Living through a kitchen renovation can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With some thoughtful planning and a few smart strategies, you can navigate the process smoothly and even enjoy the transformation.
If you’re ready to begin your search for elite residential kitchen remodeling services but are worried about the renovation process, look no further! Here’s how to keep your sanity intact and make it through your kitchen remodel in one piece.
Preparing Yourself for the Remodel
Before the first hammer swings, mentally prepare for the disruption. Understand that your kitchen will be out of commission, and plan your routines accordingly. Knowing what to expect will help you stay calm and focused throughout the process.
Expect to be washing dishes in bathtubs or bathroom sinks, unless you happen to have a secondary prep space in your home. Be ready for getting sick of takeout or microwaveable meals. It can be hard to stay home during a renovation, but you can get through it! Do whatever you can to stay sane: consider taking up a new class at the gym, try out a new hobby, or figure out a nice route to take a stroll for fresh air.
Designate a Construction-Free Room
One great way to keep yourself comfortable is to give yourself a construction-free zone. Identify a room in your home that will remain untouched by the renovation. This space can serve as your sanctuary, providing a quiet and clean area to retreat when the chaos of construction becomes overwhelming.
Set up a Home Kitchenette
Without a functional kitchen, you’ll need an alternative for preparing meals. Set up a temporary kitchenette in your designated construction-free room. Equip it with essentials like a microwave, toaster oven, and mini-fridge. This setup will keep you from constantly eating out and maintain some normalcy in your daily routine.
We recommend portable, small appliances such as:
- Microwaves
- Toaster ovens
- Electric kettles (for tea, hot water, etc)
- Portable induction cooktops
- Mini-fridges (you can even find versions with small freezers)
- Slow cookers or instant pots
- Electric griddles
- Blenders
- Coffee makers
These appliances can help you create a workspace for cooking without taking up a lot of room or creating a mess.
Plan What to Leave Out
Avoid clutter by planning what items you need to keep accessible during the renovation. Store away bulky appliances and non-essential items, leaving only the basics within reach in your temporary kitchenette.
For example, you’ll want to keep out:
- Cutting boards,
- A carving knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife,
- At least one plate setting and silverware set per household member,
- Your favorite spices, plus salt and pepper,
- A spatula and serving spoon,
- Any grilling tools, and
- A couple coffee mugs.
You’ll also want to ensure access to items like tinfoil, plastic containers for leftover storage, and dish soap so that you can clean up after yourself. The idea is to pare down as much as possible without hindering your cooking efforts.
Plan Your Meals Wisely
Meal planning is crucial during a kitchen renovation. With limited resources, making thoughtful meal choices will save you time and money.
You’ll want to keep some room-temperature options available in a pinch, like cereal and protein bars. Some fruits and vegetables don’t need refrigeration, like apples, oranges, bananas, and avocados, so you can keep fresh food in a cool, dry place whenever you need.
Sandwiches can be a great option to keep on deck, since they can be filled with cold cuts, veggies, peanut butter and jelly or countless other options. If you have a mini-fridge, fruit and granola can pair well with yogurt for parfaits in a pinch.
Microwaveable pasta options, like ramen cups, can be dressed up with homemade sauces and toppings – plus they’re shelf-stable! Canned soups can also be a lifesaver for variety, since you can put them in a microwave-safe container to heat up.
No matter what you choose, you’ll want to make sure you have a plan so you’re not scrambling for dinner when the time comes. Some other tips for meal planning during your kitchen renovation include:
Consider Grilling Out
If the weather permits and you have an accessible grilling space, take advantage of outdoor grilling. Not only does it provide a break from indoor cooking, but it also adds variety to your meals during the renovation. With a little creativity and your grill, you can spice up your menu list with veggie skewers, flavorful steaks, or even pasta if you’ve got the right pans to boil water on the grill top! Check out interesting ideas like this grilled cobbler to add a sweet treat to your lineup, or slap together some grilled s’mores to entertain the kids.
Budget for Takeout
Let’s face it, you’re likely to order takeout more often than usual. It’s easy to get tired of cooking in a small space and just go with the easiest option. Budget for this extra expense ahead of time to avoid financial stress during your renovation. And, if you want to eliminate some of the guilt from eating out, make sure to map out some healthy, affordable options ahead of time to balance out convenience with nutrition.
Avoiding Paper & Plastic
We know, we know. Paper plates and plastic silverware is much easier than washing every dish in a bathtub or bathroom sink.. Though disposable dishes are convenient, they can add unnecessary waste and an extra expense. Consider setting aside one plate and silverware set per family member, or using reusable plates and utensils in your temporary setup to stay eco-friendly during your renovation.
Schedule Your Kitchen Remodel Today
Now that you’ve prepared yourself with this survival guide, it’s time to get started. If you’re based in Columbus, Ohio, and want to start your kitchen transformation, give us a call at CORE Renovation. Our experienced team of home renovation specialists can craft your dream kitchen just the way you like. Contact us today to schedule your remodel. With proper planning and the right team, your dream kitchen is within reach—without the headache.
