Are you doing a small remodel? Are you doing a big renovation?  No matter what kind of renovation you are doing living without a kitchen can be hectic, crazy, and expensive. What many homeowners don’t realize is that during this process, you’ll be without a kitchen for several weeks, perhaps even months! But if you plan and prepare, you can survive, thrive, and even have fun while waiting for your new kitchen to be done.

Pack Up Properly

Before the renovation starts, determine what you’ll pack up, what you’ll need to keep out for your temporary kitchen, and what you’ll throw away or donate.  You’ll want to hold onto some necessary utensils, a few plates, 11 and bowls, small appliances, etc. If you come across something that you barely use or even forgot you had, throw it out.

Control The Dust

Kitchen renovations create a lot of dust. Your contractor will cover carpets and floors and hang plastic sheeting around the demo site, but it still has a way of spreading all over the place. Get a few microfiber cloths and take a few minutes each day to wipe things down. Run an air filter in the rooms where dust might accumulate. Anything you do to keep dust at bay during the renovation will make your final clean-up easier when the job is complete.

Create A Temporary Kitchen During Renovation

Plan on setting up a temporary kitchen in someplace like your garage, basement, or utility room, someplace with a sink. You’re going to need to get a bit creative with how you set up your temporary kitchen. You may choose to move your refrigerator to the living room along with the toaster oven, microwave, electric grill, and other small appliances. Find a small plastic container with a lid where you can store plates, bowls, cups, and utensils so they don’t get dusty.

Devise A Dishwashing  Strategy

You’ll be washing dishes by hand, so set up a dishwashing station by your utility sink or plan on washing dishes in your bathroom. If the renovation is happening during the warmer months, then you can also use any convenient outside water source. Not having a kitchen sink can be one of the hardest parts of surviving a kitchen renovation, so it may be wise to use disposable paper plates and plastic utensils.

Be Patient And Pleasant

Surviving a kitchen remodel is stressful. At some point, your family will get on your nerves, the workers will be extra loud, and push you to your limit. It’s at those times where it’s best to stop and take a breath. Go for a walk, see a movie, visit a friend, or relax. Remind yourself that it’s only temporary, and losing your cool won’t help the remodel go any faster.

We’re Here To Help

Renovating your kitchen is never a simple project. There are lots of decisions to make, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To confidently and comfortably survive your kitchen renovation, you’ll love working with Fabrizio Kitchen and Bath.  Our kitchen specialists are dedicated to making sure you get the kitchen of your dreams.