Growing up, I always wanted to go camping but never had the opportunity. Now that I have my own family, I want to try it out because I know that it would be a great experience for my boys! I recently asked a friend who camps often for some advice on making camping trips easier and she had a lot of tips to share! Here’s what she had to say:
Camping is so much fun. It’s such a nice break away from work, TV, social media, and the stress of everyday life. Instead of cleaning and running errands, you can just relax and enjoy nature and quality time spent with your family. Before packing for your trip, check out these few tips to make your camping trip even better. These little changes can add up to make big improvements!
Make use of organizers. Sure, at home they’re good for your shoes, towels, and even your daily meds, but when it comes to camping, organizers have new uses. A soft hanging organizer {one that’s made of fabric and mesh}, is perfect to hang up at your campsite. You can store everything from dishes and cleaning supplies to clothes, toys, and games. Having everything hanging up and organized makes things easier to get to and keeps your site clean. Tip: Medication organizers make for awesome spice containers. No need to pack all of those individual jars with you!
Prep your meals before you leave. If you’ve already got in mind what you plan on eating while camping, try making your meals ahead of the trip. If there’s anything you can measure out and put together, do it. This will cut back on how much unnecessary stuff you’ll be packing as well as save you time while you’re camping. One easy make-ahead meal is Slider Sammies: Using a pack of Hawaiian rolls, leave the rolls connected to one another but carefully cut the top layer away from the bottoms. Add the meat and cheese you want, put the top of the rolls back on, and then return them to the packaging the rolls came in. When you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is cut them apart!
Find multiple uses for items. Not only will you save on space, but you’ll save money as well if you make your camping supplies serve double or even triple duty. For example, instead of filling your cooler with bags of ice, use milk jugs that have been filled with water and froze. They’ll work as great ice blocks to keep your food cold. Not only that but once they thaw out, you can put a headlamp around one and use it as a lantern. Then of course, you’ve got some drinking water!
Bring DIY fire starters. There’s no need to fight with your campfire. Get a nice burn going by using simple to make DIY fire starters. You can use toilet paper roll tubes filled with dryer lint, cotton balls covered with petroleum jelly, or cotton pads {the kind you use for removing makeup} covered in wax.
Now get out and enjoy nature this summer!