Maximize Summer Adventures with these Car Essentials

Summer is here. Warm weather and sunny days – a perfect time of year for adventures!

Not all adventures need to be full-blown vacations. Sometimes (or in my opinion, most of the time) the most fun and memorable moments are the impromptu ones. And most important of all, adventures are not reserved for “kids only!”

My best advice for maximizing summer adventures: Be prepared! Pack your car with summer essentials and you’ll be ready to take full advantage of any adventure that comes your way – even the impromptu ones.

The best way to do this is to create one or more Summer Car Kits. Depending on your space and/or what you’re packing, these kits can either be tote bags or bins with lids. The ideal scenario is to store these kits directly in the car. After all, it will be hard to maximize an impromptu adventure without your goodies on hand. But, if space is limited, consider setting up a shelf in the garage (as close to the car as possible) to hold your kits and other supplies. This way you can simply grab and go.

Here are some ideas for Summer Car Essentials Kits:

General/All-Purpose Kit –

This is the one kit I recommend keeping in the car at all times. The supplies inside will be useful in any and all situations. By always having these items on hand, there’s no need to duplicate in your other kits.

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Bug Spray
• Wipes
• Small trash bag(s)
• Blanket or other ground cover
• Folding chair(s)

Picnic Kit –

Use a favorite picnic basket and fill with all your favorite supplies.

• Ziplock bag with napkins, plastic ware, seasoning packets
• Plates and cups
• Bottle/wine opener

Swimming Kit –

You never know when you’ll come across a beautiful stream, swimming hole or boating opportunity!

• Bathing suit
• Extra set of dry clothes
• Towel
• Comb/brush
• Wet bag
• Water shoes

Hiking Kit –

Use a favorite backpack and fill with essential supplies.

• Hiking shoes/socks
• Flip flops for after the hike
• Bandana
• Water bottle
• Energy snacks

Relax-in-the-Park Kit –

Don’t pass up any chance to “stop and smell the roses.” Literally! If you have even more time, it’s nice to have one or more of these items on hand:

• Journal/pen(s)
• Drawing pad and supplies
• Book/magazines

Take one or more of these kits with you when you hit the road and you’ll be ready for almost any adventure that comes your way. Simple as that!

What summer essentials do you keep in your car? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.

Happy Organizing,