Kitchen Remodel Preparation Tips
The best way to ensure less stress during your kitchen remodel is through preparation. Know that your typical routine will change for a while, but it is all worth it because you are on your way to a new kitchen! Here are some tips to help you get started:
Pack Up Your Current Kitchen
Although the task of emptying your current kitchen is a big job, it can be very liberating to go through the things you have accumulated and pare them down to the things you actually want and need. As you empty your counters and cabinets, divide your things into three categories:
Pack the things you want to keep to use in your new kitchen but won’t be using in your temporary kitchen (more on your temporary kitchen below). Be critical in your evaluation of items – it is no use to pack and store something just to decide that you no longer need or want it when you are unpacking into your new kitchen. Store the packed boxes somewhere away from the kitchen.
Move the things you will need to use to cook and eat during the remodel into your temporary kitchen.
Toss/Sell/Donate the things you no longer need and will not use in your new or temporary kitchen.
Set Up Your Temporary Kitchen
Planning and setting up a temporary kitchen is a very important part of your kitchen remodel. You need to decide what you want, and if you want to change any core areas of your home such as your flooring type. If you opt to keep the same floors, use this as an opportunity to clean your floors. If you have wood floors, you may need a special type of vacuum to get the job done (learn more: https://modernliving101.com/vacuums-for-wood-floors)
If you have a formal dining table, cover it with a protective pad and use that table as a temporary dining space, or set up a folding table somewhere away from the remodel. Plastic storage bins (ones with drawers are great) to hold the items you want to use in your kitchen can help to keep your things organized. Here are some items you may want in your temporary kitchen:
Small Appliances: Microwave, toaster oven, coffee pot, hot plate, electric griddle, pressure cooker and crock pot. (And don’t forget about the option to grill outside.) Make sure any tabletop appliance that you use is placed on a heatproof surface before you turn it on.
Cookware and Storage: Spatula, knife, cutting board, measuring cup, measuring spoons, mixing bowl, medium sauce pan, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags, can opener, pot holder, and pot trivet.
Refrigerator: KBF can re-locate your current refrigerator to your temporary kitchen area, so you do not have to lose any of your food and can have a full-size refrigerator to use during the remodel.
Dining: One set of dishes, glasses, coffee cups, flatware per family member, 2-3 serving bowls, 2-3 serving spoons/forks, paper and plastic ware.
Food: Crock pot meals, pre-made meals for the microwave, breakfast foods on the griddle (eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes), and one-pot meals for the pressure cooker are all easy, hot meals that you can make in your temporary kitchen. Cold meals including sandwiches, salads and fresh fruit are no-cook meals you may like.
Cleaning: Trash bin, trash bags, dish soap, sponge, dish towel, paper towels, broom and dust pan. Plan to use a bathroom or laundry room sink for washing dishes and clear the area around it to make it workable.
Happy Remodeling!
