Living Out of a Tent for A Month-IDEAS/TIPS?

[Maria/ME]

I won't say "camping" for a month, because "camping" is a fun adventure. No, this will be living. Complete with two cats, appointments, errands, church, bills etc..not a "camping" vacation.

 

(We have to be out of our rental, but the house we are under contract with isn't ready (short sale).)

 

So, I need your tips and ideas! My thought was to have a screened in shelter for food storage, picnic table and cats. A smaller tent for sleeping/clothes. What works for you in terms of kitchen arrangements/logistics, food storage, food ideas? Ideas for dealing with pets? Ideas for storage? Clothes in plastic bins?

 

Any input would be very helpful!

[Karenciavo]

Can't anyone take the cats for you? I'd be afraid they'd get lost.

[Maria/ME]

Can't anyone take the cats for you? I'd be afraid they'd get lost.

 

Well, that is my fear, too, and we are looking for someone to take them, but it's getting down to the wire and I need to prepare for the eventuality. I thought if they were in a screened in area they could have some freedom and still be safe. We would not let them roam the campsite, of course!

[Chelle in MO]

Maybe not a fun adventure, but an adventure nevertheless! You'll do fine, and you'll probably even look back at this time with good memories.

 

I think your idea of a screened area is great. Just make sure there's NO food in your sleeping tent or even outside unsecure. We awoke one night to the sound of a racoon helping himself to the food in our cooler! We kept the cooler in the van after that.

 

I know someone who lived at a campsite for a reason similar to yours a number of years ago, but without kids or pets, so it was probably a lot easier than what you're planning for. One thing I remember the husband doing...he put up a "security" line around the perimeter of their campsite. To do this, he strung a low rope between trees or stakes and attached metal cans together at intervals so they'd rattle if someone/something was approaching at night! I'm not sure it was necessary, but it was ingenious and made them feel a little more safe!

 

Best wishes!

 

Chelle

[farmgirlinwv]

Are you going to rent a storeage building for you belongings? I definately would.

 

I would just take the minimum basics to the campsite. I think the screened in shelter is a good idea. You should also invest in a large tarp for covering a large area when it rains. My brother does this when camping by tying it to trees. Use paper plates, cups, ect. I would give each child one rubbermaid tub for clothes and some kind of bag to keep their toiletries in. I assume you'll have a shower available. Then a backpack or something for fun items. Bring their bikes to ride. It would be nice to have one of those week-long coolers. You should also research some camping recipes. There are loads! We made skillet pizza and donuts while camping! Kids would love that! Bring a mat to put in front of each tent to take off their shoes and keep more dirt out.

 

Good Luck! Sounds like fun!

 

Lisa

[PrairieAir]

You know, I think I would try to make it a fun adventure even if that isn't your reason for doing it. It could be a stressful situation and trying to do everything just like normal except for out of a tent could make it more so. I wouldn't be to strict about sticking to your complete normal routine. Make it fun. Do a little extra nature study while your out there. This could actually wind up being something your kids look back on fondly when they're grown. It will be whatever you make of it.

 

When we camp, I usually do pack our clothes in plastic tubs. I also have plastic tubs for kitchen utensils/dishes/pots and pans and for food that doesn't need to be kept cold. I like the Sterlite tubs because they snap down tightly if not overfilled.

 

If you have a camp kitchen or some folding tables or a picnic table to use solely for your kitchen area, that is a little nicer and will save your back while helping you keep things tidy. I used to have a set of plastic dishes and utensils in different colors. Each child had a cup, bowl, plate, fork, knife, and spoon in their color and each was responsible for cleaning their own dishes. At one time we used dip bags like the Girl Scouts use. I still use the G.S. method (three dishpans: hot soapy water, warm clear water, cold water with a capful of bleach to disinfect) minus the dip bags because I found I like a small folding dish drainer better.

 

I can't think of anything else right now. Just learn to roll with it and have fun!

[Karenciavo]

I know someone who lived at a campsite for a reason similar to yours a number of years ago, but without kids or pets, so it was probably a lot easier than what you're planning for. One thing I remember the husband doing...he put up a "security" line around the perimeter of their campsite. To do this, he strung a low rope between trees or stakes and attached metal cans together at intervals so they'd rattle if someone/something was approaching at night! I'm not sure it was necessary, but it was ingenious and made them feel a little more safe!

 

Chelle

 

What I great idea! I would be skerd of bears. :D

[Aubrey]

You know, I think I would try to make it a fun adventure even if that isn't your reason for doing it. It could be a stressful situation and trying to do everything just like normal except for out of a tent could make it more so. I wouldn't be to strict about sticking to your complete normal routine. Make it fun. Do a little extra nature study while your out there. This could actually wind up being something your kids look back on fondly when they're grown. It will be whatever you make of it.

 

When we camp, I usually do pack our clothes in plastic tubs. I also have plastic tubs for kitchen utensils/dishes/pots and pans and for food that doesn't need to be kept cold. I like the Sterlite tubs because they snap down tightly if not overfilled.

 

If you have a camp kitchen or some folding tables or a picnic table to use solely for your kitchen area, that is a little nicer and will save your back while helping you keep things tidy. I used to have a set of plastic dishes and utensils in different colors. Each child had a cup, bowl, plate, fork, knife, and spoon in their color and each was responsible for cleaning their own dishes. At one time we used dip bags like the Girl Scouts use. I still use the G.S. method (three dishpans: hot soapy water, warm clear water, cold water with a capful of bleach to disinfect) minus the dip bags because I found I like a small folding dish drainer better.

 

I can't think of anything else right now. Just learn to roll with it and have fun!

 

I agree. Treat it like a vacation, even if it's not. Can you rent a cabin instead of using a tent? I've heard they're cheap at state parks, & sometimes even have indoor plumbing, etc.

 

I'm sure dh has to go to work. Otherwise, there are no "have-to's," really. I mean, for us. Church? You're on vacation, hrs away from home. WWYD then? Worship under the trees or something. Make it fun & memorable.

 

I remember one move when we were dc. I was 8, sis was 6, bro was 4. We had mint popsicles for dinner the last night at our rental house. We thought Mom was AWESOME. She said we were cleaning out the fridge. Years later, I learned that we had no $, & that was the last food we had at all. But she made it fun, kwim? Of course, I don't think that helped *her* deal w/ the situation much.

 

I also think the nature study sounds great. Maybe bring crayons for the kids to do leaf rubbings or something. I can't help much--I'm not a camping kind of girl. Forget the cats--I'd be finding someone for ME to stay w/ LOL.

 

GL! You must be a really great, easy-going, cheerful kind of person to even consider this. Embrace that image!!! :lol: And :grouphug: for when it doesn't feel that way!

[Alenee]

Google "camping checklists".

 

http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Checklists.htm

 

The above link is the first one that came up when I googled it. There were many more to choose from.

 

We used a lengthy checklist a few years ago but in the end were very glad because we had things with us no one else in our group had and it saved the day many times over. The lists are pretty thorough so you can pare down as needed but it helps organize your thoughts so you don't forget anything that's truly necessary.

 

hth

[shell in SC]

I think your idea of a screened area is great. Just make sure there's NO food in your sleeping tent or even outside unsecure. We awoke one night to the sound of a racoon helping himself to the food in our cooler! We kept the cooler in the van after that.

 

:iagree: with that one. The people in the site beside us had a racoon chew through their tent to snag some goodies they had in there. If racoons are a big problem in your area, you may want to leave all the food in the car overnight.

 

I hope you have more fun than you're expecting!

 

shell

[Kathy in MD]

For a month, especially if you're going to try to get dressed for work and church, I'd get a tent large enough to stand up (or nearly up) in. These are often available for $100-150 at Target of acceptable, but not heavy use or weather, quality. It gets old really fast kneeling to get dressed. I also like a tent with "rooms" and two or more entrances for car camping. My teen likes the "privacy" of his room and the extra doors gives you more flexibility in setting up the tent. Depending on the number and ages of your dc, you may consider getting a smaller, second tent for some of your dc. Remember a ground cloth and to seal the seams on the tub (bottom) of the tent. Sealant would be available at a camping store if Target doesn't have it. Door mats help a lot with keeping the interior clean.

 

Be aware when you're shopping for tents that a tent that sleeps 6 means those 6 are shoulder to shoulder (or nose to tail) on 18" pads and to get out of the tent you crawl over and step on your tent mates. It's rare that when the tent is loaded with its full complement of sleepers that there'll be room for much more than a dufflebag per person, if that.

 

Though we still use thick (2") ThremoRest pads, many prefer standard air mattresses. If you go that route, you may want extra insulation in the form of blankets or closed cell pads on top of the mattress and under you. If you want to splurge, you can now get them double high for more "like-home" comfort. Remember to get a way to blow them up. If you use cots instead, you can frequently store things under them. However I'd avoid cots with bars across the top and bottom except for the smallest of people. Also do a layout of your "beds" and containers in your tent. This is particularly important if you're using double, queen or king size mattresses.

 

If you're expecting warm or hot evening weather, get a battery operated fan and a tent with maximum ventilation. (Target tents probably meet this requirement) If you're planning on using sleeping bags, I like to still pack sheets to cover with in hot weather. I also like an electric lamp up high in the tent for general illumination. Unfortunately they're often to heavy to suspend from the top of the tent, so you may want to plan for room for a small table or large dog crate to place it on.

 

I assume that you'll be in a formal campground with toilets and showers. Remember flip-flops for use in the shower and small toilet kits that can get wet. I also prefer the synthetic camp towels to regular bath towels. They're much smaller, absorb more moisture and dry more quickly for faster reuse. Remember rope for clothesline and other uses. Also pillow cases make great clothes hampers in tents.

 

Picnic tables become old very quickly to sit at. Bring some comfortable camp chairs and a hammock or two.

 

I second the suggestions of getting and setting up a good camp kitchen. You may want to set it up outside of the screen house because of possible fire flare-ups (rare but nasty). If you have time (hah!), dehydrate gound beef in a gravy or spaghetti sauce for easy meat meals that don't need refrigeration.

 

Most inexpensive screen tents I've seen don't have a bottom, so your cats could easily escape. Could you get a small totally enclosed dog run for them and put a climbing pole/box in it for them?

[TraceyS/FL]

Gee, for a month - i'd probably see if someone i knew wanted to rent an RV to me for that period. Call some of the rental places - they might give you a break since it's not going to be driven (saves wear and tear). I'm assuming that driving vacations aren't high on the list this summer, so they might be willing to cut more of a deal.

 

Everyone else had good advice......

 

Good luck!!

[Reesegirl]

If it were our family and I was cooking for a month in a campsite I would pay extra for the electrical sites...you could take your crock pot and throw chicken or stew or what ever you liked in one and have your meals prepared so easily. Plus you could also take a skillet or coffee pot or what ever small appliances that would make your work easier. You might even find a small dorm fridge at a garage sale to use!

[farmgirlinwv]

If it were our family and I was cooking for a month in a campsite I would pay extra for the electrical sites...you could take your crock pot and throw chicken or stew or what ever you liked in one and have your meals prepared so easily. Plus you could also take a skillet or coffee pot or what ever small appliances that would make your work easier. You might even find a small dorm fridge at a garage sale to use!

 

I think this is a great idea! You could plug in a small fridge, a fan, an electric skillet, ect.

[farmgirlinwv]

If it were our family and I was cooking for a month in a campsite I would pay extra for the electrical sites...you could take your crock pot and throw chicken or stew or what ever you liked in one and have your meals prepared so easily. Plus you could also take a skillet or coffee pot or what ever small appliances that would make your work easier. You might even find a small dorm fridge at a garage sale to use!

 

Great idea! A small fridge, a fan, an electic skillet...Well worth the extra $$!

[Maria/ME]

Well, thank you all for your great thoughts and ideas! Just the encouragement to make this an adventure is a great hel The cabin idea sounds excellent. My dh is all for it and I did some calling around to see if anything is available. (In Maine. In peak season. On the coast. HA!) and most places don't take cats! I have to really find someone to take them...anyway...I digress...

 

...thanks again for the encouraging thoughts and great ideas!