The TikTok Towel Hack You Need To Make Beach Days Easier

There's nothing like that sense of anticipation when heading to the beach — whether it's to catch a few waves, take a refreshing dip, or enjoy some chill time. From that first feeling of the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves hitting the shore to scoping out the best spot, it's one of those moments when all feels well with the world. The only slight snag, however, can be carrying all your stuff, which is why this simple towel hack from TikTok duo @KUYYAandNUNU can help make beach days easier.

From bathing suits, books, and sunscreen to snacks, water, and wetsuits, there's a surprisingly long list of things that can be needed for a day at the beach. When you also throw in larger items such as a surfboard, a parasol, or a picnic hamper, juggling these diverse components can be quite a challenge. So, what's the best method for organizing it all?

Well, for the little things, at least, one of the most straightforward ways is to wrap them in your beach towel — a trick that takes less than a minute but saves valuable time later. Not only will it keep everything neat in your beach bag, but it also means you can stow smaller items safely and securely, and they will be accessible as soon as you hit the sand.

Before you leave for the day, start by laying out your beach towel on a large, flat surface, such as a table, the bed, or on the floor. Keeping the towel lengthwise, neatly fold over each side so that they meet roughly in the middle, with one side slightly overlapping the other. Then fold over the far end, bringing it towards you by around a fifth or so of the full length.

Now, place your smaller items, such as suntan cream, goggles, and surf wax, in the center of the towel, arranging them as closely together as possible. Think kind of Tetris-style. Next, roll up the towel, starting from the end nearest you, and then, when you're almost done, tuck it into the "envelope" part that you'll find at the other end.

If everything goes as planned, as the TikTok video demonstrates, you should now have a neat little package, with your smaller items secured safely in the towel, that you can carry under your arm or pop in your beach bag. And hey presto, that's it!

This nifty towel hack is also handy if you're carrying belongings for other family members and don't want to get them mixed up in your beach bag. In that case, repeat the process for each person and stack the towels. It's also a good option for those who don't wish to take a bag — for instance, if going to the beach to swim or surf alone.

For the return journey from the beach, even if your towel is wet and sandy, you can still use the same fold-up method to transport smaller items. However, it's best to bring a waterproof pouch for devices such as your phone. If you're traveling by car, you may wish to stick the towel bag in the boot to prevent sand from getting everywhere. Once you get home, simply remove your items, shake the towel to remove the sand, and toss it in the washer. 

Of course, this is just one of many hacks that can make your day at the beach go more smoothly. Others include using a sled to transport all your gear (yes, really!), taking a mesh laundry bag for any wet and sandy beachwear, and a lockable bag to keep your valuables safe at the beach. So, next time you're heading to the ocean, remember these fail-safe tips. That way, once there, you can focus on the more important things, like soaking up some rays.