Summer is full of wonderful outdoor opportunities. Having an Outdoor Kit will allow you to seize these opportunities with less fuss and stress. It’s a great idea for everyone but an especially big win if you have young children.
The Outdoor Kit is always ready for you and your next fun adventure. Having it already put together saves you time. This removes the need to spend time searching your home for all the things you want to bring. And reduces the possibility of getting to your destination only to see that you left something behind and now need to repurchase it.
So, what is an Outdoor Kit? Think Diaper Bag but for adults.
Start with a nice bag with a sturdy handle or strap. A beach tote would work well or a daypack.
Then stock it with everything you might need for a fun day outdoors.
Consider stocking your Outdoor Kit with these 7 items:
1. Sunscreen
Even if you put on sunscreen before you leave, you will want to reapply it as the day goes on. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and if you are swimming or sweating a lot, even more often.
2. Bug spray or insect repellent
Bug bites aren’t just uncomfortable, they can also spread disease. Most bug sprays we use on our bodies repel bugs instead of killing them. Even when using bug spray check your children for ticks after a day out in the open. Especially check areas that are warm or have a skin fold – don’t forget to look between their toes.
3. Fillable water bottles
It’s important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is especially dangerous for young children. Most recreation areas have places to refill your water bottles.
4. Wet wipes
Wet wipes can be used for a multitude of purposes. They are good for cleaning hands, disinfecting surfaces, or cleaning up spills.
Accidents are unexpected. Having a first aid kit available takes the panic out of the splinter in the finger, the bleeding cut, the itch, or the sprain.
6. Sunglasses
You might want to consider having an extra set for the children so that you can always have a pair in the kit. That saves the time of looking for them when it is time to go.
7. Sun hat
Sun hats are important not only because they shade your eyes. They are also protection from skin cancer. And they keep you cool and reduce the chance of heat exhaustion.
After you put together your Outdoor Kit, store it somewhere near the door you use when going to the car.
When the time comes for a trip to the park or to the pool, you don’t have to spend a lot of time and energy rounding up all of the items on the list. And you don’t have to worry about getting to your destination only to find out that you left something behind. Instead, you can put all your energy into just enjoying the day.
If you want help or just some accountability in working or developing an organizational plan or project, join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients
That’s a great idea, and I assume might vary a bit depending on the age/stage of your family members. I remember having snacks, reading glasses, hairbrush, lip balm, earbuds, and a few other items ready to go. I also always have a chair and a beach towel in the back of my car in the summer, just in case I get the chance to run down and relax for an hour!
Smart advice, for sure. I tend to avoid the out-of-doors, especially in the summer, as I hate heat and insects. (Give me October over July, any day!) But each of these things are absolutely essential for reducing the frustrations that come with outdoor fun. I’ll add two items: 1) something to sooth bug bites if the bug spray doesn’t do the trick. I like the Benadryl itch-relief stick with the little roll-on ball, as it reduces the itch almost immediately; and 2) a cooling scarf or sports towel to wrap around your neck when the heat gets to be too much. As someone who is perpetually hot, even in the winter, that was my go-to until I got one of those USB-chargeable neck fans (the ones that look like headphones), but even I will admit they’re a little bulky for outdoor play!
+1 for the sunhat advice. Until you’ve had a burn along the part in your hair, you can’t fully appreciate what a difference one makes!
An Outdoor Kit is a great idea even for for single folks (and their visitors) who are going no farther than their backyard. But you forgot something: Snacks!
I love your Outdoor Kit idea to enhance the opportunities for summer fun! I laughed when I read Hazel’s comment because that’s exactly what I was thinking.