There have been many adjustments we’ve had to make with life in a travel trailer. Less showering, more bugs and rodents, less space, and more cold nights when the propane runs out ;). But also good adjustments- more time outside, more adventuring and hiking, less errands to run, and more time to be with my little family!

One adjustment that I hadn’t anticipated was going without a microwave.

Unfortunately, I had grown very accustomed to using my microwave in my sticks n’ bricks home. It’s so convenient and fast- just push a few buttons and food comes out hot within minutes (or seconds!). As a busy homeschooling mama of 6, I tend to want to streamline things and simplify in any ways I can so I have more energy for the important things, like my kids ;).

The travel trailer we bought has a microwave, and so it never even crossed my mind that it might be something I would need to go without.

Well, we’ve come to find out that our microwave uses A LOT of power. We really can’t use it when boondocking (which means camping without hookups- which is what we do the majority of the time). If we’re really desperate, we can hook up the generator, but since I’m not wanting to hook up the generator every time we eat, I’ve really learned to make do without!

And you know what?

It’s been way easier than I would’ve thought. I had totally been using the microwave as a crutch, but honestly, I really haven’t missed it! You can heat things up so easily in a little propane oven, or a toaster oven if that’s what you have, and while it can definitely take longer, it usually comes out with a better texture anyway. It just requires a little planning ahead- and when I say little, I mean sometimes it’s literally just 5 minutes. That’s certainly not too long of a wait!

I’ve also learned to just use my stove for heating things up. If I need melted butter, or want to heat up a can of chili, I just throw it on a pot on my stove. I’m embarrassed to admit that the first time I needed to melt butter, I was perplexed on how to do it without a microwave- until I remembered I have a STOVE and I could just heat it up in a pan. (MAJOR palm-to-the-face moment ;) ).

I know it seems so silly to be writing about all the things you can do without a microwave- but that’s kind of the day and age we live in! We are spoiled with so many conveniences- most of which we probably take for granted. And we tend to lean on them- maybe a little too much. A microwave is certainly not a necessity, but I certainly saw it that way a few months ago. Now I’m at a point where I’d rather rip out the microwave and have the storage space for fresh fruits and veggies! (So I can make more tasty avocado toast like in the picture above!)

I guess I share this for two reasons. One, try using your microwave a little less, because you really can do it! (Except microwave popcorn. I need to experiment with stovetop popcorn ;) ).

And second- appreciate the little things around you. Think of what a blessing it is to have so many ways to heat up food, the fact that you HAVE food. Appreciate that long, hot shower you’re able to take. Say a prayer of gratitude for your warm bed, the roof over your head. It’s a little cliche, but it doesn’t make those blessings any less important.

What small things are you grateful for? And can you survive without a microwave? ;)

    Camille Hoffmann
    Monthly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com