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Deciding to remodel your kitchen is a huge decision. While a kitchen renovation is sure to bring years of joy and a return on your investment if you decide to sell your home, there are also financial and everyday convenience considerations to weigh before jumping in.
A kitchen renovation can be loud, messy, and sometimes take longer than expected. Whether you opt for a DIY slow reno to save money or bring in a large crew of contractors to tackle the job as quickly as possible, you are sure to be kicked out of your kitchen for weeks at a time.
Some people may choose to eat out every day, but that isn’t realistic for most homeowners given time and budget constraints. Therefore, it’s important to set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in your home that can function as a workable food prep and cooking area.
The more prepared you are, the less frustrated you’ll be not having access to your kitchen space. We asked industry experts to share their tips for setting up an effective temporary kitchen for living through a kitchen remodel.
Be strategic about your temporary kitchen location.
The most important step to surviving a kitchen remodel is to set up a small, functional temporary kitchen so you can continue to prepare meals at home. Choose a spot away from the construction zone, such as in the dining room, basement, laundry room, or even the garage, says Francis Kaspar of The Chill Brothers in Texas. “The best location has an electrical outlet or two for kitchen appliances, a flat surface for prep work, and easy access to water like a nearby sink,” says Kaspar. If you have a utility sink in your home, then start with that spot to set up the temporary kitchen. Protect the area from construction dust by hanging plastic sheeting and sealing off vents. It’s also helpful to get a portable HEPA filter to suck up dust particles and improve air quality, suggests Kaspar.
Set up essential appliances.
In order to prepare meals throughout the construction period, it will be helpful to have several key appliances set up in your temporary kitchen. Experts and homeowners who have lived through a kitchen renovation recommend the following appliances: a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer, electric kettle, coffee machine, hot plate or portable induction cooktop, mini fridge or cooler, instant pot, and crock pot. “A barbeque grill is also essential during a kitchen remodel, allowing you to cook outside and grill a full and delicious meal,” notes Mackenzie Kouto, design consultant at Kitchens by Good Guys in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I have worked with so many clients who said their grill was a lifesaver during the remodel process,” she adds. Another tip to keep in mind is to use a power strip with a surge protector when using multiple appliances.
Gather the most effective tools.
Besides the core appliances, you’ll want to have other helpful supplies on hand in your temporary kitchen. A folding table is a must-have to serve as a makeshift counter or island for prep work. Stock up on high-quality disposable plates, cups, and utensils. If you are looking for something more sustainable, buy reusable supplies like an outdoor dinnerware set. You can also now find more eco-friendly disposable options made from recycled paper and plastic, bamboo, or even palm leaves. “It’s also beneficial to set up a kitchen essentials box,” says Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets in California. “This should include your favorite knives, cutting boards, measuring cups, and any spices or condiments you use regularly. Having these items easily accessible makes it simpler to whip up meals.” You may also want to set up a drying rack, towel holder, and plastic dish tub or collapsible sink bin to wash dishes in the bathroom or laundry sink.
Stay organized with smart storage solutions.
It is easy to feel disoriented in this temporary space as your kitchen is being gutted, but a few storage tips can help keep everything under control. The key is to make sure everything you need for food preparation is close by so you don’t have to keep running around your house to find supplies. Consider purchasing some temporary shelving to serve as a pantry to store food and cooking supplies. It’s also helpful to use labeled bins and boxes to keep items easily organized. A rolling utility cart is also highly recommended. “You can use it to hold utensils, dry goods, spices, or even small appliances like a kettle or blender,” says Eric Bramlett, realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate in Austin, Texas. “Since it’s on wheels, you can easily move it as needed, and it keeps your space organized without needing built-in cabinets.”
Keep it simple when it comes to meal choices.
Finally, give yourself some grace and understand that cooking gourmet meals for your family and friends is not going to happen while your kitchen is being redone—and that’s okay. Stay flexible by grilling outside, trying simple recipes like chili in your crock pot, and ordering takeout when necessary. Kaspar recommends stocking the right foods to help keep meal prep as easy as possible: canned beans, soup, pasta, pre-cooked rice, frozen vegetables, nut butters, granola bars, and crackers. Also, Qian suggests focusing on no-cook meals or simple recipes that require minimal equipment. “Think salads, wraps, and slow-cooked dishes you can set and forget,” says Qian. “This reduces stress and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around you.” You can also cook large meals ahead of time, such as lasagnas, stews, and casseroles, and freeze them so they can easily be reheated as needed.
