Tips To Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen remodels can be the ultimate game changer in any home. Remodeling this one room can mean a better layout and floor plan, access to high efficient appliances, increased storage, and an overall increase in the value of your home.
Unfortunately, kitchen remodels are also a major challenge to homeowners who need to stay in their homes during the construction process. There are some strategies that you may want to try if your family is planning a kitchen remodel and you want to keep your sanity when it comes to meals and using the kitchen.
Be Realistic
Talk to your contractor about how long the actual construction is going to take. Living without a stove, sink, or refrigerator can seem like an insurmountable task, but know that it can be done with the right mindset. That mindset begins with knowing how long the inconvenience will take.
Whether it’s going to take weeks or months, at least you and your family will have an idea of an approximate end date for not having access to the most pivotal room in your home. That timeframe will also allow you a chance to plan.
Create a Temporary Kitchen
One thing that homeowners report as a lifesaver during construction is carving out a temporary kitchen in another area of the house. Even limited kitchen functionality is better than none.
A makeshift kitchen in the basement, garage, or in another room should include appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, single burner stove top, a container for dishes, and access to water. A mini-fridge will be a lifesaver as will a coffee maker and slow cooker.
We suggest setting up a table where your family can gather as well as a temporary table for food prep. It may not look pretty, but your temporary will pay off when you don’t have to order out every meal!
Pack Up Kitchen Items
While your kitchen is being remodeled you will want to place the items in your drawers and counters in a safe space. Pack up anything you will not need and move essentials you will use to your temporary kitchen.
This is a perfect time to go through all those small appliances, old coffee mugs, chipped plates, and other items to clean out any clutter. Donate duplicate small appliances, throw away chipped or broken plates or utensils, and consider downsizing so that when you move back into your kitchen you will only be bringing the items you really use and need.
Food Prep
It may not be possible to eat every meal at home, but you can prep and freeze easy-to-make meals such as those that can be thrown in the slow cooker and will be ready for dinner time. These freeze and heat meals will be a lifesaver on your wallet and will be one less meal you will have to order out.
For lunch and breakfast try stocking easy-to-grab meals such as granola bars, yogurts, sandwich meat, cereals, and premade items from your local grocery store.
Paper & Plastic Are OK
Washing dishes every night is going to be a challenge unless you have an extra sink large enough to handle your family’s dish load. For the short duration of your construction consider switching to paper and plastic to avoid a large number of dishes. Paper plates and plastic utensils will help keep your dish load down.
Kitchen remodels are so worth the challenges of living without a functioning kitchen. Make it easier on yourself and allow for some meals out to avoid construction for a few nights and plan in advance to keep your family well-fed during this process.
