It’s that time of the year when we are saying goodbye to sea swimming and beach trips. I hope you’ve had a beautiful, carefree summer that you will cherish for a long time!
So now you need to empty your beach bag and store away properly all those summer items. This will ensure they are in pristine condition next summer. Proper storage of swimsuits, summer clothes and swim gear will prevent them from degradation and material breakdowns and extend their lifespan. Let’s have a look at the top 10 tips that will make this easy as a breeze!
Extra Tip: Before you organise your swimsuits, note down which ones you want to keep and which you might have to part with. First, focus on what is most dear to you and then to your second best choice. If you haven’t worn a swimsuit in a few summers, consider giving it away. And if something doesn’t fit right or is worn out, put it in the pile of things to go.
Swimsuit care & storage
- Before going into the actual storing away, you need to remove salt or chlorine from your swimsuits. This is their # 1 enemy.
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a mild detergent and hand-wash your swimsuits of this summer.
- Pay particular attention to salt or chlorine residues and use a soft sponge on the clasps and accessories that your swimsuit may have (e.g. chains, decorative elements, etc.) Also, untie your tied swimsuits, triangle bikinis or bottoms.
- If you spot any sunscreen stains, rub gently with a little extra soap.
- Avoid ironing your swimsuits as this will destroy their microfibres. Gently squeeze out excess water and hang them on a drying rack out of direct sunlight.
Choose a suitable bag for storing clothes and place your swimsuits in it, while making sure it’s completely dry. If your swimsuit has cups, paddings or is a push-up bra you can try to fill the cups with a ball of paper so that they don’t lose their shape. Another helpful tip: If you get drawer dividers, there will be no more rummaging through clattered drawers to find the bottom that matches your favourite top.
Storing away beach clothes
If they are used together, they can also be stored together. Dresses, cover-ups, shirts or whatever you choose for your summer beach looks.
Extra Tip: Follow the washing instructions for your clothes to prevent them from wearing out.
Remember that beach clothes fabrics can usually be delicate and may need hand-washing or machine washing in low temperature or a low spin speed. You can also wash and store together the towels you use at the beach.
Storing away accessories
Needless to say that apart from your swimsuit, clothes and towels,yourbeach bag will contain many other items useful for your summer dives. Nothing could be worse than forgotten items you find at the beginning of summer, only to discover that you may no longer be able to use!
Extra Tip: Empty your various toiletry bags and give them a good clean-up. By doing this, decide what you really need and what you can throw away.
An empty bottle of sunscreen is definitely not useful but a half-full bottle of sunscreen is. Needless to say that you need to apply sunscreen for protection every day and not only when you go to the sea. Right?
Beach "paraphernalia"
As with your personal items, all the tools and toys you use on the beach need to be cared for. If you’re someone who likes to have their own umbrella and chairs at the beach, remember to rinse them out with water and let them dry off thoroughly before storing them away. You wouldn’t want to let rust take its toll on them!
If you have young children then you will definitely be carrying an army of toys, baskets, spades, inflatables and so on (hang in there!). Don’t forget to rinse them out with water so you can use them next summer too!
This period of time can also feel melancholic as the summer days are coming to an end. Nevertheless, keep in mind that proper organisation and storage can be rewarding and you will feel twice as happy next summer when you’re looking for the essentials for that first dive!
Love,
Eva
