When one embarks on a journey - stocking up in a van and motorhome

Practical shopping tips

Of course, one doesn’t have as much space in a van or motorhome as at home. Rather, the space available is sometimes very limited and especially at high temperatures, the proper storage of food and beverages can really become a challenge.

So you should adjust your shopping to your travel plans and think ahead about what you actually want to cook. If you need fresh food, you can usually buy it in the country you’re visiting. I personally always find it exciting to stroll through markets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and to explore the specialties of a country in supermarkets. You can buy staple foods at home. However, pay attention to the shelf life, especially if you’re going to be traveling for a longer period. Our Smantry App can help you with this ;)

What should always be included - the staple foods

· Pasta

· Rice (optional)

· Coffee (I can’t do without it)

· Canned goods (tomatoes, corn, etc., and for those who like them, ravioli as well)

· Vinegar and oil

· UHT milk or plant-based milk

· Butter, oil, vinegar

· Oatmeal

· Bouillon cube

· Spices (for example, pepper, salt, paprika, oregano)

· Tomato paste

· Honey and/or sugar, or sweetener

I certainly don’t want to prohibit taking instant soups or sauces - and let’s be honest, they do have their merits from time to time.

Courage to be Minimalist

In both the van and the motorhome, one must come to terms with rather limited space - and it’s important to make the best of it. In principle, two gas burners (sometimes even just one) and a camping grill are perfectly sufficient to prepare delicious meals.

The same applies to cooking utensils, here too: less is more. Ideally, for example, a pan where you can remove the handle. This allows for space-saving storage. Two pots are completely sufficient. Extra tip for pasta fans (I could have it every other day): Nowadays, there are pasta strainers that can be folded to save space, or you can get a special strainer insert for the pot. It has the great advantage that you no longer have to drain the noodles.

When it comes to dishes, it’s completely sufficient to limit yourself to the essentials. More dishes also mean more weight.

Plates are available in melamine, aluminum, or bamboo. Cereal bowls are also excellent for eating soup, and there are even coffee pots that can be stored space-efficiently because they are collapsible. However, the espresso maker remains an evergreen for the authentic camper coffee experience.

Essential items include cutlery in the appropriate numbers, several sharp knives for cutting, chopping boards, wooden spoons, soup ladles, can openers (I speak from painful personal experience), spatulas, whisks, a pair of barbecue tongs, as well as lighters and matches. The Omnia oven is also very popular among campers. However, I have not yet tried it. But I’m sure that will come.

Storage in the camper and in the motorhome

Motorhome owners naturally have a huge advantage. Most things are already built in. There are cabinets, a refrigerator, a stove, and some motorhomes even have an oven.

Due to the boom, especially in the last two years, many manufacturers have developed special storage systems for vans and box trucks within the vehicle - and then there’s still the DIY option.

In the Pantry App, you have the option to create individual storage locations. This allows you to keep track of what’s still there, what needs to be used up quickly, and what should be repurchased, even in the van or RV.

For food items that do not require refrigeration, a storage box will suffice in a van. In a motorhome, such products can be easily stowed away in the cabinets. It is also advisable to acquire storage jars or cans (as they are lighter in weight). When hermetically sealed, spices and the like are protected not only from moisture but also from unwanted creepy crawlies.

If you want to build out your van yourself, you should definitely install a cool box or a portable refrigerator. Of course, it’s not a must, but without the ability to cool food, storing supplies quickly becomes difficult, and all shopping, especially for perishable goods, needs to be carefully planned. Naturally, you can also assign the refrigerator as a storage location in the Smantry App.

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