For many people, shopping is a nightmare. With crowded stores, rising prices and constantly changing trends to keep up with, it can certainly be difficult to stomach another trip to the mall. However, preventing a shopping disaster is easier than you may think. In fact, it is so easy that it only takes seven steps.

Step One: Examine Your Closet
The first thing anyone should do before hitting the shops is examine his or her closet. See what items you already have so that you don’t make the mistake of buying something you really do not need. Make sure that you are already equipped with the basic essentials, like a classic pair of black shoes or a great pair of jeans. Having these necessary items is a key to making any outfit complete and stylish. Once you have the basics, you can focus your attention on finding the unique accessories and pieces that can add variety to your wardrobe.

Step Two: Be Prepared
Before getting into the car and driving to the mall, have a game plan. Go to a store with the intention of buying something that you really want or need. It is important to make sure that you always have an idea of what you are looking for. If you are trying to find one article of clothing that will match another, bring what you already have with you. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of returning something that doesn’t match as well as you had hoped. Having a plan or at least an idea of what you’re looking for will make your shopping trip more efficient.

Step Three: Have a Budget
They say beauty is pain, but it does not have to be painful for your wallet. Looking good does not mean that you have to go broke in the process. Before you go shopping, take a look at your finances and set aside a reasonable amount of money that you can afford to spend. Having a shopping allowance will help you keep up with seasonal trends without putting a strain on your bank account. By having a set budget, you can avoid falling into financial debt while still being able to enjoy the excitement of shopping.

Step Four: Get There Early
Getting to the shops early is one of the most crucial parts of any good shopping experience. Many stores have special sales that start early in the morning. If you are the type of person that sleeps late and gets to the stores later, chances are that all the great items may be gone by the time you get there. It may seem difficult at first but the sacrifice of getting up early is worth the outcome.

Step Five: Bargain Shop
Just because you think you have found the perfect item, does not mean you have found the perfect price. Look around some more. Chances are, large department stores may have the same pieces for cheaper prices. Do not be afraid to spend some extra time looking around because it will save you a lot of money in the end. The last thing you want is to spend your money on an item and see something similar a few days later for a fraction of the price. Not only will your wallet thank you but you will feel a lot happier about your purchase. Remember, good quality items do not have to cost a fortune.

Step Six: Be Completely Sure
The last thing anyone wants after going shopping is regretting his or her purchase. When you are in a store, be completely sure that whatever you are purchasing is something you really need or want. Be careful of buying something just because it is on sale. You need to be 100 percent sure that whatever item you are purchasing is worth buying. Although a piece may be really cute and seem inexpensive, if you are not going to wear it or use it than it is just a waste of your money.

Step Seven: Bring a Friend
Going shopping should not be a hassle. It should be fun and enjoyable. Taking a few of your closest friends or one best friend whose opinion you trust will not only make your shopping experience fun but can help in saving you from major shopping disasters. A shopping partner can supply you with a second opinion about an item that you are not sure about buying. By just going shopping on your own, you limit the possibility of trying on new clothes and shoes that you would not have thought twice about trying on.

So do not get stressed out the next time you are looking to go shopping. These simple steps can be your guide to an easy, enjoyable and efficient shopping experience.