10 Parking Tips to Beat Holiday Shopping Stress

Full of the season’s goodwill and cheer, you head out to shop for presents for friends and loved ones — and then you hit the traffic at the shopping center. In minutes, you’re grumping as if you were Scrooge or the Grinch.

Here are tips from AARP Driver Safety, insurance companies, traffic experts and others to help you avoid holiday traffic and parking headaches.

Don’t hunt for a great spot

You could circle a busy parking lot or ramp a long time before a choice spot opens, and you might have to arm-wrestle another motorist for it if there’s a dispute over who got there first or who’s been waiting longer. If you park far from the entrance, you will get a little exercise and might avoid the door dings and dents that come when you’re squeezing in between other vehicles. Be sure there are plenty of security lights to make your stroll safe. If you’re wary, ask mall security to walk you back to your car.

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Think twice before parking near an exit

Depending on the traffic flow in the parking structure or lot, you might be blocked by a backed-up line of weary shoppers who are all trying to get out and go home simultaneously. Maybe somebody who’s feeling the holiday spirit will pause and let you in. Good luck.

Pick your shots

Go when things are slow. Retail follower ShopperTrak expects the low-traffic days this year to be Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 5-6.

Remember where you park

Not as easy as it sounds. You’re distracted by crowds, lists, timetables, commitments. Some cars and cellphones can be linked by applications so you can use your phone to find your car. Or try the old-fashioned way — write down the location. Or use your cellphone camera to snap a photo of the sign indicating your parking lot section or space number if there is one.

Expect the unexpected

Watch for wound-up kids dashing and darting where and when they shouldn’t. Look all around before backing up instead of just hitting reverse and assuming the coast is clear. A car or pedestrian that was not there moments ago might suddenly move into your path. Keep an eye out for carts left adrift in the parking lot by thoughtless shoppers who do not return them to the store or properly tuck them into the lot’s cart corral.