Planning a fall getaway to the Alabama coast? Knowing Leave Only Footprints regulations before you head our way can help you enjoy your beach vacation even more.

Leaving gear like tents, chairs and umbrellas on the beach overnight is now prohibited in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Any items left overnight will get picked up and disposed of by crews. You don’t want that to happen, but you still want to make it easy to get your gear out and in each day.

These tips can help. First, use large umbrellas for shade instead of a tent. A couple of umbrellas are a lot easier to take down to the beach and set up than a canopy tent. And it’s easier to take them in at the end of the day.

Now let’s talk about those beach chairs. When you pick them out, get chairs with a backpack or strap. Those inflatable lounge chairs are awesome too and don’t take up much space in the trunk.

Are you bringing a cooler down to the beach? Buy one with large wheels made for pulling in the sand. Wagons made for the beach are also a great option for transporting all your gear, including beach toys.

So why are the Leave Only Footprints regulations important? In 2016, more than 161 tons of materials were collected by crews. That’s a lot of trash left to harm our beautiful beaches. We want to keep them clean and protected for years to come. With a little planning, you can help us do that.