Sand, Sun, and No Stress

How to Organize Your Summer Accessories for the Beach

When the weather warms up, nothing beats a carefree day at the beach. But if your summer gear is scattered in closets, tangled in drawers, or buried in the garage, getting out the door can feel like a chore. With a little organization, you can create a grab-and-go system that keeps all your beach essentials in one place so you spend less time hunting and more time enjoying the sand and surf.

1. Start with a Beach Bin

Designate one large, sturdy tote or plastic bin as your “beach hub.” Store it in a convenient spot near the door or in the garage so it’s easy to load into the car. Choose something lightweight but roomy enough to hold towels, hats, and sunscreen. A mesh bag is also great—it allows sand to shake out before you get home.

2. Sort by Category

Break down your summer accessories into simple categories. This way, you’ll always know where everything belongs:

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, rash guards, SPF lip balm.

• Water Gear: Swimsuits, snorkel sets, water shoes, inflatable toys.

• Comfort Items: Towels, foldable chairs, blankets, umbrellas.

• Snacks & Hydration: Insulated water bottles, snack containers, cooler bags.

Use smaller pouches, zippered bags, or clear plastic containers inside your main bin to keep these categories neat and easy to grab.

3. Assign a “Quick-Grab” Bag

Nothing slows down a beach trip like realizing your sunscreen is at the bottom of a giant tote. A small crossbody or cosmetic pouch that lives inside your beach bin can hold high-use items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hair tie. This keeps you from digging through everything just to reapply SPF.

4. Prep a Towel System

Towels take up the most space, so dedicate a spot just for them. Roll instead of fold—they’ll fit more neatly in your bin or bag. Consider assigning a color or pattern to each family member so there’s no mix-up at the beach.

5. Contain the Small Stuff

Beach days often include tiny essentials—earbuds, goggles, keys, or even a waterproof phone pouch. Use a zippered mesh bag or pencil case to corral these smaller items so they don’t get lost in the shuffle.

6. Keep It Sand-Smart

Opt for mesh bags, collapsible buckets, or even a laundry hamper with holes—anything that allows sand to sift through before you bring your gear back home. You’ll thank yourself when cleanup time comes.

7. Restock After Each Trip

When you return home, take a few minutes to wash towels, refill water bottles, and restock snacks or sunscreen. Then put everything back in the bin, ready for your next outing. Think of it as resetting your “beach kit.”

Final Tip: Organizing summer accessories for the beach isn’t about making things perfect—it’s about making them easy. A streamlined system means less stress, fewer forgotten items, and more time soaking up the sun.