Kitchen remodeling is one of the most rewarding and exciting home improvement projects, but it can also be one of the most stressful. With a kitchen remodel comes loud noises, dust, and chaos that can make a living in your home challenging. The good news is that there are ways to make the process much less stressful so that you can enjoy the kitchen remodel and even thrive while it is underway.
In this blog post, we will discuss stress-free strategies for how to survive a kitchen remodel while living at home. From strategizing the space and planning ahead to creating a comfortable living space and ensuring you have the right materials, we will provide tips and tricks to make the entire process a success. Get ready to make the most of your remodel, and enjoy the transformation of your kitchen space with minimal hassle.
Surviving the Kitchen Renovation: 10 Essential Strategies
You have your reasons why you choose to stay in your home during a kitchen remodel. Be it a matter of budget, lack of time to relocate, or a need to be close by in order to maintain your schedule, there are a number of reasons you might choose to stay during the renovation period.
However, the right attitude will go a long way in helping you get through the process. Here are 10 essential strategies that can make all the difference.
1. Make a Packing List and Prioritize the Items on It
It is always a good idea to make a packing list in advance so that you can focus on the most important items, avoid forgetting anything, and make it easier for yourself by having the essentials already packed. The important thing is to have a list to reference so that you do not get stuck with the kitchen ideas and accessories you cannot live without.
Start with a master packing list that includes everything you might need in the kitchen, for instance, pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances, table items, and even your food pantry.
On top of vital kitchen utensils, remember that you will also need suitable items to prepare and cook foods and wash dishes during the remodel.
Go through this list with another member of the family to ensure you do not forget items someone else might need.
2. Establish a Temporary Kitchen
You may find yourself in need of a temporary home during the kitchen remodel and be forced to live in your kitchen until the project is completed. During this time, you can do several things to make the experience as stress-free as possible.
Choose the Right Spot:
The first step is to find an appropriate place for your temporary kitchen. You will have to make several decisions depending on the availability of space in your home and whether you want to give up some of the existing rooms or dedicate an entirely new room, such as a basement or garage.
Be sure that you choose an area that is clean and clutter-free so that it will not be an additional burden on you. It is also ideal to choose a low-traffic area away from the site of construction but near a clean water source. Ensure you have access to electrical outlets for basic appliances and the fridge.
Prepare an Adequate Water Source:
You will need water to cook, clean, and wash dishes, so you need to ensure that you have a source of clean drinking water when making your temporary kitchen at home. If your temporary kitchen station doesn’t have a sink, you need to get a water pitcher or a water dispenser for drinking and cooking and use the bathtub or shower to wash dishes.
Install Temporary Countertops and Storage:
You can use plywood and other materials to make temporary countertops for your kitchen station. Instead, you can use a folding table or a sturdy plastic storage container. You need adequate storage space for food items and drinks, so keep this in mind when choosing your temporary kitchen location.
Put Aside Some Basic Supplies:
Make sure you have the basic kitchen items on hand. You will need a small set of dishes, cooking utensils, and eating utensils. Some basic staples, like salt and pepper, olive oil, and vinegar, will also come in handy, as well as a serving plate and some cutlery. Also, don’t forget important appliances.
3. Develop a Menu Plan
Now that you have your guides for the packing list and the new temporary kitchen, it is time to think of a menu plan, so you will not run short on meals. This will help you decide what goes into the new kitchen and also establish a cooking routine that is simple yet effective.
Take time to establish a plan consisting of several meals to keep your family happy. Here are some examples broken down by basic cooking appliances:
- Slow cooker: chili, Stew, pot roast, pulled meat, soup
- Instant pot: Rice, pasta, sauces, chicken
- Electric griddle: Pancakes, quesadillas, bacon
- Hot plate: Pasta, soup, eggs
- Microwave: Frozen microwave meals, instant rice, steamed vegetables, leftovers
You can make use of these cooking appliances to make delicious meals in your kitchen, with many recipes made particularly for freezing in a fridge in your garage or eating as leftovers later.
4. Try Grilling
If working with a toaster oven, a hot plate, or an instant pot, isn’t your thing, you can try grilling. If kitchen remodeling takes place during warmer months, there are a lot of things you can prepare on a grill to provide your family with a tasty and appetizing meal.
Try grilled chicken, salmon, vegetables, or burgers made with lean beef mixed with avocados, cheeses, and spices. That will only take 1-3 hours of cooking time, so you can hardly lose this easy way to prepare meals for your family.
5. Designate a Space for Dining
It’s important to designate a space for dining. This will help you enjoy meals with your family and give everyone a place to sit and enjoy their meal. If you have the space, try adding an island or bar-height table that can be used in place of a traditional dining room table and chairs. You can also add seating around your kitchen island or breakfast bar, so everyone has a spot to sit down together when they are hungry.
6. Look for Alternative Places to Do Dishes
You won’t be able to enter the kitchen to do dishes, so looking for an alternative place to wash dishes will make your life much easier during the remodeling process. Look around the house for alternative places to do dishes, such as
- The Bathtub
- Garage sink
- Basement bathroom
- Outdoor sink
- Laundry sink
Use dish detergent to clean your utensils, pots, and plates.
7. Embrace Easy Clean-up
When using a Laundry sink or garage sink to do dishes become problematic, let’s say the plumbing system is not working properly. Paper plates or disposable kitchen utensils and cups will make cleanup quick and easy.
Stock up on these items for a quick clean-up after every meal:
- Plastic cutlery
- Tinfoil
- Plastic wrap
- Disposable plates and bowls
- Food storage containers
- Plastic bags
8. Keep One Room in Your Home Construction Zone-free
When the remodeling process is underway, and you can’t get into the kitchen, it is important to designate a place where construction will not take place. This room should be a safe space to escape dust, noise, and other disturbances during remodeling. So, make sure this place is well-ventilated and cleared of all construction devices.
9. Never Stop Downsizing
Parting ways with non-essential items during the kitchen remodel is essential. It is sensible to get rid of things you don’t use anymore but will clog up the new and improved kitchen when it arrives. Before you decide on a new kitchen, take time to throw away or donate all those items you don’t need and have been collecting for years. Ask family members to help you in this process so they can also make use of some room in their homes while contributing to making your remodeling project more efficient and easy.
10. Take Time to Relax
In most cases, the remodeling process will take several months. During this time, your family will certainly need some time to relax. Don’t feel bad about taking summer beach trips, going on a picnic, or taking a solo spa day or a weekend getaway with friends. It is necessary to take a break so that when the kitchen comes, you can put your full attention into its organization and decorating.
Final Thoughts
Overall, managing a kitchen remodel while living in your home can be difficult, but it is definitely doable with a little planning and patience. By following the above tips, you can greatly reduce the stress associated with a kitchen remodel and have a beautiful, functional new kitchen to enjoy when the project is complete. Taking the time to prepare and plan can save you lots of stress, making the entire process of remodeling much more enjoyable.
Of course, partnering with a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor will also help to make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you are looking for a kitchen remodeler or a general contractor, we can help. At Cabal Construction, our team of professionals will work with you to create a custom plan that meets your needs and budget, ensuring that your dream kitchen becomes a reality! Contact us today.
