Organize your beach bag: 14 tips

Start by removing everything from your beach bag, and then designating certain pockets for your wallet, suntan lotion, sunglasses, towels, etc. {image via free-extras.com}

It’s a good idea to put your suntan lotion in plastic bags, just in case it starts to leak onto the rest of your items. {image via faqs.org}

Think accessibility: whatever items you use the most, make sure to put somewhere near the top of the bag, or in its own side pocket.

Pack your beach bag and items in the car the night before, to make leaving in the morning less hassle. {image via images.newcars.com}

Make packing lunch into a fun activity, letting each child make their own custom sandwich to put in the cooler. {image via thecriticalpath.info}

Freeze some water bottles to put in your cooler- they can act as both ice, and water later on whey they melt. {image via urbancanteen.com}

Apply sunscreen before you leave so it has time to soak in, and you don’t have to lug so many extra bottles along on the trip. {image via pharmacymix.com}

If you’re afraid of forgetting something, make, print, and laminate a list of the essentials, and use a dry erase marker to check off the items each time. {image via lawyersvideostudio.com}

If you have small children, you might want to skip packing the leisure items (ipods, books, etc) in favor of water toys and snacks if you’re short on space, since you’ll be busy keeping an eye on them. {image via poolcenter.com}

If you’re unsure of whether or not to pack an item, don’t bring it. Remember, everything you pack, you’re going to have to carry across the beach, and this is a place to cut down to the essentials and relax! {image via blogspot.com}

When you wash your swimsuits and towels after getting home, put them in your beach bag so you’re ready to go for next time. {image via cdn.thegloss.com}

Don’t forget to bring hats for younger children- their skin is very sensitive, and if they have a part in their hair, it’s important to protect their scalps too. {image via polyvore.com}

Place your bulky items, such as your beach towel, on the bottom of the bag. This will act as a cushion, and also prevent smaller items from sinking to the bottom of your bag and becoming harder to find. {image via lovethatred.files.wordpress.com}

Try to secure your more important items (wallet, keys, etc) in an interior zippered pocket, so you can bask in the sun without worrying about them falling out if your bag tips over, and have a little extra security against pickpockets.