Organizing the Car for Summer

Whether you choose to use plastic file crates, collapsible fabric or mesh cubes, laundry baskets, reusable grocery bags or a trunk organizer, a set of three will help you create a system to keep summertime necessities at the ready. Select a container that will allow you to place three in either the trunk or cargo area.

Container #1: Supplies for Personal Care and Mess Containment and Clean-Up

This first container will hold a small convenience store of sorts. With these items on hand, not only will you always have sunscreen at the pool or a band-aid at the park, but you’ll save money to boot. Sample items for this container include—

. Sunscreen.

. After-sun lotion or gel.

. Tissues.

. Hand sanitizer.

. Insect repellent.

. A first aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever, antibiotic ointment, cleaning wipes, sting relief).

. Wet wipes and/or baby wipes.

. Extra diapers (regular and swimming).

. A change of clothing (at least a clean shirt) per child.

. Small garbage bags (wet/dirty clothing and shoes, wet towels, trash, etc.).

. Water bottles.

. Snacks (ones that can withstand high heat, such as pretzels, individual packs of crackers/cookies, cereal bars, etc.).

Container #2: Fun and Games

To make sure you have plenty of entertainment on hand, you can have a container full of things like—

. A Frisbee.

. A football.

. Blow-up toys and floaties for the pool.

. Extra swimming towels.

. Kites.

. Water guns or toys.

Container #3: Picnic Items

To stay well-prepared and well-stocked for picnics, fill your third container with—

. Picnic blankets.

. Disposable table coverings.

. Paper towels.

. Extra paper products (plates, cups, napkins, utensils).

In addition to these containers, you may wish to carry a couple of camp chairs so you always have some seating on hand.