As a homeowner, remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting upgrade. However, living without a kitchen for a few weeks can be intimidating. There are ways to prepare your kitchen before the demo starts, allowing you to continue functioning comfortably. Here are some steps you can take to create your temporary kitchen during the renovation process.
Start Preparing 2-4 Weeks Before Demo Day
It can be helpful to start preparing your kitchen before the demolition begins. By doing so, you can keep everything organized through the construction process.
Get Your Kitchen Ready
Before the demo begins, consider the following tips to make the process smoother.
- Clean out your cabinets
- Remove all items in your kitchen
- Store items you will not need in boxes
- Separate items you will want to use in your temporary kitchen
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen Area
Consider setting up a temporary kitchen area to use during the construction process. Rooms to consider would be a formal dining room, hallway, or living room, or somewhere away from the kitchen area. When you work with O’Hanlon Kitchen & Bath, we will arrange for your old refrigerator to be set up in your temporary kitchen area or in a location that meets the proper electrical requirements.
A few things to include in your temporary kitchen would be:
- Two folding tables: one for prep, one for eating
- Shelving or clear plastic bins with lids to store food and essentials
- Microwave
- Toaster oven
- Coffee maker
- Slow cooker, hot plate, or electric griddle
- Large cutting board
- A few knives, a spatula, and a cooking spoon
- Can opener
- Paper towels, plates, napkins, and plastic utensils
- Dish cloths, soap, small trash can, garbage bags
- A plastic bin for carrying dirty dishes to the wash station
- Surge protector and reliable outlets
Meal Planning Tips
When planning meals for your temporary kitchen setup, simplicity is key. Focus on recipes that require only one or two small appliances, such as sandwiches or salads. Cooking and freezing meals ahead of time can also be a huge help. If your remodel is in the summer, take advantage of grilling. A few non-perishable snacks and disposable items are quick and easy to store. This can include:
- Peanut butter
- Crackers
- Dried fruit
- Canned goods
- Trail Mix
- Microwaveable meals
- Cereal
- Coffee creamer packets
- Sugar packets
You’ll want to create a cleanup station for you to wash your dishes. A bathtub, utility sink, or cooler can be an easy way to clean your dishes. You should also be mindful when using multiple appliances to avoid tripping a breaker.
Additional Tips
The demolition process can feel like an adventure, and the outcome of a beautiful dream kitchen is well worth the wait. With thoughtful planning and organization, this temporary phase can be a smooth transition into your new space. To make things easier, consider eating out more often or planning a vacation during the construction period. Most importantly, maintaining a positive mindset will help you stay excited and focused on the ultimate goal.
Ready for your dream kitchen? Contact O’Hanlon Kitchen & Bath today!
