How to Stay Organized for a Beach Trip

Most of us who live on the Westside don’t go to the beach as much as we should. Sometimes it can be more hassle than it’s worth. Knowing that it involves loading up the car, snacks, towels, equipment, and in some cases kids, can be a deterrent. But we live here for a reason!  We need take advantage of our amazing location.

Question: If you could just hop in the car and head to the beach would you probably do it more often? Of course! So here are a few steps to organizing your beach bag so you can literally grab it and go.

1. The Bag: Find a decent size, sturdy, bag. It doesn’t have to be expensive, even a reuseable shopping bag.

2. Locate your Usual-Beach-Going-Items: Sunscreen, that book you’ve been meaning to read, headphones, sunglasses, towel, a hat, water bottle, and cash. 

• If you go to a beach with metered parking, collect quarters ahead of time so you don’t have to scramble. 
• If you use a lot of these items during your daily life, you may want to make the one time investment in doubling up. Having two sunscreens doesn’t hurt. This streamlines the process of gathering everything you need.

3. Compartmentalize: (see photos for examples) You shouldn’t have to pull everything out of your bag in order to find a tissue, hair tie, or your keys.

• Group like items, put your snacks together, sunscreen & cosmetic items, music & headphones, etc. 
•  Use smaller bags to contain them. I even like to use zip lock bags. And don't forget a hard case to protect your sunglasses.
• Have a separate beach wallet or small pouch so that you don’t have to bring all of your gift, credit and business cards with you.

*Tip: implementing compartments is a good rule for any bag, a purse, a diaper bag, computer bag or gym bag.

4. Keep the process simple: Designate spots in your home where you keep your beach towels, bathing suits, magazines, etc. This way, you can quickly grab them and add them to your bag.

• Don’t forget after you wash things to put them back into their correct spots. Keep your Usual-Beach-Going-Items in the bag at all times. 
• Tuck your newly organized beach bag in your front closet so it is easy to grab and go!

Taking a few minutes to set this up can save you lots of time...time that is better spent on the beach than running on your house trying to get everything you need for it.   Plus, the act of making the bag is a great motivator to actually get you out that door! Face it...no one says “I should go to the beach less.”

Coriann Bright from Bright Living Home Organization & Design