How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel 101

How to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel

Being unable to prepare food for yourself and your family as you usually do will affect your entire household’s daily routines. You can counter the stress by creating temporary routines that make the process of cooking and eating easier.

Set Up Your Temporary Kitchen Area

Look for a space in your home that can serve as a temporary kitchen over the course of your kitchen renovation. It should be close to a water source and a few outlets, and it needs to be big enough to fit a table or counter where you can prepare food. 

If you’re uncomfortable with washing dishes in a bathroom sink or tub, consider setting up a washing station outside with a hose and a large cooler.

Plan Meals and Create Meal Kits

Every meal you make from your temporary kitchen will help you reduce your overall kitchen remodeling costs, so planning out your meals is worth the effort. There are many cost-effective ways to prepare food at home during your remodel. 

One of the methods involves freezing meals in small servings that can be heated up in a microwave. You’d need access to your old freezer or a small new one. You can stock up on soups, stews, lasagna, and other dishes that freeze well. 

If you have access to your old refrigerator or a mini-fridge, you can use it to store fresh ingredients that you can put in a pressure cooker or other countertop appliance. 

Here are some countertop appliances you can use in your temporary kitchen:

• Microwave
• Grill
• Camping stove
• Slow cooker or pressure cooker
• Electric skillet
• Induction burner (requires magnetic cookware)
• Toaster or toaster oven
• Coffee maker

Gather Utensils as You Pack Up Your Kitchen

Once you’ve planned out the meals you’ll make, start moving the appliances, pantry items, and utensils you’ll need in your temporary kitchen. Pack the rest in boxes. 

Here’s a list of items you might need in your temporary kitchen:

• 1 plate, cup, mug set of utensils, and bowl per person
• The countertop appliances you’ve chosen 
• Cutting boards, strainers, pots and pans, etc.
• Napkins or paper towels
• Plastic wrap, tin foil, plastic bags, food storage containers, etc.
• Spatula, serving and cooking spoons, can opener, and grilling tools 
• Spices
• Oven mitts
• Dish soap, trash bags, disinfectant wipes, and dish towels
• Wine corkscrew and bottle opener
• Bottles to transport water to and from your water source

Top 4 Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

All that’s left is getting through the remodel itself! Here are a few tips for surviving your kitchen remodel.

Stash Non Perishable Snacks

Collect everyone’s favorite snacks (especially your kids’ favorite snacks) for emergencies.

There might be times when you’re too busy or hungry to prepare food in your temporary kitchen. Snacks like dried fruit, cereal, and soup can save you from spending money on takeout in those moments.

Ask Friends and Family for Help

The kitchen remodeling process can take a few weeks or months, and your friends and family would probably be more than happy to help.

You can ask a friend if you can use their kitchen to make a home-cooked meal, schedule playdates for your kids to get out of your noisy house, and more.

Block Off Construction Areas So They’re Inaccessible to Kids & Pets

Surviving a kitchen remodel with kids will necessarily include keeping them away from dangerous areas.

Make it clear to small children which areas they shouldn’t approach, and close doors to keep curious pets safe.

Remember Your Reasons for Remodeling Your Kitchen

Whether you wanted to add value to your home, expand the space to accommodate a growing family, or update your kitchen to match your style, write down and refer back to the reasons why you felt you should remodel your kitchen in the first place.

Remembering them will help you get through the kitchen remodeling process.

In New Jersey? Get Your Free Estimate Today

If you’re looking for a kitchen remodeling contractor in New Jersey, consider our expert team at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing.

We’re available to answer any of your questions about creating a kitchen you and your family will love for years to come. Our team will also offer you a free estimate for your renovation. 

Call Oceanside Painting & Refinishing today at 732-818-0092 or fill out the quick form below for your free estimate!