When heading out on a sunny adventure with loved ones, there’s often an overwhelming amount to consider. Whether you’re embarking on a vacation or simply relaxing by the pool or beach, it can feel like a daunting task to keep everything in check. But fear not! With these clever beach hacks, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your time in the sun.
From ensuring you have the right sun protection to stashing snacks and all the essentials in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of twenty-one must-know beach hacks that will help you stay organized and focused on what really matters – having fun!
Freeze Aloe Vera Gel to Help with Sunburn
When it comes to sunburns, being prepared is key. To minimize the risk of a nasty burn for yourself or others, consider freezing aloe vera gel into ice cube trays ahead of time. This simple trick allows you to quickly and easily apply a cooling, soothing gel to any area that needs it. The process of applying the frozen aloe vera becomes even more efficient thanks to its ability to provide an added layer of relief as it thaws.
Create an Emergency Kit
When preparing an emergency kit, consider the importance of versatility. Tailor your kit to meet the unique needs of your lifestyle, but don’t forget to prioritize water-resistance for applications where moisture may be present. For instance, a beach or water-oriented kit should include waterproof components like bandages and a fully sealable case to keep everything protected.
Freeze Balloons to Keep Food and Drinks Cold
When you’re running low on ice packs or need to lighten your cooler load by the end of the day, fear not! One simple yet effective alternative is to fill up balloons with water and freeze them. Not only will they provide the same cooling benefits as traditional ice packs, but you can also repurpose them for a fun balloon game or fight once they’ve thawed out. And if you’re hosting a beach party, this hack is a total game-changer – just be prepared for some friendly competition!
Freeze a Wet Sponge to Use as an Ice Pack
When conventional balloon cooling isn’t feasible, consider using a frozen wet sponge as an alternative. This method offers several advantages. Firstly, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around without compromising your comfort. Secondly, the sponge is able to absorb water and retain its coldness for most of the day, providing effective heat relief.
And finally, any thawed water can simply be dumped out of the bag before heading home, ensuring a convenient solution to stay cool.
Use a Paper Cup to Prevent Sand from Sticking to Bottles
Managing the fine layer of sand on everything can be a real challenge. To simplify the process, consider bringing along some plastic cups to use as makeshift cup holders. By inserting them deeply into the sand, you can prevent any bottles or drinks from coming into contact with the sand, making for a more enjoyable experience.
Set Alarms for Applying Sunscreen
A beach day can quickly turn from a relaxing escapade into a painful experience when sunburn sets in, leaving you or someone with you red and uncomfortable. The severity of the burn can vary greatly, making it essential to take preventative measures to ensure everyone has a good time. One effective way to avoid this scenario is by setting reminders on your phone to reapply sunscreen and seek shade periodically.
This simple yet effective hack can help keep skin healthy and pain-free all day long, making it an essential life skill for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
Wrap the Corners of a Towel in Sand
At the beach, wind can quickly become a concern, transforming from gentle breezes to gusts that can wreak havoc on your belongings. This is particularly true for items like beach towels or blankets, which can easily become blown away. A straightforward solution to this problem is to tuck the edges of the towel into the sand, ensuring the corners are deep enough to secure the fabric in place with the weight of the sand.
By doing so, you’ll effectively anchor the towel and prevent it from blowing away.
Store Valuables in a Packet of Wipes
Worried about beach theft? Ditch the fancy beach bags and opt for an unexpected ‘safe’ instead. Consider using a seemingly ordinary item like a baby wipes container or opaque Tupperware that can cleverly conceal your valuables. Make sure to clear out the contents of your chosen vessel, ensuring it’s empty and won’t damage any items you’re storing. Other options include sealable snack bags – just remember not to dispose of them afterwards!
By doing so, you’ll be able to protect your belongings from prying eyes while keeping your beach essentials in one convenient place.
Flip Your Slippers Over
When venturing out to the beach, it’s not uncommon to find that sand seems to have a knack for getting everywhere, including inside the shoes you’re wearing. To combat this issue and prevent small mountains from forming in your footwear, try turning them upside down. This simple yet effective technique allows all possible crevices on the pair of shoes to face downwards, leaving no room for the sand to settle anywhere except in close proximity to your shoes.
Spray Cold Water to Freshen Up
Whether you’re a beach lover who prefers to stay dry or simply wants to beat the heat on a scorching day, a cold spray bottle can be a game-changer. Imagine having a refreshing and invigorating mist at your fingertips, perfect for reviving yourself after a long walk along the shoreline. By packing this trusty companion, you’ll be able to maintain a comfortable temperature no matter what the sun decides to do.
Wrap Your Phone
When heading to the beach, one common frustration is the risk of getting sand, sunscreen, or other debris stuck in your phone’s screen. To avoid this issue, consider wrapping your device with saran wrap before leaving. This simple step ensures that your touch screen remains foreign substance-free and functional throughout the day, eliminating the need for a tedious cleaning process at the end.
Attach a Money Bag Inside a Hat
When enjoying a day at the beach, protecting your valuables is crucial. One innovative way to do so is by attaching a money bag to the inside of a hat. This clever hack keeps your cash secure and prevents it from getting lost or swept away by the waves. Not only will this method keep your money safe, but it’ll also give you peace of mind as you soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean views.
Plus, who knows, you might just pick up some additional tips on how to cleverly use binder clips in everyday situations!
Freeze Half a Bottle of Water
When utilizing a cold water bottle as an ice pack or drink container, it’s crucial not to overfill it when freezing. Filling it halfway is the maximum recommended amount to avoid any potential explosions. On the other hand, if you’re using it for drinking purposes at the beach, consider filling your bottles with either room temperature or chilled water to keep the liquid refreshingly cool for a longer duration.
Fill Bags with Sand to Hold a Towel in Place
To maintain towel organization, consider using sandwich bags filled with sand as an innovative solution. This approach is particularly effective when you arrive at your destination. Having spare bags on hand can be advantageous due to various purposes such as shell collections and storing uneaten snacks. As a result, this simple trick will ensure towels remain in one place.
Waterproof Your Valuables with a Resealable Bag
When packing for a beach day, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of your non-beach-specific items. To do this, consider storing any sensitive or valuable belongings in a sealed plastic bag. This extra precaution is crucial given the unpredictable nature of sand, water, and wildlife.
Use a Fitted Sheet for Sand-Free Space
When heading to the beach, consider using a fitted sheet as an innovative way to create a compact barrier against the sand. By anchoring each corner with larger items, you can effectively contain the sandy invasion and maintain a comfortable spot to relax. To further reduce the amount of sand that creeps in, leave a small gap outside the sheet and keep a towel nearby to sweep away any stray grains.
Use a Mesh Bag to Store Toys and Wash Them Easily
When it comes to beach trips, mesh bags are a must-have. They’re incredibly practical for storing both personal items and beach gear alike. One of the best things about using mesh bags is how they help keep your belongings sand-free. As the sand filters through the open weave of the bag, you’ll save yourself the hassle of spending time cleaning out unwanted grains from your stuff.
Store Your Wet Costume in a Plastic Bag
When venturing out on a trip, it’s not uncommon for beach or pool attire to become soaked and potentially damaging to surrounding belongings. To prevent water damage from spreading to other areas of your vehicle, luggage, and personal items, consider packing plastic bags for each person to store their wet clothing in. This simple precaution can help keep your travel essentials safe and dry.
Use Talcum Powder to Remove Sand
When it comes to cleaning sandy feet, it’s a common challenge many of us face. However, with a simple trick, you can make the process much more efficient. The next time you’re struggling to remove sand from your skin, try sprinkling talc powder onto your hands before wiping them over your feet. The powder helps to attract and lift the sand away from your skin, making it easy to sweep off. This hack may seem small, but it can make a big difference in your post-beach clean-up routine.
Use a Hook to Carry Your Slippers
Elevate your everyday essentials by incorporating a trusty carabiner hook into your favorite bag. This versatile accessory allows you to effortlessly transport everything from everyday items like keys to beach-ready must-haves, such as flip-flops, making it an indispensable companion for any adventure.
Place a Towel in a Car to Keep it Clean
In addition to its practical applications, a well-placed and generously-sized towel can actually play a crucial role in streamlining your post-beach cleanup process. By having a large towel ready to go, you’ll be able to corral all of the sandy debris from your day in one convenient spot, eliminating the need for multiple trips to gather everything. This thoughtful approach can even save your car’s interior from the hassle of vacuuming up sand and other detritus.
Watch: 21 Beach Hacks
