as dipping in the middle, it’s time to go shopping.The newest mattress models and technologies typically hit the market between May and September. That’s why May—particularly during a Memorial Day sale—is often one of the best times to get a deal. Between May and September, many manufacturers mark down older models to make room for the new ones. Retailers also tend to hold sales around other holidays (think: President’s Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day), because people are off of work then.A big, “blowout” sale that’s not associated with any particular holiday but is heavily advertised can make a mattress’s price seem unusually low, but this isn’t always the case—sometimes you can get the mattress for almost the same price a week later, after the sale is over. It might be worth keeping your eye on prices at a few local stores before, during, and after any “blowout” sales to make sure that you’re truly getting the best deal.
Keep in mind that specialty mattresses (such as those made of memory foam) may have a fixed price, but you can sometimes get 50 percent or more off a more traditional innerspring. and the National Sleep Foundation. Want more personalized information? Please provide your zip code, gender and age range. We can't wait to help you #takebackyoursleep. account and take our sleep personality quiz! Username Email Login | Some purchases are impossible to plan: car repairs, leaky roof patches, a working furnace right before the big snowstorm hits.But more often than not, you can plan ahead for life’s necessities — and some non-necessities, too.Before you let an impulse buy drain your bank account, consult our handy calendar of the best time to buy absolutely everything. You might be surprised at the deals each new season brings! Kick off the new year with big savings.Retailers know that the newest TVs and other electronics are revealed at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in early January.
This makes January the best time to buy a TV, thanks to — as long as you don’t sweat the new, fancy models too much.No need to rush to the bookstore in December to get a new wall or desk calendar. Buy one during the first week or two of January to get 50 to 70% off. “Look for gyms to at least lower or completely waive sign-up fees; if they don’t outright offer it, ask for it,” Benjamin Glaser, editor of , writes. “The best deals will also give you a month or even two months for free.”The yearly tradition of hosting a white sale dates , when linens were only available in white. But modern white sales include linens and home goods in every color of the rainbow. Don’t be swayed by sheets with super-high thread counts — those may not be true. (And really, you probably don’t know what different thread counts feel like.)I know, you have an entire 11 months until you get invited to your next ugly sweater party. But my reports that January is the best time to find a truly hideous sweater for way cheap.
Fall in love with these deals during the month of February.Why is President’s Day the best time to buy a mattress? Because when both spouses need to agree on a purchase, they , according to Forbes contributor Laura Heller. That’s why retailers use the holiday to shill for pricy items many people have put off buying or replacing for a while. One of the best times to buy jewelry is in February — but only . Look for discounts of up to 80% off after retailers take off their rose-colored glasses. It’s not worth paying the to celebrate with your sweetheart, anyway. take up a ton of room in your closet and just as much room in stores. Help retailers clear ’em out this month, and you’ll get a big discount. Spring forward by making these smart purchases in March.Don’t wait until a week before your big family vacation to get a new . March is the best time to buy luggage, as it’s on sale to entice shoppers who are desperate to be done with snowy, dreary winter and crave a little spring break.
Just don’t forget where you put it when it’s time to pack.Whether you’re looking for a treadmill or just a set of dumbbells, March is the time to shop. Retailers know you’re going outside to soon, so they want to unload in-home workout gear. The smart shopper always plans ahead.Book your now for the best prices on flights. Want to save even more? Travel early or late in the summer instead of during peak times.You don’t have to wait until Father’s Day to find excellent prices on tools and home improvement gear. If you’re anxious to start your home DIY projects in the spring, go ahead and . Home Depot likes this time of year so much it even hosts a Spring Black Friday sale.Everyone’s finally going outside again. Let make it easier for you to keep up with your New Year’s resolution (remember that?) by discounting those new kicks. Is your refrigerator running? If not, May is a great time to get a new one.I understand you’re not going to time your baby’s birth to get the best deal on all their accoutrements.
But if your kiddo needs a , May is a good time to shop, according to Consumer Reports — especially if you can grab the Memorial Day deals. Shop in May to get last year’s model at a better rate. You can’t tell the difference between last year’s refrigerator models and this year’s, right? June is peak wedding season, and stores hope you’ve planned ahead to buy those wedding registry gifts. Now is when those items are discounted, and it’s the to replace or upgrade what’s in your own cabinets. Now that summer is in full swing, outdoor gear, like tents, backpacks, lanterns and even fitness gear, is marked down. But there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a weekend in the woods. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, check your calendar: Amazon celebrates its birthday each July by discounting thousands of items on Prime Day. While there are a lot of duds and “Amazon really sells that?!” raised eyebrows, the megastore offers great deals on its own products, from Kindles to Echos to Fire Sticks.
New styles hit stores in , so retailers spend much of July clearing out old stock, especially over Fourth of July weekend, making this the best time to buy furniture. puter manufacturers typically release their new models in the summer, so back-to-school sales are a great time to buy . The specs probably won’t be different enough for you to notice, unless you’re a hardcore gamer or designer. Apple products, however, typically get announced in the fall, so hold off to get that new Macbook. Grilling season doesn’t stop at the stroke of Labor Day. Buy at the tail end of summer to enjoy your grill almost until Thanksgiving (OK, depending on where you live).More like back to the checkout lane.The best time to is 60 to 70 days before the holiday, which means mid- to late September could be your sweet spot for saving.Even though your local pool might be closed for the season, you should think about stocking up on for next year. There’s a joke about spooky deals in here, but I won’t make it.
Jeans typically get discounted in October, after back-to-school sales have ended and families are stocked up on fall attire.Goodbye summer, hello savings. It’s worth checking out the patio furniture if you don’t mind storing it over the winter. When that first warm spring day hits, you’ll be ready to bask in the sunshine.This might not be a frequent purchase, but if you’re in the market for a new home, it can help to hold off past the busy spring and summer buying season. Your a few percentage points in October, making this the best time to buy a house. The days get shorter, but the deals get bigger.This time of year is ripe with rock-bottom prices on giftable small appliances. If you’re looking for a blender, food processor, coffee maker or anything else that’ll proudly take up space on your kitchen counter, it’s worth waiting until Black Friday sales begin in stores and online.Bridal shops are slow before the proposal rush during the holiday season, so the few weeks before Thanksgiving is a good time to start trying on gowns.