How I Pack for Vacation in Mesh Tote Bags

I scored some mesh totes at Target on clearance a couple of years ago. I bought about ten of them and figured that if I didn't use them, they'd make great graduation gifts with some sunglasses and a beach towel.

Instead, I ended up using them for everything!

For a beach trip, each member of the family gets one as a beach bag. For sleepovers, they hold a sleeping bag, jammies, and a birthday gift. They make great library and errand bags.

But, mostly, I use almost all ten to pack for vacations.

Because they are mesh, I can see what is packed inside of them. In addition, I label them with a sticky note (written on the sticky side of the note, so that they are pushed against the bag where it is plastic and they stick).

TIP: If you don't have a plastic pocket on the front of your mesh bags, just safety pin or binder clip the label to the bag.

In the back of the car, a glance tells you which bag you need with NO DIGGING. That means you can grab the swim bag in seconds.

Also, when putting things away, it's hard (but not impossible...I speak from experience) for your kids to argue that they don't know where the sunscreen goes, when one bag has all the swim supplies.

I do use suitcases and a regular tote bag for more personal items. But I'll be using these mesh totes until they get holes in them.

Etcetera.

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