There’s a lot to be said about downsizing your life and focusing on what matters. Vanlife is about self-discovery, adventure, freedom, and simplicity. Those who have embraced this new way of living will attest that it has changed their lives for the better. With that being said, even the most exciting lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties. Even though you get to live in a camper van instead of an apartment or house, living in such a small space can present its own problems. In this blog post, we will show you some awesome tips on how to fully embrace your new life as a van dweller by embracing the brilliant side of vanlife cooking!
Start with a food prep session
One of the best ways to start preparing yourself for life in a van is by going on a food prep session. This is usually done by taking a weekend, or even a few days off work and preparing as much of your food as possible. This is a great way to practice in a real-life situation, while also saving a significant amount of money in the long run. It’s best to start with the food items that you will consume the most. This includes things like rice, pasta, beans, and other legumes, along with vegetables and fruits. These foods are great for vanlife cooking because they are very easy to store and can last for a very long time without spoiling. During your food prep session, it’s important to remember to buy food in bulk. Doing so will allow you to save a lot of money because you will be purchasing much more than you normally would.
Make the most of your space
If you are planning on living in a van you will have to get creative when it comes to making the most of your space. While the inside of a van might seem spacious, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s an entire roof above you where you can store your belongings. Some people will even place beds on the roof of their vans. To make the most of your space, try installing a small kitchen on one side of the van while having a bed on the other side. This will allow you to store food right above your kitchen and save a lot of space as a result. Alternatively, you can place your kitchen on the side with your bed, but this will make accessing your food a bit more complicated.
Utilize a portable kitchen
A portable kitchen is a great investment for anyone who is planning on living in a van. They come in all shapes and sizes and are great for storing your kitchen appliances and cookware. The best part about vanlife cooking is that you can bring your kitchen anywhere you go. If you are visiting friends, and family, or even going to a festival, you can bring your kitchen with you and cook wherever you are. This will allow you to save a lot of money because you won’t be eating out all the time. When choosing a portable kitchen, you want to make sure that it has enough space for all of your appliances and cookware.
Know your staples
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for the vanlife is by stocking up on staples. Staples are foods that are very versatile and can be used in many different dishes. They are also extremely easy to store and have a very long shelf life. A few staples that you should have in your van include rice, pasta, oats, beans, and legumes. These foods are great for eating out of a can or a bag, which is something that you will be doing a lot of so you can save space in your fridge. These staples will allow you to cook a variety of different dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Knowing your staples will make it easier to prepare nutritious meals regularly. It will also help you save a significant amount of money in the long run because these staples are very cheap and easy to store.
Conclusion
When living in a van, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. You will need to store your food properly to avoid it spoiling and you will need to find a way to keep your food warm if you are cooking inside your van. If you are living in a van, you will have to make sure that you have everything you need to cook. This includes pots and pans, cutting boards, knives, and any other necessary kitchen appliances. If you are new to vanlife cooking, you will have more than enough challenges to deal with. However, with the tips and tricks listed above, you will be able to confidently and successfully embrace your new lifestyle with ease!