Living in temporary housing can feel like life is stuck on pause, especially when you’re crammed into a space that doesn’t feel like home. I remember our seven weeks in the Army Lodge on post in Germany. We were in this incredible country with so much to explore, but every day felt confined to a room with a kitchenette that barely functioned. It was a mix of excitement about where we were and frustration with our temporary living situation. Figuring out how to cook for my family in that tiny space was a challenge I wasn’t ready for.
But here’s the thing: temporary housing doesn’t mean you have to settle for takeout or bland microwave meals every day. With some creativity and flexibility, you can still whip up food that feels comforting, even if your kitchen is basically two burners and a microwave. It’s all about adapting to what’s in front of you and finding ways to make the most of it.
Embracing the limitations
Cooking in that tiny space taught me that adaptability is everything. I had to ditch my usual go-to recipes and think differently about meal prep. Here’s how I navigated the obstacles:
- Maximizing Limited Storage: The mini-fridge was a joke when it came to space, so I had to get strategic. Non-perishables became my best friends: pasta, rice, canned goods, and sauces. Frozen veggies were a game-changer because they didn’t hog fridge space and could be tossed into almost any meal for a nutritional boost.
- Versatile Cookware Is Key: With limited pots and pans, each piece had to be multifunctional. A solid skillet and a reliable saucepan became my go-to tools. They were enough to handle everything from pancakes for breakfast to stir-fries for dinner.
- One-Pot Meals for the Win: With only two burners, juggling multiple pots was a no-go. One-pot meals became essential. They simplified cooking and cut down on cleanup time, which is a big plus when dealing with a tiny sink.
Getting creative
Adjusting to the limited kitchen setup meant rethinking how I planned meals altogether. I couldn’t rely on bulk buying or extensive meal prepping like I did back home. Instead, I had to be more intentional with my shopping and cooking.
- Batch Cooking When Possible: On days when I had a bit more time and fridge space, I cooked extra portions. Leftovers became lifesavers on busy days or when I didn’t feel like dealing with the cramped kitchen.
- Embracing Local Markets: Being in Germany had its perks. Local grocery stores were within walking distance, so I started shopping more frequently but buying less each time. This approach meant fresher ingredients and less stress about storing bulk items.
- Simplifying Ingredients: Complex recipes with long ingredient lists were off the table. I focused on meals that used fewer ingredients but were still flavorful. Think pasta dishes with simple sauces, stir-fries with whatever veggies I had on hand, and hearty soups that could simmer on the stovetop.
Accepting and adjusting
Cooking in a less-than-ideal kitchen isn’t just about the physical limitations; it’s also a mental game. Accepting the situation and adjusting my expectations made a huge difference.
- Letting Go of Perfection: I had to remind myself that it was okay if meals weren’t Instagram-worthy. The goal was to feed my family nourishing food rather than to create culinary masterpieces.
- Finding Joy in Small Wins: Successfully cooking a decent meal in that tiny kitchen felt like a victory. Each successful dish boosted my confidence and made the temporary living situation more bearable.
- Connecting Over Meals: Despite the cramped space, we made it a point to sit down together for meals. It brought a sense of normalcy and comfort during an otherwise unsettled time.
Making the best
The truth is, temporary housing can feel uncomfortable, like you’re in between stages of your life. But figuring out how to adapt your cooking to the space can make it feel a little more manageable. When we were in that Army Lodge, it was frustrating at times, but the small victories — like finally figuring out how to make a decent meal in that kitchenette made all the difference. Those little wins help you feel more grounded, even when everything else feels temporary.
So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t stress about making gourmet meals. Focus on what you can do, adapt to your space, and remember that this is just one stage in the journey. Cooking in a makeshift kitchen is just part of the experience, and it doesn’t have to be as limiting as it seems.
The Bottom Line
Temporary housing doesn’t have to mean bland meals or a constant struggle in the kitchen. It’s all about finding ways to simplify, using what you have, and making the most of the space available. Whether in an Army Lodge or any other transitional space, adapting your cooking habits can make things a little easier and help you feel a bit more at home. And sometimes, that’s all you need.