If you’re anything like me, the activities and pastimes you enjoy often involve multiple accouterments; head out for a hike, for example, and you need a backpack, a water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, a simple first aid kit, a map and compass, and so on. Gathering all of these things anew each time you want to take part in a certain activity can be a time waster, and can increase the chances that you’ll accidentally leave something behind.
On the other hand, if you keep them stashed together as a kit, there’s very little prep you need to do before heading out. Kits can make all kinds of regular activities more efficient and more enjoyable, and can take away some of the stress of trying to remember everything you need time and again. Here are a few basic pointers for creating kits, as well as a few kit ideas for common leisure activities.
Kit preparation
Regardless of what kind of kit you’re creating, keep in mind that it should make it easy to do an activity you enjoy. For starters, then, make a list of the things you like doing and what you need for each one; if friends or family members take part in these activities as well, you might ask for their input to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Once you’ve created your list, find a container that’s appropriate for your kit based on the nature of the activity, where the kit will be stored, and how much stuff you need to stash. Ideally, you should be able to take the kit for an out-of-the-house activity with you in its container, rather than having to transfer it to something else when you head out and transfer it again when you get home.
Finally, make it a habit to check your kit regularly and replenish or replace anything that’s been used up or is out of date. This is especially important for kits in which you store food or beverages, which you’re most likely to use first and which are likely to have some sort of expiration date. Store your kit near the other items you use for your activity (say, your hiking kit with your hiking boots) as a reminder to check it every once in a while.
Some simple kit ideas
The kits you create should reflect the things you do most often; that said, there are a few standard kits that are handy to keep around. You can modify and build on these to make them fit your needs.
- Emergency Kit—This is one kit every home should have, regardless of where you live. A well-stocked emergency kit can make a significant difference in your ability to survive extreme weather, a fire, or other catastrophes. The Department of Homeland Security’s website, Ready.gov, has a good list of emergency kit contents; you can find the list at http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html. It’s especially important to keep your emergency kit accessible and well stocked, so schedule time once a season to check for expired items and to test things like battery-operated radios and flashlights.
- Beach Kit—No more forgotten sunblock! Take some time to stash beach essentials in a sturdy, roomy bag: towels, sunblock, hats, non-meltable snacks, water bottles, some small bills and change (for the ice cream truck, parking fees, or other expenses), and perhaps a good beach read or two. This is one kit you’ll need to re-pack after each use, as you’ll want to replace the towels you’ve used, snacks you’ve eaten, and money you’ve spent. (Replenishing your kit as soon as possible after you get back will decrease the chances that you’ll forget to do it!)
- Party Kit—Create a central spot for informal party supplies like paper cups, plates, and napkins; decorations; tablecloths; balloons and favors; and simple party games. (The fancier stuff—such as table linens, special glassware, and candles—can also be stored together, but it’s best to keep it separate from its informal counterparts.) You might also throw in some non-perishable snacks like cans of mixed nuts and boxes of crackers so you’re ready to throw something together with little notice (and no grocery shopping).
- Air Travel Kit—Depending on how often and how far you fly, your air travel kit might include things like non-perishable snacks, slippers, earplugs, an eye mask, lightweight reading material, and a small pillow. Keep this kit with your most commonly used luggage, and replenish it after each trip (which is also a good time to restock your toiletries bag).
Though it will take a small investment of time and effort to prepare your kits, they’ll ultimately allow you to engage in the activities you do most frequently with less preparation and less stress.
