You know only too well what lies ahead, and it’s not pretty. You can picture it now: sweating through the mall traffic, grabbing sizes before they vanish, tapping your toes in lines so long your feet go numb. And it’s all happening to the chorus of, “Mom, I need that shirt!” (while some of last year’s shirts still hang sadly in the closet, tags attached).

This year, resolve to make the most of your back-to-school shopping trip by following our expert advice:

1. Take Stock To check out his fall wardrobe, you have to be able to find it. Haul it out of storage, and go through it all. Toss the too-small and too-worn items into bags, and hang the rest in groups on one side of his closet. Then make a list of what he still needs, in priority order.

2. Shop Early Since fall fashions won’t be discounted until winter, your best bet is to shop during late summer when the end-of-season sales really heat up. Still, hold back a few dollars for those must-have pieces – like the newest tracksuit, hair bands or leggings – that she’ll pine for when she sees them on her friends at school.

3. Set a Realistic Budget To kids, clothing shops can seem like candy stores. Suddenly, he’s craving those cool $400 sneakers. If you give in to all the begging, it’s easy to blow your budget in one hour. Instead, before you set out, set a budget for each child and let him know exactly what it is.

4. Teach Kids About Money Since you’ve already shared the budget, your kids should understand that they have to help you stay within it. That means they may have to choose between three pairs of regular jeans and one pair of designer ones.

5. Hit the Mall Even if crowds make your claustrophobia act up, your goal is to get the shop nailed down in just one day. So don’t waste your time (and gas) racing around the city from one boutique to another. Malls are packed with enough stores that you can get everything from clothes and sports gear to school supplies all in one trip.

6. Give In a Little Even your 5-year-old has her own fashion sense, and for the most part, you should listen. Otherwise, she’s sure to stamp her feet every time you insist she wears that expensive frilly dress you just couldn’t resist. Still, if the belly top is not appropriate for school, just say no.

7. Spend Wisely If you’re going to break the bank, do so on larger items that can be passed down to his younger brother next year – like a puffy down winter coat. You’re better off loading up on the trendy, one-season-only stuff at lower priced stores, such as Old Navy or Siblings.

8. Make a Day Trip If you have the time, take each child for an exclusive shopping trip so you can really hone in on what they need. But if you don’t, avoid the shop-till-you-drop scene by building in a time-out for lunch or a matinee movie – about halfway through the day.

9. Comfort Trumps All She may fall in love with the new skinny cords, but you know your daughter. If she wears sweat pants day in, day out, chances are the love will end the first time she has to wear the tight waistband all day long. Plus, for younger children, your mornings will be easier if you stick to clothes with elastic waists, front openings, and large necklines.

10. Buy Clothes with Room to Grow Sure, the size 10 fits perfectly right now, but if you don’t leave room for growth she may need new jeans by next month. To make sure your investment lasts, choose pants with an adjustable waist and buy shirts with sleeves that graze her knuckles. Remember: you can always shorten hems and let them down midway through the year.