"Ready-To-Go" Cook Box

Last minute camping trips? Too many things to do? Not enough time to get ready to leave? Can't find everything? After several unorganized attempts to pack for camping trips, I discovered that having a "Ready-To-Go" Cook Box helps to make getting ready for vacations and weekend camping trips much easier.

Having all of the 'kitchen' supplies in one handy, heavy-duty plastic crate on the closet shelf with much of our other camping equipment means that I usually have everything that we need in one place, and we don't have to buy more of the forgotten items left at home. I keep a checklist with the cook box as a helpful reminder of what things to add that we don't keep in the cook box.

This idea is easy to customize for other uses, too - kids' travel toy box, games & electronics for long road trips, beach towels, toys & sunscreen - all within easy reach when it's time to leave for the day or a trip!

A sturdy milk crate makes a good box here. They stack nicely, can take a beating, and they allow air to pass through which prevents mold. I've seen others use trunks or larger, Tupperware containers - it's really up to you!

Here's a list of things I like to have on hand. Any other must-haves you've discovered? Leave them in the comments!

(Revised Feb. 16, 2016)

- Pots & pans

- Plates, bowls

- Skillet (cast iron is our favorite)

- Small plastic cutting board

- Utensils (for eating & basic cooking)

- Dish cloths, pot holders

- Wash basins for dirty dishes

- Lantern, rechargeable (batteries for backup)

- Paper towels, aluminum foil, Ziploc bags

- Dish soap & sponge

- Matches (waterproof, strike anywhere)

- Bottle opener & corkscrew

- Swiss army knife

- Coffee making supplies

- Strainer

- Duct tape

- Small plastic grocery bags & garbage bags

- Plastic tablecloth