Whether you are planning a minor facelift or a complete kitchen overhaul, your end goal is likely to create a beautiful space while making your kitchen more functional. But what can you do during the remodel to keep your sanity and functionality, especially when living in the house during construction?
Understanding how to continue using your kitchen during a remodel is crucial to your sanity. While the process may involve a few inconveniences, the result – a beautifully remodeled kitchen tailored to your needs – will be well worth the temporary hurdles. In this article, we'll share several practical tips to help you navigate this process with minimal stress.
Making a Temporary Kitchen More Functional
Even if you have the luxury of utilizing a butler's pantry during your remodel, the first order of business in a kitchen remodel is to set up a temporary kitchen. This makeshift space should ideally be in a room with a sink, like a garage, basement, or utility room, or as close as possible. Here are a few tips that can make your temporary kitchen more functional.
Reuse Old Cabinets
A well-planned storage solution can make your temporary kitchen more functional. One easy way to do this is to use a few of your old kitchen cabinets during construction. Even if the cabinets no longer have a countertop, you can lay plywood on top to create a work surface and a place to store and arrange small appliances, necessary pots and pans, utensils, and pantry items.
Since you will have less space than you're accustomed to, decluttering and packing up everything you don't need will simplify your life tremendously.
Essential Appliances for the Temporary Kitchen
Not only will your temporary kitchen not have all the space of your regular kitchen, but you will also sacrifice some of the amenities you are used to. Here are a few essential appliances that can make the transition easier:
- An Instant Pot can handle one-pot meals, boiling water, and even cooking eggs or rice. It's compact and versatile, making it perfect for a makeshift kitchen.
- An induction hot plate provides a surface for cooking dishes you cannot prepare in an Instant Pot. Paired with a deep pan and a skillet, you can manage most cooking tasks.
- An electric kettle helps prepare hot beverages and can also be helpful when cooking oatmeal.
- A microwave is essential for heating leftovers. If you plan and portion your meals wisely, leftovers can substantially reduce your cooking load during the remodel.
- A mini fridge can make a temporary kitchen more functional and more enjoyable. From keeping milk for cereal to a cold beer on hand for the end of a long day, a mini fridge is a must.
- A single-serve coffee maker can be a lifesaver during a kitchen remodel. For many of us, the key to our sanity is contained in the first cup of coffee each morning - don't go without it during a stressful remodel.
Related: Your Step-by-Step Guie to Kitchen Remodels in Colorado Springs
Meal Planning and Preparation
Now that your temporary kitchen is in place and stocked with everything you need, you can start thinking about the practicalities of planning and preparing meals. Here are some tips to simplify your meals:
- Stock up on easy-to-prepare foods like pasta, eggs, and rice, which are easy and quick to cook using your temporary kitchen setup.
- Consider meal kits from local vendors. These typically require minimal preparation and cleanup and can add variety to your diet during construction. One of our favorite local vendors is Garden of the Gods Market and Cafe. Their grab-and-go market will ensure you don't sacrifice great taste during a kitchen remodel.
- Pre-cooked and frozen meals can be lifesavers. Prepare and freeze meals in advance of the remodel. During construction, you can defrost and reheat these meals as needed.
- Don't forget about outdoor cooking. Even during Colorado's chilly winter months, we have many days with temperatures in the 50s and 60s that are perfect for grilling or using your smoker.
Managing Cleanup and Dishes
Without a fully functional kitchen, cleaning up after meals can be a challenge. Here are some strategies to make your temporary kitchen more functional for cleanup:
- Use disposable utensils and dishes to minimize dishwashing.
- Keep a large tub for dirty dishes. You can wash these once a day to prevent them from piling up.
- Set up a drying area. A roll-up drying mat can be used over a bathtub or utility sink to dry dishes.
- Rotate plastic containers for leftovers. This reduces the number of dishes you'll need to wash and makes storing and reheating meals easy.
Related: Avoid These Ten Common Mistakes Homeowners Make During a Kitchen Remodel
Water Accessibility
Not having easy access to water can be a source of frustration during a kitchen remodel. You may only realize how often you use your kitchen sink or appreciate how easy your dishwasher makes your life once these are not available to you.
Set up your temporary kitchen near a bathroom or utility room if possible. And keep large containers of water handy for cooking and cleaning.
Planning for Electrical Needs
With multiple appliances in your temporary kitchen, you'll need to plan for your electrical needs. A power strip can help accommodate all your appliances. Be aware of the power load of your small appliances to avoid tripping your circuit breaker.
Managing Indoor Air Quality
Construction can stir up a lot of dust and potentially harmful particles. An air purifier can help maintain good indoor air quality and make your temporary kitchen more functional.
Staying Organized and Tracking Progress
Staying organized and keeping your end goal in mind is vital to maintaining sanity during a kitchen remodel. Set up a bulletin board to track the remodeling progress. Take photographs often and mark off each step as it happens. This can help keep your spirits up as you see your new kitchen slowly taking shape.
Remember, you're working towards a beautifully remodeled kitchen customized to your needs – and that's something worth looking forward to!
Hiring a Certified Kitchen Designer is the Key to a Successful Kitchen Remodel
Of course, tracking the progress of your new kitchen is much easier when you have experts helping the project to stay on track. At Designer Kitchens, our team of Certified Kitchen Designers is here to help you navigate the entire process of remodeling your kitchen - from your initial in-home consultation and design through the final walk-through. Our decades of experience ensure you have the advice and support you need to make your kitchen more functional and beautiful.
Put our experience to work for you - schedule your in-home consultation today!