If an item is sold out or temporarily out of stock, Woroch advises families to shop for last year's model or one that's certified refurbished. Almost every retailer offers this option, Woroch said, and "it usually comes with a warranty, so you have that peace of mind."
Otherwise, local businesses that are temporarily closed due to coronavirus restrictions could be willing to rent out their computers and even desks, desk chairs and other office equipment, which can save substantially on the cost of setting up at-home work areas, Woroch said. To cut costs even more, Schulz recommends trimming down the shopping list to the things you absolutely need in those first few weeks.
If your child will be learning remotely, at least for now, hold off on new clothes and share school supplies among siblings, he said. "There aren't a ton of silver linings in remote learning, as parents will tell you, but one of them would be your kids sharing supplies and saving on the cost that way."