Let me just say upfront that it will all be worth it in the end!
Soon, you will have a new kitchen where lasting memories with family and friends will be made for years. It WILL BE worth it! That said, we know living without the hardest-working room in the house can be tough. Whether your renovation will last a few weeks or a few months, careful planning will help you stay sane and minimize disruptions.
Here are some practical tips to make the process as stress-free as possible:
Start Early
- Declutter: Begin by packing up fragile, seasonal items, and anything that isn’t essential from your current kitchen and storing them away.
- Take Care of Pets: Pets can get stressed by the noise and unfamiliar activity. Create a calm, quiet space away from the construction zone. If needed, consider doggie daycare or ask a friend to help care for your pet.
- Set Up a Temporary Kitchen: Choose a space like a formal dining room or guest room. Remove unnecessary furniture (hutches, dressers, extra chairs, etc.) and non-essential items. Store these in a garage or storage room to create a functional, clutter-free area.
- Use Only the Basics: Move your microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, and Instant Pot to your temporary kitchen. If possible, relocate your fridge too (it can plug in anywhere!)
- Maximize Space: Use your old cabinets or inexpensive shelving for food, cooking supplies, and dishware storage. Add a folding table or stack up those kitchen boxes to create extra counter space.
- Smart Storage: Store supplies that don’t fit on the shelves in clear, plastic bins so they are easy to find.
- Set Up a Wash Zone: Use a utility sink, bathtub, or even a Coleman cooler as a makeshift “farmhouse sink.” A cooler in the tub makes draining easy.
- Use Disposable Options: Stock up on paper plates, plastic utensils, and foil trays to skip dishwashing entirely.
- Keep Cleaning Easy: Line cooking trays with foil or parchment paper for quick cleanup. Heat water in a kettle for better washing.
Stay Organized + Tidy
- File Documents: Use an accordion file to keep contracts, receipts, and other important paperwork in one place.
- Protect Your Home: Map out the path contractors will take from your door to the kitchen. Lay down carpet scraps, old rugs, or plastic drop cloths to safeguard your floors.
- Keep Dust Under Control: Seal off adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting, cover furniture, and consider investing in an air purifier to minimize dust.
- Prep Snack Access: Store frequently used items like kid’s snacks or lunchboxes in clear plastic bins with handles for easy access.
- Simplfiy Cooking: Stick to no-fuss meals like sandwiches and salads, or meals you can make with small appliances like an Instant Pot, air fryer, microwave, or BBQ. Add in pre-packaged, frozen, and ready-made meals to the rotation.
- Treat Yourself: Plan to eat out occasionally. Look for restaurant gift card deals before the renovation starts to save money. Or consider signing up for meal delivery services to save time and energy.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
- Hire the Right Team: Work with a professional, experienced team of designers and builders who will guide you through the process, manage timelines, and keep you informed.
- Anticipate Challenges: Expect delays, disruptions, and moments of frustration. Knowing this ahead of time will help you stay patient and adaptable.
- Track Progress: Keep a timeline taped to the wall as a visual reminder of the progress and celebrate small wins along the way.
- Motivate Yourself: Take photos of the process to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
- Create New Routines and Plan Escapes: Plan activities to get out of the house more often—work at a coffee shop, visit the library, or schedule fun outings with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
Renovations can be challenging, but they’re just a temporary inconvenience on your way to a beautiful new kitchen. Take a deep breath, stay flexible, and remind yourself of the end goal—a space that reflects your style and needs. Soon enough, you’ll be creating delicious meals and lasting memories in the kitchen of your dreams!