The beach is one of the best places to be during the summer, but between the sand, sun, and surf, it’s also a place that can pose some serious challenges.

Last summer we brought you five hacks to make your beach going experience better, and now we’re bringing you five more hacks that you won’t believe you survived without!

Say goodbye to sandy toys.

Shovels, sandcastle molds, floaties—all these items can get instantly icky and sandy after just a few minutes of use. Instead of throwing them back in the car or carrying them on the walk home still covered in sand, store them in a mesh laundry hamper. The mesh will help shake off the sand naturally, and you won’t have to touch them directly.

Pack some deflated balloons.

No, not for a water balloon fight. Deflated water balloons actually have another (very intelligent) purpose. If you or your kids are prone to getting water in your ears after swimming, try blowing into the balloon, which can help get the water out.

Save the creamer containers.

When you’re done with that plastic coffee creamer container, don’t just throw it in the recycling bin! Instead, wash it out, remove the label, and use it to pack snacks. The smaller opening can let you munch on some crackers (or whatever your favorite snack is) in perfectly portioned handfuls—or even directly into your mouth, if your hands are sandy.

Create your own tent.

Umbrellas can be bulky, so if you aren’t interested in lugging that thing all the way to the beach, or spending a fortune to rent one, bring some items to make one yourself! All you really need are some tall poles to stick into the sand and some beach towels. Simply align two of the poles toward one end of your towel, and another pole in the front. Drape the towels over the poles, and you have yourself a tent.

Keep your shoes cool.

If you’ve ever worn dark-colored sandals to the beach, left them sit in the sun all day, and tried to put them on to go home, you know the burn is real. Instead, dig a hole in the sand when you arrive big enough to place everyone’s shoes in. Lay a towel over the hole—or place your cooler on top of it—and no more hot shoes!