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How to Survive and Thrive During a Kitchen Remodel

So you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen, congratulations! The question we often hear next is whether or not we recommend a homeowner move out of their home during the kitchen remodel.  Most home remodeling professionals (and those who have been through a remodel) agree that the best way to get through the remodel IS to stay offsite.  The reason for this is because it will substantially lessen your stress.  However, if this is not an option for you, take heart, we’ve written this blog post for you! Keep reading to learn ways to prepare and get through your remodel with the fewest headaches. Is it going to be messy?  Yes.  Is it going to be noisy?  Yes.  Is it going to be worth it?  Yes!

Prepare Yourself Mentally

The best thing you can do is prepare mentally for the change that is going to happen under your roof.  Concentrate on letting go of control because if you try and hold onto it, you’re toast.

Pack Up Your Kitchen Properly

Set aside some time to pack up your kitchen properly before demolition begins.  Make sure you think through what items you want to use (if any) during the remodel and set those aside.  It’s a big job and you will need boxes, tape, pens and lots of good music to get you through the ordeal.  Consider using the pack up time, to purge as well.  Keep a box or bin nearby to put items you haven’t used in the last year.  Or use the KonMari method of organizing your home by getting rid of physical items that do not bring you joy.  If neither of those methods work for you, try to imagine yourself in your newly remodeled kitchen using the item.  If you can’t visualize it, then into the donation box it goes!

 

Brainstorm Creative Meal Options

Like it or not, during a remodel eating out (or buying take-out food to eat at home) could possibly be the norm.  However, with some creative brainstorming you could come up with some other options such as:

  • make-ahead meals to freeze
  • subscribe to a cooked meal service (like Freshly) that delivers fresh cooked meals, all you have to do is heat them up
  • or subscribe to a prepped meal service (like Home Chef) that delivers prepped, portioned, and ready to cook meals – with little to no clean up
  • embark on some instantpot adventures and finally get around to making all those recipes you’ve pinned but not made (yet)
  • pick up the phone and schedule a rotation of dinners with family members and friends at their home (with the promise of hosting them in your home once the remodel is complete)
  • make use of that big box store membership and pick up some ready-to-eat meals (think rotiessere chickens, bagged salads, cooked meatballs, hard-boiled eggs, etc.)

If you get tired of going out to eat, consider using GrubHub or UberEats to deliver your favorite to-go meal home.

Setting up a temporary kitchen during a remodel

 

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

Think about where you can set up an out-of-the-way temporary kitchen, ideally someplace in your home with a sink; a laundry room, bathroom, or garage work great.  As for what to put in your temporary kitchen: think about the everyday items you cannot live without, such as coffee maker, electric teakettle, microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker (or instant pot), an all purpose pot or pan along with a 21st century hotplate: a portable induction cooktop.  Be sure to set aside one place setting/person in the household so you don’t have to burn through a ton of paper or plastic dish and silverware.  Another key piece for your temporary kitchen: a folding card table which is sturdier than TV tray tables and easily folds down to be put away when not in use.  If the weather during your remodel is going to be pleasant, consider making use of your outdoor grill as your new stove top/oven.  Need inspiration for outdoor cooking or looking for freezer meals that can be made in advance of your remodel?  A plethora of recipes and techniques can be found online (check out The Food Network or Pinterest). In addition, be sure to think through how you are going to clean up your dishes from the kitchenette.

Find Your Happy Place

Hopefully that happy place takes you outside your home, maybe a nearby park, local coffee shop or find some good classes in your town.  If you will be at home more often than not, make sure to designate a construction-free zone.  This will be central to helping you maintain your sanity throughout the remodel.  The best options would be a room(s) that are not bedrooms and are not directly adjacent to or above the kitchen.

 

Keys to Success

Keep in mind that progress is being made each day even if it may not look like it. If you have done your due diligence and hired a reputable and professional remodeling company, the company’s team members and their trade partners are as motivated to complete your kitchen remodel as you are and being flexible is a huge part of having a successful remodeling experience. One way your remodeling contractor can help make your overall remodeling experience a positive one is to rent a portable bathroom. Having the workers use a portable bathroom is a good way to protect your private space and comfort level. In addition, renting a container, such as a POD, is a needed storage solution for the myriad of tools, equipment, and supplies that will be used on your project. Be sure to ask if these solutions are ones that your remodeling contractor will consider.

If you are looking for some inspiring kitchen remodel ideas, check out our inspiration page here.  If you are curious about our kitchen remodel process, please check our our services page here.  Have a question about working with us? 

 

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Schedule a Call With Us at a Time That Works Best for You

We get it, you are busy, and honestly we are too. Schedule a time for an introductory call and one of our team members will give you a call at a time that works best for your schedule. Typically the call will last 15-20 minutes. During this call we will try and answer your questions as well as gather information about your unique project, such as:

  • location
  • length of time in your home
  • aspects of your space that are not working for you