Do you have kids in sports, dance or other lessons? We do and at times it could become overwhelming keeping all their books, gear, shoes and snacks together and ready for each activity. That’s why we have bags packed and ready for every activity our kids enjoy. It ‘s so much faster and efficient to have a separate bag packed and ready for each activity. It doesn’t have to be glamorous, just the right size to handle the activity. Here’s some of the bags we have packed and ready to go.
Ammon’s Soccer Bag-water bottle, shinguards, cleats, beanie and fruit snacks. He even shoves his ball in here too.
Zach’s Baseball Bag- bat, ball, cleats, glove, helmet, water bottle, baseball cap, practice ball and chewy bars.
Emilee’s Piano Bag- sheet music, practice record sheet, pencil, notepad.
Emilee’s Scottish Dance Bag- water bottle, knee high socks, dance shoes, shorts, skirt, hair elastic, fruit snacks.
Emilee’s Competition Dance Bag- hair elastics, hair spray, comb, hair net, bobby pins, extra socks, dance shoes, hand sanitizer, wipes, water bottle, fruit snacks, safety pins, chewy bars, cash, competition card.
Amanda’s Dance Bag- water bottle, dance shoes, shorts, tank top, cell phone.
And you probably remember this bag from last week. It’s my Return Bag. Everything that needs to be returned to someone, the library or the post office, goes in this bag and is then delivered on my next trip out.
Amanda doesn’t use a bag for her guitar lessons. She puts everything she needs in her guitar case.
Here’s how we work our bags:
We take our bag to the activity it’s needed for.
Use the things in the bag.
Bring the bag home and refill anything that was used up.
Return needed items to the bag.
Hang the bag where it belongs and now it’s ready to be used again next activity time.
I like having a bag for each activity, because then nothing needs to be switched out for the next activity. It’s much easier for the kids too. They just have to grab the bag and get in the van. No last minute looking for dance shoes or cleats and being late to lessons.
This is the system that we use to keep our kids organized and it really works well!
I also have a summer fun bag that has sunscreen, towels, goggles, etc. in it. When I wash the towels I just roll them up and put them back so they are ready for our next fun day.
what a great idea.
We do this too! Although lately I’ve gotten a little behind on the refilling part. We have three kids with 5 practices t,w,t and three with games with doubleheaders all on Saturday. Keeping up with the laundry is killing me.
Our stuff is based on the season, and now is our busy one. Right now we have four baseball bags-one for each kid, plus another two baseball bags for the hubby/coach, one soccer bag, a diaper bag, moms treats bag, the “keep the other kids busy” activity bag, a diaper/outfit change bag for the car, and of course my purse/organizer/first aid kit bag.
I love going out, we look like we are going on vacation! Call me a bag lady, ha ha.
I just need more room to store them all on a wall somewhere so that we don’t trip over them sitting by the door…
Great idea. Our kids are in sports too and we have a baseball bag just like yours. Our hockey and lacrosse bags have to go in the basement, though, way to big to be upstairs without a mudroom.
Great idea!! I will definitely be using this!! Thanks for the help! : )
Brilliant!!! I’m making my bags today! We need a cub scout bag, swim bags, and baseball bag. Thank you for linking up to my party!
Becca
I have been using this system for years. Not only does this save frustration when you have to leave “I can’t find my other soccer shoe” but if I know we won’t have time to come home before an activity I can just grab the bag and bring it with me.
I keep a container of snacks that the kids can just grab a sandwhich bag and take it with them. I keep water bottles half full in the freezer (we live in the desert) and they just top it off.
For myself I prefer a Lands End canvas tote bag. It is heavy duty and has lots of pockets to stick things.