Does getting ready for a fun activity sometimes seem like so much work you forgo the fun altogether? If you’re anything like me, the activities you enjoy often involve gathering supplies - ugh, right? Hiking is a good example. For a day on the trails you need a backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks, first aid supplies, a compass, extra socks, and maybe more. Having to gather all of these things each and every time you want to take a hike can be a huge time waster. Plus, when you start gathering from scratch there's always a significant possibility you'll accidentally leave something behind.

That risk is probably OK if you hike once or twice a year, but if you go multiple times a season you can save yourself a whole lot of hassle by putting together a hiking kit. The good news, kits can made for any activity. They save time and energy, helping you get out the door and on your way in a stress free, efficient manner.

For summer fun you may want to keep a beach kit. Moms with little ones may want a park outing kit. If you have kids in sports you may want a game watching kit. I belong to a number of civic organizations, for each of those I have a created simple kit. When it's time for a meeting I don't have to worry about gathering up the right stuff, I just grab the appropriate kit and head off with confidence knowing I have all I need.

Here are a few guidelines for creating kits.

• Start by creating a list of all the items you need for your activity. If you do this activity with others you may want to ask for their input as well.
  
  
• Gather all the items you need. Corral them in a single location and take stock of what you are looking at. This will help you decide on what kind of container (or containers) you'll need to house your kit supplies. Naturally, you'll want to choose something appropriate for your kit based on the nature of the activity and where you will be storing the kit. Ideally, your kit should be grab-and-go, meaning you don't have to 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 after each use. Replace anything that’s been used up. Clean up anything that needs cleaning.

The bottom line - a kit is an organizing tool that makes it easy to do an activity. Investing a little time up front creating a kit will allow you to embark on that activity at the drop of a hat. Now that's fun!

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