Many people who remodel their kitchens forget one important point – while your kitchen is being remodeled, you won’t be able to use it. Some remodeling jobs happen in stages, so that, for example, you might have access to your refrigerator but not your stove for a period of time. But in most cases, remodeling a kitchen means giving up access to the entire room for a while, and that can cause daily complications, especially for a family.
Unless you have an invitation to stay elsewhere during your remodel, or can afford to put yourself up in a hotel or resident inn, you’ll have to find ways to adapt. Eating out for weeks on end can be tough on your budget, not to mention your waistline, so you might want to start collecting restaurant coupons. In addition, the following ideas will help you get by while the contractor dismantles one of the most needed rooms in your house.
Prepare in Advance: Before your contractor gets started, you’ll have to empty your kitchen cabinets. When you’re packing your dishes and glassware in boxes, set aside one table setting for each member of the family (this will be more eco-friendly than using paper plates and plastic cutlery for weeks). Also keep a few things you’ll need on hand – a can opener and toaster or blender, for example.
Create Space for a Makeshift Kitchen: Clear out a corner of a room that’s not being remodeled (the living room, for instance) and set up a makeshift kitchen. A garage is a good option if the space is warm enough, and especially if a sink is available. A table can serve as counter space where you can set up a coffee maker, toaster, and microwave oven. Set up a garbage bin, also. A small refrigerator can store basics such as milk, butter, and beverages. Use an old bookcase, or storage containers, for dishes and other basic food items. Give yourself enough space to prepare at least some basic meals – cereal with milk and coffee for breakfast, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, or leftovers warmed in a microwave.
Figure Out Dishwashing: It’s best if your makeshift kitchen is near some sort of sink – even a bathroom sink. You’ll have to be careful to clear any food off of plates before using the sink, however – you won’t have a garbage disposal in the bathroom.
Consider Picnics or Barbecues: If the weather is warm, use your outdoor barbecue and eat outdoors as much as possible. You can also spread a blanket in the backyard and have a picnic with the family, using sandwiches made in your makeshift kitchen, or purchased at a local deli.
Get Away (If You Can): Plan a week or a couple of weekends away, so that you can get out of the house (and hopefully stay somewhere that has a kitchen!). If you have a vacation home or a time-share, this is a good time to use it.
Communicate with your Contractor: Ask your contractor to keep you informed about the pace and daily plans for your remodeling project. Your contractor might be able to make your refrigerator or stove available for a certain period of time, for example, or suggest days when you really might want to get away (when the floor is being completed and you’ll have no access to the kitchen at all, for instance). Make sure that the job stays on track by checking in on progress, and remaining as firm as possible about the completion date for your project (be aware, however, that delays are common).
Give Yourself a Break: Living without a kitchen is difficult. If you have to use paper plates sometimes, use them. If it’s tough to stick to a strict diet without a refrigerator or stove, forgive yourself a few dietary transgressions for a couple of weeks. Go for more walks to make up for it. And yes, you can even pick up fast food now and then.
The best way to survive a kitchen remodeling project is to expect some inconvenience, do some planning, get out as much as possible, and remain flexible and patient. And of course, look forward to that very happy the day when your contractor says, “Your beautiful new kitchen is ready!”
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