How to Prepare for Your Kitchen Remodeling Project
One of the obstacles homeowners may overlook in the excitement of transforming their kitchen is the temporary loss of their kitchen space. Kitchen remodeling can take weeks to complete, disrupting their daily life. Where are you going to cook? How will you prepare your meals?
In this article, we outline the steps you can take to prepare for your kitchen remodeling project and minimize the inconveniences that may arise along the way.
Understand Your Contractor’s Design-Build Process
Choosing a remodeling contractor? Start by reviewing their website for details on their design-build process. A well-outlined timeline will help you anticipate each step and know exactly when to get your kitchen ready for construction.
Pre-Construction Preparation for Your Kitchen Layout
Your contractor should carefully prepare your kitchen before the renovation begins. This includes laying down protective coverings and sealing off entrances and exits to minimize the spread of dust.
At Schroeder Design Build, we go a step further by protecting existing structures and creating an efficient construction site within your kitchen layout. With proper preparation, we help minimize delays and reduce safety risks once construction is underway.
Dedicated Project Manager
At Schroeder Design Build, your dedicated Project Manager is your main point of contact from start to finish, keeping you informed every step of the way. Through consistent communication, weekly updates, and milestone meetings, you’ll always know where your project stands—and when to expect your beautifully transformed kitchen.
Pack Up Your Kitchen Appliances and Items Early
Packing up your kitchen supplies before pre-construction starts reduces stress and makes the remodeling process smoother. Here’s an organized, stress-free way to pack your kitchen—one your future self will appreciate when it’s time to move everything back into your new space.
Start Outside In
Begin by packing away items that are not stored inside drawers or kitchen cabinets. Remove all decorative pieces—such as wall art, DIY décor, calendars, curtains—as well as small appliances from the countertops.
Pack from Small to Big
Gradually unpack, starting with drawers, then cabinets, followed by pantry shelves, and finally the under-sink areas. This sequence allows you to work from smaller to larger items. It also ensures you begin with clean items before moving on to those that don’t require washing.
De-clutter Time
Use this as an opportunity to donate or discard outdated, unused kitchen items. As Marie Kondo says, if it doesn’t spark joy, thank it and let it go. By decluttering while you pack, you’ll streamline the unpacking process once your kitchen renovation is complete.
Organize
Label boxes clearly and color-code them by category (e.g., yellow for utensils, blue for dry goods) to make unpacking more efficient.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen for Daily Use
Maintaining a functional space during your kitchen remodel is vital to retaining your daily routine and make sure you still get your coffee in the morning.
Set Up a Mini-Kitchen
Select an area with a sink, such as a laundry room or basement, where you can accommodate a trash can, microwave, and a small refrigerator.
Use Disposable Utensils
To minimize the amount of dirty dishes, use disposable utensils for eating and preparing food. Paper plates, plastic utensils, and cups reduce the need for washing dishes. They also minimize cleanup time once your full kitchen is unavailable during the remodeling process.
Create a Small Pantry
Where should you store non-perishable foods while your kitchen is under construction? Set up a small storage area with shelf-stable, grab-and-go foods and ingredients to simplify mealtime. To minimize cleanup, avoid recipes that require multiple appliances or extensive prep.
Simplify Meal Preparations
A few weeks of takeout will eventually lose its charm. While your kitchen is being remodeled, home-cooked meals are still possible with thoughtful preparation.
Make a Meal Plan with Prepared, Pre-Cooked Meals
Store pre-cooked meals in the freezer that only require reheating in a microwave or a slow cooker. You can also marinate proteins in advance and pair them with bagged salad or no-cook sides if you prefer to use this opportunity to cook outside.
Label Everything Clearly
Store meals in labeled, gallon-sized Ziplock bags with cooking instructions and expiration dates. Organizing by type or day of the week can save you the hassle and keep your temporary kitchen tidy.
Use Minimal Equipment
During the kitchen remodeling process, rely on portable kitchen appliances, such as a toaster oven, microwave, or slow cooker, to keep your cooking needs met. Meals cooked in these appliances do not require extensive prep and cleanup.
Relocate Your Pet’s Food and Water Stations
Keep your pets safe and stress-free during construction. They may not be used to having strangers in the house every day for weeks at a time. To help them adjust while your kitchen project is underway, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Create a Calm Environment
A few days before pre-construction begins, establish a new routine for your pets. Set up a designated area for their food and water stations to give them time to adjust, relocating them away from loud equipment, debris, and contractors.
Establish a New Routine
Give your pets time to adjust to the new routine before pre-construction begins. Stay consistent with feeding times to help reduce their anxiety.
Keep Them Safe During the Building Process
Consider using temporary gates to restrict access to the kitchen during construction. If your pets are sensitive to loud noises, relocate them to a quieter area with comforting items such as their favorite toys, treats, and blankets.
Protect Your Belongings from Construction Dust
Once permits are obtained and the budget is approved, construction can begin. Schroeder Design Build takes professional precautions to contain dust during your kitchen remodel and covers the walkway leading to the kitchen to prevent dirt from tracking into your home. You can also take the following steps to further protect your space:
- Use drop cloths or plastic covers on nearby furniture and flooring.
- Place rugs or mats in adjacent hallways to catch foot-traffic debris.
- Move artwork, electronics, and fragile décor items out of nearby rooms, if possible.
Should You Move Out During the Kitchen Renovation?
If the thought of living through construction dust, noise, and limited kitchen access feels overwhelming, it’s okay to step away.
In homes with an open floor plan, noise and dust are often unavoidable, and disruptions can be even more difficult to manage if you have pets, small children, or work remotely.
During the weeks your kitchen is being remodeled, consider temporary living arrangements. You may choose to stay with family or friends, book a short-term rental, or even plan a getaway.
Meanwhile, your assigned Project Manager at Schroeder Design Build will keep you fully updated on construction progress. With scheduled check-ins and milestone meetings, we ensure you stay involved—even if you’re off-site.
Begin Your Kitchen Remodeling Journey with Schroeder
Preparing for your kitchen remodel means more than selecting finishes—it’s about mentally and practically adjusting to a temporary lifestyle shift. Since remodeling takes away one of the most essential rooms in your home, it’s important to plan ahead: when to pack your kitchen items, where to set up a temporary kitchen, and how to stay organized. The better prepared you are, the smoother your remodeling experience will feel.
At Schroeder Design Build, we guide homeowners through every step of their remodeling journey. Because preparation is one of the most overlooked challenges, we’re pleased to offer advice and support to help make the process easier.
For 40 years, we’ve been transforming homes with an eye for both the big picture and the smallest details. When you partner with us, you can move forward with your kitchen remodel knowing you’re in expert hands.
We’ll guide you every step of the way—from your first vision to the moment you walk into your beautifully transformed kitchen. Schedule a consultation today!