Preparing For The Beach

Packing for the beach can be a monumental task at the beginning of the season. Here are some tips to make packing easier and your return trips a breeze.

Keep your bags organized -  Take a few bags to keep things organized and ready.

1. Washables - In one bag put all the washables like towels, cover ups, and bathing suits. Make sure its a bag that can get a little damp. After your time at the beach you can put everything back in that bag and then drop it right off in the laundry room when you return home. After everything is washed return it right back to your bag for your next trip. This way you will always have what you need ready.

2. Reusables - Keep another bag with all the things you need on every trip. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, flip flops, swim diapers, baby powder (helps get the sand off), hair brush, and anything else you use over and over again. 

3. Toys - Get a good toy bag that is mesh and will let all the sand fall out of the bag and off the toys. 

The reusable and toy bag can go right in the garage or leave it in the car for the next trip. Keep these with your chairs, umbrellas, and cooler. With a system like this all you need is to pack a cooler with drinks and snacks and you are ready to go without having to run all over the house looking for everything. When you get to the beach you won't be in a panic because someone forgot to put the sunscreen in the bag. 

4. Food Bag - Keep a bag or cooler that has your water bottles and room for the snacks and food you want to pack. After your trip bring it to the kitchen to clean out and wash the containers. Any reusable containers should be stored in the food bag after they are cleaned so you are ready for the next trip 

Get a Beach Caddy - This Deluxe Beach Cart is a great option because it can carry up to 100lbs of gear and it folds flat. It weighs about 13 pounds by itself. It can carry up to 4 chairs and a 48qt cooler. For a family this is the way to go. There is another Beach Cart that is a little bit smaller and can carry about 75lbs if you are a smaller family and don't need that much room. In this case I think bigger is better.

Stay Hydrated -  It is so important to stay hydrated in the hot sun. Sometimes when you are in the water you don't realize how dehydrated you can get. Pack plenty of fluids in reusable containers. 

Protect Yourself From the Sun -  Check out some more info on sunscreen and beach shelters to make sure you are protected from the sun at the beach.

Make a Memory - Go for a walk and collect some special shells and other beach items. Bring them home and put them in a clear jar. Label the jar with the date and you can put it in your house to decorate as well as remember your day. Make one for every summer or different beaches and make a collection of memories. I found these plastic containers with a paint can type lid for $2.99 at a local craft store. Here are the ones my kids made at the beach this weekend.