13:46: And always, always pay for the linens and towels. We also rent beach chairs and umbrellas there.

What others said -- I keep a packing list on my phone, plus a general beach grocery list for the day after we arrive. We stay in Bethany Beach in DE and always go out to dinner the first night. Pack coffee and poptarts for breakfast the next morning, and then we hit the farmer's market and grocery store before lunch. We buy deli meats for sandwiches, tons of fruit, chips, cookies, etc., one night we do a charcuterie tray for dinner, but otherwise we go out. We often end up bringing leftovers home, so we have those for lunch or dinner as well during the week. Buy beer and wine down there.

If you go to the beach with young kids it's not a vacation. It's just moving to a different house without all of your stuff for a week. It's WORK.

Packing for an infant or toddler is just a pain in the ass no matter where you go. At least with a beach trip you can just throw everything in the car rather than try to get it in suitcases and get it on the plane.

Ever since I read this thread all I can think about is how amazing a week at the beach would be right now.

You don't need to pack food

You don't need food

It gets easier after the first couple of years. I keep a list of essentials and stash most of the basics in the closet to grab and go. Definitely worth it to avoid trips to the store. Meal plan and prep in advance. Go to the store once very early the first morning for produce and perishables. Bring first aid and other bathroom/shower stuff as this is pricey and annoying to have to go out and buy on vacation.
No need to pack a lot of clothes if you have a washer and dryer in the house. One beach towel and one shower towel per person. Sheets for all the beds if you have extra sheets - if not try to rent linens.
For young kids don’t bring a bunch of toys and games from home. Stop at a dollar store or a cvs or someplace like that close to the beach and let them buy some art supplies, beach toys and cheap fun stuff just for the week. My kids used to like making those stepping stones with shells and other beach souvenirs.
My kids are teens and young adults now so the equipment situation is easier. We still bring sound machines though! Haha.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, all. I can’t say this will becoming a reoccurring trip at ALL. It’s way too much work!

OP, my kids are now late teens/young adults, but I feel you. I still have a recurring nightmare of trying to pack everything back up on the morning of our check-out. In the dream, every drawer I open is chock full of clothes, stuff, etc. and I don’t have enough time (or help from anyone) to get us out of the rental before the 10am deadline. So stupid, I know, but I still have this anxiety dream!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope your husband helps you pack. My family just leaves it all to me, blissfully unaware and then by the time we leave I am a raging, sweaty mess.

I am the wife and I make my husband pack most of the crap because he is the one who insists we bring it all. I pack my own clothes and toiletries, and help the kids pack their own clothes and toiletries. If my husband wants to pack food and paper plates and TP and whatever other crap he chooses, that’s on him. I’m also not helping unload it all at the beach or reload it all when it’s time to come home. He knows how I feel and accepts it.

Why the shocked face? I agree with pp. You can buy that crap you need once you are there.