If you don’t go to the beach as often as you’d like because the prospect of getting everyone – and everything – ready in time is just too stressful, some fast packing tips for a day at the beach could be a real game-changer. 

I used to arrive at the beach too exhausted and stressed to really enjoy it. We’d get there later than we wanted to after rushing to get everything ready, and I’d have that unshakeable feeling that we would find out at any moment that we forgot something important. But I’ve since learned a few tricks that have made our excursions a thousand times easier. Check out these tips for a stress-free beach outing so you can actually relax and have fun!

1. Have a pre-packed beach bag ready to go

You know those items you have that you really only use at the beach? I’m talking about things like snorkels, masks, flippers, beach towels, and sunblock. There’s no reason not to just leave these items in a pre-packed beach bag that is ready to grab and go. 

The same goes for beach toys – if your kids are young, keep their pails, beach balls and sandcastle tools in a dedicated bag so you don’t have to pack and unpack them each time. I like sturdy plastic bags for these because it’s easy to rinse all the toys and the bag before we leave. This is by far one of my most-used fast packing tips.

2. Have a list of beach snacks handy

There’s something about a day at the beach that can make everyone ravenous. Even a few hours there are enough to send our hunger into overdrive. 

To avoid wasting time deciding what snacks to bring, I keep a list of beach snacks handy. That way, I don’t have to rummage through the back corners of the fridge and pantry to see what I can throw together or frantically google beach snack ideas every time. I just scan the list quickly and something always jumps out at me as the perfect snack for that day.

3. Pack before the kids wake up

It can be especially hard to plan a beach day with your kids when they’re really young. If you’ve got toddlers, they probably need your full attention in the morning, so the best approach is to pack before they wake up. Gather everything, put it in bags, and leave the bags by the door. 

If you’re bringing a cooler, you’ll probably want to save that for last, but go ahead and get it out and leave all your cold items together in one part of the fridge to make it easier when it’s time to head out. 

4. Prep and pack as you go about your previous day

One thing that can really ease your burden on beach day is starting your preparation the day before. Of course, it’s way too early to fill the cooler, but if you’re getting out carrots to make dinner, why not go ahead and cut some to bring to the beach tomorrow for a snack? 

You can also get your towels ready, set out your kids’ swimsuits and coverups, pack dry clothes to wear home from the beach, and leave everyone’s flip-flops by the door. If you won’t need them for the rest of the day, you can also start packing sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. 

Going to the beach is supposed to be fun and relaxing, so don’t let logistics suck all the joy out of it for you. The next time you catch yourself dismissing the idea of going to the beach tomorrow because prep is too much of a hassle, try these fast packing tips for having the perfect beach day and watch how everything falls into place. Remember: the more you do it, the sooner you’ll get a routine down that makes every family trip to the beach a piece of cake.