I want to show you how I've organized all the supplies for our various summer outings because, honestly, I am really quite excited about this.
You see, as far as families of seven go, we're pretty spontaneous. Not like let's go to Vegas for the weekend spontaneous, but hey, let's go to the beach after church spontaneous. But with all that is already involved in getting 5 young kids out the door and buckled into the van, gathering the things we need for a day trip can be exhausting. So I've collected many of the things I need in pretty little tote bags. I bought three All-in-One Organizers from Jessica of Thirty-One Gifts, but you could use whatever you have handy.
I've got a bag for picnics...
a bag for bonfires...
Obviously I will still need to grab some last minute items, like food for a picnic and towels for the beach, but these bags are a good start and help make dashing out the door for a spontaneous outing a little less hectic!
Here's a glimpse of what kinds of things I have in each bag. I'm sure it will change over time as I think of new things.
I store them all on a shelf in my entry closet, ready to be grabbed on our way out the door.
Thanks so much for visiting The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking. I hope you are enjoying a fabulous summer!
Great idea! Love the fabric of the totes!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely brilliant! I have thought of doing this, and now that you have it broken down i am much more likely to do it!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeletegreat idea! thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think its so great that you have found a way to still be spontaneous with your family! I only have one child and sometimes I get held back because I feel like everything has to be "right" before we go. But I have learned that you just have to GO!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!
Thanks for sharing this, it's a good idea. Anything to make outings less stressful and not having to search for that one random thing...
ReplyDeleteWhat an inventive idea for keeping spontaneous outings stress free. Very neat! Those totes are adorable too. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing this cleaning tips. I'll be sure to keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteReally cute idea - just have several bags ready to go, vs. packing on the spot. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! i always have a beach bag ready but i would never think to get a picnic bag together.
ReplyDeleteYou're a smart cookie ;)
Thank you for the list...it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! I am always stressed out getting ready to go on an outing, sure I am forgeting something (I usually am!) This is a great idea. I have tons of empty tote bags laying around too! Great use for them! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThis. Is. Genius. I love it! We only have 3 kids, but getting out the door anywhere is a pain. Such a great idea! PS - I love your new blog, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Kelly...but one problem I'd have is that there would never be chocolate in the bag for s'mores cause I'd have had a chocolate craving and eaten it!!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that swim diapers are washable? As long as there's no sign of a #2, just toss them in the washing machine! Hang to dry and you're good to go!
ReplyDelete