If you own a pool, you probably have at least a couple of pool toys and inflatables lying around!

When you’re packing away pool stuff for the season, make sure you consider some decluttering!

Declutter the gear!

By the end of the season, if you have broken pool toys, inflatables with holes, or toys that rarely get pulled out, get rid of them! Why store these things to deal with next year? Just deal with them now!

If you have kids’ goggles or flippers that are too small or on the cusp, get rid of them! The kids will grow by next season.

If you have kids’ bathing suits or swim shirts that they will outgrow next year, get rid of them! Also, if you note any bathing suit elastics wearing out, adult or kid sizes, get rid of them!

Know your storage space!

We use a large mesh bag to store whatever pool toys we decided on keeping. This is especially great if any of the toys are wet or damp when going into storage. The huge bag can hold pool noodles and a number of inflatable toys – especially after removing as much air as you possibly can! You can use a beach shell collecting bag or a delicates mesh laundry bag to hold the sinking toys or goggles. Separating them makes it easier to find them for that first jump into the water in the spring.

At the end of the season, only store stuff that fits and stuff you will really use next year! It’s a waste to store those broken toys or things that no one enjoyed using.

For extra longevity of the good toys, try washing them all before storing them. Make it something the kids can do! Help them set up a toy washing station so that your pool toys can be stored clean and in good shape for next year!

Enjoy that fall sunshine as you work on putting some summer fun away!

Thanks for coming home!