Who doesn’t love a good deal that makes you feel like you’re beating the system? If the idea of flash sales puts you in the holiday spirit, Black Friday is your time to shine. 50% off on designer sneakers? Yes, please. A “buy one, get one” candle set you’ll never use? Toss it in the cart.
While this shopping marathon is perfect for checking off wish-list items, getting it all home is another story. Sure, you can try stuffing it all into a car trunk that suddenly feels two sizes too small — or pay a delivery fee that costs more than your entire haul.
To skip the post-sale chaos, consider booking a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with low floors, automatic ramps, and a roomy interior that makes hauling your holiday wins feel effortless. Sounds fantastic, right? Read our accessible Black Friday shopping guide to learn more tips and tricks for a seamless shopping experience.
Planning Your Accessible Black Friday Strategy
According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 197 million Americans went shopping between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in 2024. When you’re up against millions of determined deal-seekers, planning can make all the difference between scoring the goods and going home empty-handed.
So, let’s get you prepped for shopping success.
Create a Master List and Budget
Impulse buys can ruin any good shopping plan. Before you get swept up in flashing discounts and limited-time offers, make a list of items you actually need versus what you just want.
A $300 blender might promise to “change your smoothie game,” but if your old one still works, that’s money better spent elsewhere. So, prioritize essentials over “nice-to-haves,” and set a firm budget so you don’t wake up with buyer’s remorse.
Use price-comparison extensions like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to track real-time discounts and ensure you’re getting the best deal. Some retailers even offer additional perks like free delivery on larger orders or exclusive online coupons, so take advantage of those deals when shopping around. And always use a shared spreadsheet or budgeting app to track purchased items, pending essentials, and your spending.
Know the Size Before You Buy
That discounted dining table or dresser might seem like a steal, until it doesn’t fit in your van. Measure bulky items — furniture, electronics, and appliances — and compare them with your cargo dimensions, including the ramp width, interior height, and available space behind the second row. A few quick measurements can spare you from a frustrating return trip.
Online vs. In-Store Shopping Strategy
Not every deal is worth fighting the crowds for. Some of the best discounts pop up online, especially on Cyber Monday, while others are exclusive to in-store shoppers. Just make sure to do your research before adding anything to your cart.
Pro Tip: While tech or fashion deals are unbeatable, check out hotels, adaptive tour operators, and mobility-friendly travel services that offer massive discounts during Black Friday, giving you the perfect opportunity to finally visit your dream destination without blowing your budget.
Navigating the Shopping Crowd with Accessibility in Mind
Once you’ve done your research, the next step is to plan everything strategically, especially if you use a mobility aid.
Set a Specific Time
Considering it’s the biggest sale event of the year, major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy open as early as 6 a.m. on Black Friday. If you’ve been eyeing an adaptive fitness item or other big-ticket deals, it’s worth heading out early. Quieter hours also mean better parking access and more attentive staff if you need assistance.
Since most shoppers hit stores in the afternoon, it can get chaotic. Thankfully, many retailers now extend Black Friday deals over multiple days, so you can shop during slower hours without missing the markdowns.
Pre-Check Store Layouts
Accessibility varies wildly from store to store. Before heading out, check store websites for maps or virtual tours to plan accessible routes, entrances, and restrooms. Call ahead to see if the store allows early entry or curbside pickup for shoppers with mobility needs. If you’re shopping with a partner, divide and conquer: one hunts the deals, the other secures the checkout line.
Perfect the Parking Plan
When parking, always choose a well-lit, accessible spot close to exits. If your van has a ramp, pull slightly forward so there’s enough clearance to deploy it comfortably.
But safety matters just as much as convenience. In parking lots, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your keys handy, load up as quickly as possible, and always lock your doors before reviewing your receipts.
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Why Your Accessible Van is the Ultimate Hauling Solution
Wheelchair-accessible vans have made everyday trips simpler for families, but their usefulness goes far beyond daily routines. During a Black Friday shopping spree, these vehicles can be a total game-changer for hauling large or bulky purchases with ease.
Undeniable Benefits of an Accessible Van for Large Purchases
The following are some of the benefits of using an accessible van for Black Firday shopping:
Generous Space
Cargo space varies by model. While a standard sedan might tap out after a few large boxes, an accessible van offers nearly triple the storage space, so you can haul large appliances, flat-packed furniture, or that mountain of gifts. Many wheelchair-accessible vehicles feature fold-down or removable seats, making it even easier to customize the space according to the requirements.
Easy Loading
Anyone who’s ever tried to lift a boxed vacuum cleaner or a 50-inch TV into a car trunk knows how quickly that “great deal” can turn into a “great backache.” Carrying bulky or heavy items can be unsafe, especially if you’re also balancing mobility equipment.
However, accessible vans feature lower floors, automatic ramps, and power lifts, allowing you to roll in large items or slide boxes directly inside with minimal effort. Some models even include tie-down points or straps to securely fasten your haul while driving.
Dependable and Durable
Between the crowds, tight parking lots, and endless store stops, reliability is non-negotiable. A well-maintained accessible van features robust climate control systems that keep the cabin habitable, while power ramps and doors that don’t stick or jam ensure smooth operation. Plus, adaptive driving controls and strong suspension systems make it comfortable and stable, even when your van’s packed to the brim.
Tips to Organize Your Black Friday Bargains
After shopping, use the following tips to organize your Black Friday bargains safely and efficiently:
- Load the heaviest and bulkiest items first, keeping lighter or fragile goods up top. If you’ve purchased a TV or laptop, always keep it upright, as placing it flat can crack the screen or damage internal components.
- Store temperature-sensitive food or beverages in cooler bags or insulated containers, especially if you’re hopping between multiple stores.
- Loose boxes can shift during turns or braking, causing unnecessary damage. Use bungee cords or ratchet straps to keep boxes from sliding.
- Add towels and blankets to cushion fragile items.
- Leave some space near the ramp or door to reduce the chance of something falling when unloading.
Avoiding Disaster: Black Friday Shopping Guide Safety and Security
Black Friday excitement shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. After loading everything, treat your next drive like a mini road trip that demands extra awareness and control.
- Maintain Visibility: Keep windows and mirrors clear, and avoid stacking boxes or bags above seat level so you maintain complete rear visibility.
- Lock and Secure Everything: Before you hit the road, double-check that ramps, tie-down straps, and rear doors are properly secured.
- Adjust Driving Habits: Remember, a heavier van handles differently. Extra cargo means longer stopping distances and slower acceleration, so give yourself space and time to react. Drive a little slower, take wider turns, and avoid sudden brakes.
Post-Purchase Triage: Securing and Storing Your Goods
When you get home, switch from shopper mode to organizer mode with these valuable tips:
- Don’t leave items sitting in the vehicle overnight. Unload strategically, starting with fragile or temperature-sensitive items.
- Set up a dedicated area to sort bags by category (gifts, groceries, home essentials).
- Double-check that items aren’t damaged, missing pieces, or incorrectly sized before tucking them away.
- Use bins or shelves to keep gifts out of sight, but easily findable when it’s time to give them away.
- Take a few minutes to review your master list. Cross off completed purchases and note any backorders or online shipments still in transit.
Make Every Trip Accessible With Wheelchair Getaways
If you’re planning a big shopping day or a holiday road trip, an accessible van from Wheelchair Getaways can help you move everything and everyone with ease. Our mobility vans come equipped with automatic ramps, lower floors, enhanced headroom, and spacious interiors for ultimate comfort.
With more than 200 rental locations across the USA, including in major cities, top tourist spots, and near key airports, your next accessible vacation is never far away. Just like the best Black Friday deals, the most in-demand accessible vans go fast. Call us at (866) 224-1750 to reserve early or fill out this online form to lock in your accessible ride.