Summer Activity Station
If you are like me, you somehow still underestimate the time it takes to get everyone out the door. I used to show up late for every play date with only half of the essentials (I never forget snacks though)! When I dug in to see what kept tripping me up, I realized that none of these items had a designated “home”. My wallet was always sitting on a random surface on the first floor, I never knew where the beach towels had ended up, and the sunglasses were all at the bottom of one bag.
We made some small adjustments, buying a bench with storage for our mudroom and setting a new routine for putting items away after use. I keep my work bag, my husband’s work backpack, and our family bag on hooks in the mudroom, ready to be filled. Now it takes me far less time to pack our essential items and get out the door.
When your out-the-door routine changes whether it is because of a new schedule, your child having new interests & activities, or acquiring new items, your storage needs to change too! Here are a few tips for how we arrive anywhere on time:
Keep everyday essential items by the door: keys, wallet, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
Keep all outdoor play items together so you can quickly grab what you need: towels, water shoes, beach toys, bubbles, etc.
Have hooks or pegs with the bags you use most.
Make a checklist! Going to the beach tomorrow? Make a list today of what you need to bring.
