Tips for Dealing With the Disruption of a Kitchen Renovation

How to survive 3 months without a kitchen during renovation

If you’re about to embark on a kitchen renovation, one of the biggest challenges you might face is figuring out how to get meals on the table during the renovation. Meal planning can help you manage this challenge by making sure you have the ingredients on hand to make nutritious meals without constantly running to the grocery store.

In this section, we’ll discuss meal planning tips that will help you survive the disruption of a kitchen renovation:

Invest in a slow cooker

Slow cookers can help make a kitchen renovation a little more manageable while still allowing you to prepare home-cooked meals. Slow cookers are incredibly versatile and can be used to prepare soups, stews, casseroles, roasts and even desserts like cakes or cobblers. With the right slow cooker, it is possible to leave dinner (or breakfast or lunch) cooking while you’re out of the house.

Plus, most slow cookers now come with programming options and temperature settings to help customize your cooking experience – whether you’re looking for more flexible meal prep times or want to keep your meals warm until you’re ready to serve them. Just decide what type of food you will be preparing most often, choose the size and shape that best suits your kitchen renovation needs, and enjoy.

Make large meals that can be frozen

With the disruption of a kitchen renovation, meal planning can become a time consuming task. To make the most of your kitchen renovation, consider making large meals ahead of time that you can store in the freezer and reheat when needed. This is an efficient way to stretch your meals with minimal effort on your part.

In addition to saving you time, pre-made frozen meals can also help save money by enabling you to purchase ingredients in bulk and reduce food waste. Consider dividing the prepared meal into multiple containers so they are ready when you need them. Some tips for creating larger meals that can be frozen include:

• Making soups and stews: Soups and stews are great options for freezing as they often freeze well and reheat easily, keeping their flavor and texture for months.
• Choosing dishes that don’t require cooking such as lasagnas or enchiladas: Dishes like this require minimal preparation before baking and are better than dishes that require cooked ingredients prior to layering them into a casserole dish.
• Testing first if freezing other dishes such as burritos: Fill burritos with ingredients of your choice – either vegetarian or meat – wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months before reheating directly from freezer. To serve, microwave each burrito (still covered) on high heat for 2 minutes each side until heated through.

Take advantage of meal delivery services

Throughout the renovation process, meal delivery services can help reduce stress and add convenience to your weekly routine. These services can provide an easy, hassle-free way to get meals on the table that require minimal preparation. There is a variety of meal delivery services available in most cities, including subscription boxes that offer pre-assembled ingredients or prepared meals that are ready to heat and eat in minutes.

At the outset of your project, it is important to plan for a meal delivery service that fits your lifestyle and family size. For example if you prefer to cook with fresh ingredients, you may want to consider a service that sends recipe cards and all the necessary ingredients each week. If you suffer from limited kitchen space during the renovation process then take advantage of meal kits containing pre-chosen recipes with all the needed groceries included – this will provide you with delicious meals without needing storage capacity for excess groceries or cumbersome grocery shopping routines.

Meal delivery subscriptions provide convenience during any kitchen renovation – enabling busy individuals and families to enjoy quality home cooked meals without sacrificing hours of cooking time each week. Meal delivery also saves money by removing the temptation (or necessity) of dining out due frequent kitchen disruptions. To top it off, many plans offer options for dietary preferences; gluten free, vegetarian and vegan just to name a few – so it’s easy to ensure everyone in your household eats healthy throughout the renovation process!

Eating Out

If you are undergoing a kitchen renovation, you may find yourself without a fully functioning kitchen for a few months. During this time, you may need to rely on eating out or ordering a lot of meals. While this can be a great way to have a break from the kitchen, it can add up quickly.

In this section, we will discuss tips for eating out during your kitchen renovation, and how to make the most of the experience:

Identify restaurants near you that offer takeout

The more organized you are, the better-off you’ll be during this period of disruption. It’s worth taking some time to explore your local area and identify restaurants near you that offer takeout or delivery. You can usually search online for places to eat near your current location.

Be mindful of hygiene standards when ordering food from outside and make sure that it is safe to consume before digging in. Check websites or social media profiles for restaurant reviews and ratings, which will give you an idea of their quality of service.

Utilize rewards programs associated with your favorite restaurants, so you can get discounts on food that you order regularly. Make sure to check for daily deals for items like delivery fees or discounted meals that may come with additional incentives like free drinks or deserts. Buying family-size meals can also be a great way to save some money.

Take advantage of delivery services

Sometimes planning ahead is key to enduring a kitchen renovation with minimal disruption. You may want to stock up on affordable staples like frozen pizzas, pasta and pre-made meals so you can have quick dinners at your disposal during the work. If you don’t want to shop for groceries in person or cook, you may want to take advantage of some services offering convenience food delivery.

Delivery services such as DoorDash and GrubHub make it easy for busy households on the go to order from their favorite restaurants and get delivery right away. And there are meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron that provide recipes and deliver premeasured ingredients straight to your home so all you need is a few pans and utensils, plus some basic cooking skills, before dinner is ready. From breakfast tacos and sandwiches in the morning, to grilled cheese dinners at night, delivery can help make sure your family stays fed while kitchen renovations are underway.

Make use of food trucks and other local eateries

One of the best things to do while your kitchen is getting remodeled is to explore and enjoy some of the food options available in your area. This doesn’t just mean restaurant meals, as there are now numerous food trucks, and other local eateries offering unique dishes you may never have tried before. Don’t be afraid to try something new – it can be a fun way to experience all the flavors your area has to offer, without having to lift a finger!

Food delivery services, such as Grubhub or DoorDash, make it easy for you to order in while nestled safely inside – all without the worry of having strangers in your home. Furthermore, most deliveries come with insulated liners that help keep the food warm and fresh until you can open your meal up and enjoy!

Another great option for eating out during a kitchen renovation is pop-up restaurants. These are usually temporary venues featuring innovative chefs drawing from different culinary cultures around the world. Generally seasonal or short-lived occurrences, pop-up restaurants are excellent ways to explore fresh flavors that go beyond traditional dishes. They also provide a great social atmosphere for friends and family gatherings if need be!

Staying Organized

Dealing with a kitchen renovation can be difficult and disruptive for a household, but staying organized during the project can make the experience easier. Being prepared and taking the time to plan ahead can help minimize the disruption of having a kitchen renovation.

Here are some tips for staying organized and making the best of your time without a kitchen:

• Create a temporary kitchen space in another area of the house.
• Label and organize all boxes and containers.
• Keep track of what items are being stored, and where they are being stored.
• Make sure to have all necessary supplies on hand.
• Plan meals in advance to minimize time spent in the kitchen.

Create a temporary pantry

Renovating your kitchen can be a stressful undertaking, but with the right preparation you can make the process smoother and less chaotic. In planning for a kitchen remaking, one step to take is to create a temporary pantry, which helps to keep all your dry goods in order and easily accessible during construction.

A temporary pantry will look different depending on the layout of your home and available storage spaces. The most commonly used setup is to move all items that can periodically be placed on shelves or inside cupboards into other rooms in the house. This includes things like cereal, canned goods and dry mixes which can usually be tucked away in any nearby closet or spare bedroom.

Keep some items stored together so you know what’s what without having to comb through each item individually; this will save time and frustration when it comes time to hunt down ingredients while cooking. Additionally, utilize stackable containers or bins when possible instead of just boxes or bags as they are more organized looking and easier to move around in large quantities. Lastly, because things may still get mixed up due to frequent transporting between rooms, label everything clearly – this way there’s no confusion when you need something quickly!

Creating a temporary pantry during a kitchen renovation can help you stay organized amid chaos by letting you clearly store dry goods in accessible locations. Whether it’s repurposing an extra room or taking advantage of closets around the house, it is possible to stay prepared despite remodeling disruptions!

Utilize storage bins and boxes

In order to remain organized during a long and disruptive kitchen remodel, it is important to utilize storage bins and boxes. This can help to keep valuable items safe and out of harm’s way. Labeled storage containers make it easy to group similar items, making them easy to find when you need them. It is also important to make use of larger pieces of furniture like shelving units or armoires, which can provide additional storage space that can be used during the renovation process.

To maximize efficiency, it is helpful to designate a specific area in the house for renovation purposes – this space should have enough room for supplies and materials that are needed during the project, as well as any dismantled pieces of kitchen cabinets or appliances that need to be removed. A construction zone will not only help keep work areas neat and organized but will also ensure that everything has been properly stored away from potentially damaging dust particles or debris from the construction site. This will help make your home much safer for all involved.

Keep a list of what you need to purchase

Throughout the renovation process, new needs will arise and unexpected problems may occur. To help you stay on top of these, it is essential to make a list of materials as well as items that need to be purchased, such as appliances and furniture. This list can then be used to plan out your budget and ensure that all necessary items are accounted for when searching for retailers or making price comparisons. It can also be helpful to create a timeline or schedule so you always have an idea of when certain tasks should be completed by.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase everything all at once; often times it is better to spread out bigger purchases over time instead of purchasing everything at one go. This can save you money in the long run, since different items tend to go on sale throughout the year. In addition, if certain components work together – like a refrigerator and a dishwasher – look into buying them in a set or package deal as this can save both time and money. Staying organized throughout the renovation process will ensure that your project moves along smoothly with minimal disruption.

Cleaning

During a kitchen renovation, it can be challenging to keep your home or apartment clean due to all the dust and debris. However, it is essential to clean regularly so that you can maintain a healthy living environment. There are several steps you can take to make cleaning during a kitchen renovation easier, such as using the right cleaning products, scheduling regular cleanings, and finding creative storage solutions. Let’s explore these tips in more detail:

• Using the right cleaning products.
• Scheduling regular cleanings.
• Finding creative storage solutions.

Utilize a cleaning service

Hiring a professional cleaning service to come in after the job is complete is an excellent way to quickly return your kitchen to its former glory. You’ll need to make sure the service you hire specializes in deep cleaning, and don’t forget about areas such as ceiling fixtures and window sills that can be hard to reach. Depending on the extent of your renovation, you may want to hire a daily clean-up crew during much of the project – this can help you enjoy your dinner parties even as construction continues around you!

The most important tip with regards to utilizing clean-up services is clear communication upfront regarding what services are expected. This will ensure that no task is missed and that any detail-oriented areas are given attention. Before hiring a service, make sure they guarantee the quality of their work, will provide all required supplies and equipment, and are happy with the reference checks you may ask them for.

Create a temporary cleaning station

Creating a temporary cleaning station is essential if you are undergoing a kitchen renovation; you will need to protect yourself and your kitchen from the dust, dirt, and grime. Having all of the necessary cleaning supplies in one area will make the process much easier and lead to cleaner results.

To get started, gather all of your supplies in one designated place, such as a bucket or plastic storage bin labeled “cleaning supplies”. Stock it with:

• dish soap and scrubbing pads
• sponges
• microfiber cloths
• vacuum cleaners
• rag mops
• protective eyewear
• masks or respirators (if needed)
• pesticides (if needed)
• spray bottles filled with water and vinegar solution or other all-purpose cleaner (check the labels for proper usage)
• disposable gloves
• garbage bags for disposing of work debris.

If bleach is necessary for cleaning the surfaces around your kitchen area during renovations make sure you read safety instruction on its label on how to use it properly. Always wear protective gear when using bleach-based products – such as long sleeves to protect arms from splashes and rubber gloves over hands. Lastly always be sure that rooms are ventilated when using any strong chemical based product by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans.

Make use of disposable items

Given the amount of dust and debris which accumulates during a kitchen renovation, implementing a plan that incorporates disposable or recyclable items that can be used to contain the rubble is essential to keeping your living space free of mess.

Use hard, plastic disposable plates, utensils and cups you can quickly replace instead of washing dishes in between meals. Other materials such as plastic tablecloths, grocery bags and aluminum foil will come in handy for containing spills or messes before finding their way into the garbage. Purchase several rolls of paper towels if you’re hosting overnight guest so you’ll have things like wash rags during the renovation.

Additionally, when storing items to be reused after the renovation ends, consider using sealed containers for foodstuffs and other perishables. Prolonged exposure to dust-filled air is certain to spoil foods within a short period of time if kept uncovered for too long. Reusable containers arranged on high shelves are best suited for storing non-perishable items such as kitchen implements, small appliances and other dishware during your kitchen remodel.

Mental Health

Having your kitchen out of commission for three months during a renovation can be difficult, and it is important to be aware of your mental health while you go through the disruption.

The focus of this section will be to provide tips and strategies for helping to cope with the emotionally and mentally challenging time during a renovation. We will discuss various techniques and recommendations for dealing with stress and staying positive in the face of an inconvenience.

Take time for yourself

Kitchen renovation can be an overwhelming and disruptive process. The change in your routine and the amount of decision-making required throughout the process can take a toll on your mental health. During this challenging time, it is important to find some constancy by taking time for yourself.

By carving out moments of self-care each day, you can help maintain balance in your daily life while also allowing yourself to step back from the stresses that come with a kitchen renovation. Building these moments into your everyday routine may include activities such as:

• Meditation or mindfulness practices
• Reading for pleasure
• Yoga or stretching session
• Going for a walk outdoors
• Listening to music
• Writing in a journal

In addition to these activities, consider reaching out to friends and family members for support during this stressful time. Seeing loved ones in person if possible or speaking with them through video chat can be a great way to connect with those who know and understand you best – providing additional comfort and understanding during what may feel like an overwhelming situation.

Reach out to family and friends

When it comes to coping with the disruption of a kitchen renovation, don’t forget to reach out to family and friends for emotional support. Home renovations can be stressful and affect your mental health. Knowing that you have the support of your friends and family can help make the situation more manageable.

Talk to people you trust about your feelings, insecurities and frustrations related to the renovation process. People who care about you can offer valuable perspective which might give you space for a better outlook on the situation at hand. Having someone listen can improve your mental state by allowing a sense of understanding and validation among people who are familiar with what’s going on in your life.

Having someone else hear how you feel can also provide insight into

• how to cope with the disruption of a kitchen renovation in positive ways
• alternative ways to get through it without exacerbating existing problems from stress or anxiety

It can also remind you that this difficult period will eventually come to an end when all is said and done!

Find ways to relax and de-stress

Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting project, but it also has the potential to cause a great deal of stress. It’s important to take time for yourself during such a disruptive process. Doing some simple relaxation activities each day can help keep your mental health in balance and make it easier to cope with the hassles of remodeling.

Some simple relaxation techniques you might try include:

• Deep breathing: Inhale slowly through your nose, counting to four and imagining you’re inhaling calm energy. Exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to eight, and imagine you’re releasing tension. Do this several times before taking on any stressful task associated with the remodel.
• Visualization: Bring images of calming scenes into your mind such as a peaceful beach or mountain range. Stay with that image when stress begins to build up until it focuses on an activity that will help you make progress with the job at hand.
• Yoga poses: Believe it or not, yoga has become increasingly popular in remodeling homes due to its calming nature and ability to bring a sense of relaxation into any living space! A few basic poses such as “downward facing dog” or “child’s pose” will do wonders for reducing stress levels before any major construction tasks begin!
• Meditation: Close your eyes and focus on relaxing while releasing all unhelpful thoughts that come up; focus only on feeling calmer with each breath you take
• Spa treatment: Sometimes even just setting aside an hour for yourself can be extremely beneficial for reducing anxiety levels during disruptive times like a kitchen renovation! Taking some time out for yourself – whether it’s aromatherapy sessions, massage treatments, manicures or pedicures – is great way to help reduce overall tension.