With Black Friday less than four days away, it is time to think ahead about how to shop smart.  Some of the largest discounts can be found in the sales on the day after Thanksgiving, but they are accompanied by crowded, hectic stores.  Here are some suggestions about how to obtain the best deals on Black Friday.

Make a small list of items to buy.  Try limiting them to items that are guaranteed to have large savings.

Research.  Individual retailer sites post their Black Friday ads online.  Also, websites like theblackfriday.com offer lists of items and scanned ads to peruse.  Compare retail prices to find the best deals.  To be sure Black Friday deals are actually deals, Google the desired items and see if they can be found cheaper somewhere else.

Make a strategy.   Everything will not be available at the same time at the same store.  Know which doorbuster deals will be available and where.  In addition, scope out the stores ahead of time to locate where the desired merchandise is in the store.

Have a set shopping plan and prioritize the list of items.    Find out if it is better to buy a certain item on Thanksgiving, on Black Friday or online and plan accordingly.

Make a budget and stick to it.

Think about location.  Shopping malls with less foot traffic and optimal parking spaces will make it easier to get in and out of a store with a bargain and out of the parking lot without a liability suit.  Also, plan out routes to avoid traffic and better the chances of getting desired items.

Download stores’ apps if available.  The apps can aid in tasks such as sifting through items, checking prices, finding store locations and making wish lists prior to visiting the stores.

Carry a messenger bag or a cross-body purse that zips or buttons to store cash, credit cards or personal items.  This will help protect against pickpocketing.

Avoid bringing children.  With the immensity of the crowds, children can easily get lost.  If there is no other option, Forbes suggests putting an information sheet with the address and phone number in the child’s pocket.

There will be long lines on Black Friday, so bring water and stay hydrated.

The Black Friday environment can be chaotic no matter how much planning is done.  If the environment seems too stressful, shop for Black Friday deals online or wait for Cyber Monday.