Get your kitchen packed and prepped before demo day.
A renovation is easier and faster when the space is ready for the team to start work. Clear counters, organized storage, and a plan for daily essentials mean less disruption for you and fewer delays for your contractor. This quick guide covers how to sort, pack, protect, and prepare so your kitchen is set for a smooth renovation from day one.
We got many of our tips from our Two30Nine showroom, check out their post here.
Packing for Your Kitchen Renovation
Give yourself a head start with packing.
Packing a kitchen takes more time than you think. Every cabinet and drawer holds items you’ve collected over the years, and sorting through it all the night before demo day will only create stress.
Start at least a week ahead and focus on one section at a time. Begin with items you rarely use, like holiday serveware or small appliances, then work your way toward daily essentials.
Spreading the process out makes packing manageable and reduces stress during a a renovation.
Declutter before you pack.
A renovation is the perfect opportunity to review what you actually need in your kitchen. Before sealing up boxes, go through each cupboard and drawer with a critical eye.
Donate duplicates, toss expired pantry goods, and set aside anything you haven’t used in the last year or two.
The less clutter you carry into your new kitchen, the easier it will be to keep the space functional and organized after the remodel.
Keep things organized as you pack.
Staying organized while packing saves time when you unpack:
- Label each box by category: dishes, utensils, pantry items, or cookware, so you know exactly where everything is.
- Keep fragile items well wrapped and marked so they don’t break or get misplaced in the shuffle.
- Create one “essentials box” with items you’ll need during the remodel, like a few plates, utensils, and your coffee maker, so you’re not digging through stacks of boxes to find the basics.
Prepping Your Home for a Reno
A kitchen remodel doesn’t just affect the kitchen. Dust, debris, and heavy foot traffic can spread into other parts of your home if you don’t prepare ahead of time.
Steps to protect your space:
- Cover floors and nearby furniture with protective materials like drop cloths or cardboard to guard against scratches and dust.
- If your remodel involves a major demo, ask your contractor about setting up a dust barrier. (Plastic sheeting or zip walls help contain dust.)
- Make sure to remove curtains and artwork from the space.
Prepping your home for contractors:
Plan a clear path for installers and contractors. Decide which door they’ll use to bring in materials and remove debris, and keep that route free of obstacles.
They will be wearing shoes or workboats, so you may want to ask if they have flooring protection if that is a concern.
Setting expectations up front keeps your home protected and makes the job run more smoothly for everyone involved.
Make a Plan for Mealtime During the Reno
When your main kitchen is out of commission, having backup options makes daily life much easier.
Create a Temporary Kitchen
You don’t need much, just a corner with a folding table, a couple of bins, and access to both power and water. Even a laundry room or basement can work as a temporary kitchen if it has an outlet nearby.
Stock your temporary kitchen with the basics you’ll rely on most:
- Appliances to heat food: microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or an induction hot plate
- Coffee and hot drinks: electric kettle and coffee maker
- Cooking gear: one or two pots or pans for simple meals
- Cleanup supplies: dish bin, dish towels, and soap
- Quick food options: snacks, cereal, and ready-to-eat meals
Create a Meal Plan and Prep Ahead
Planning meals ahead makes a temporary kitchen setup even more effective. Meal prep a few simple dishes before demo day, and keep your freezer stocked with ready-to-go dinners you can reheat quickly.
Budget for Eating Out or Ordering In
Don’t forget to budget for a few meals out. It’s a practical way to take a break from the construction mess and enjoy a stress-free dinner. Inevitably, you’ll have a few days where your meal plan will fall through or you simply need a break.
How to Survive Your Kitchen Renovation: 10 Tips to Stay Sane
Kitchen renovations can feel like a full-time job. Your space is in pieces. Your routine is upside down. And somehow, you’re still expected to eat meals, work, and live a normal life. It doesn’t have to be chaos.
These tips will help you survive your kitchen renovation with less stress, fewer surprises, and your sanity intact.
