How To Set Up A Temporary Kitchen During a Kitchen Remodel
Have you heard about the importance of a temporary kitchen?
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and wondering how you will feed yourself and your family during those hectic (and messy) months, then you have come to the right place.
Kitchens are one of the favorite places to gather in a home.
We entertain, catch up after a long day, and enjoy cooking together.
With the kitchen being so important, it is no surprise that kitchen remodels are extremely popular to make a space more functional and attractive.
One thing many people may forget in the whirlwind process of planning a kitchen remodel is that the area they depend on for much of their daily lives will no longer be available to them.
Setting up a temporary kitchen during your remodel can be a lifesaver.
An average kitchen remodel can take anywhere from 2-4 months, which means you will be without a place to cook or wash dishes.
Just like the kitchen remodel itself, the temporary kitchen will take a bit of planning ahead.
We know the importance of this process and wanted to share our favorite tips for clients when setting up their temporary kitchen.
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What Is A Temporary Kitchen For A Kitchen Remodel?
A temporary kitchen is a set up of your kitchen essentials to provide you with some ability to cook and eat at home while your kitchen is being remodeled. Depending on the remodel and the needs of the homeowners, that can mean anything from setting up a table with a microwave, to relocating a refrigerator, stove, and more to create a usable make-shift kitchen.
Let’s start with items you will want for your temporary kitchen:
Tip #1: Selecting an Area For Your Temporary Kitchen and Setting It Up
Find an area that is somewhat tucked away from the remodel area but also convenient for your lifestyle.
You may want to check with your electrician about the best location to plug in the fridge and other small appliances to avoid any issues prior to starting to set it up.
If the temporary kitchen is going to be on a carpeted area, it may be wise to buy some plastic floor covers to protect the flooring.
Also, if you set up shelving or a bookcase for pantry storage on carpet, you may want to screw it into the wall to make sure it is secure and won't tip over if bumped or climbed on.
If possible, it can be a good decision to tape off the area with plastic to reduce the amount of dust that could come in contact with the items.
If you're not able to tape off the area or don't want to risk any damage to paint or ceilings, you would still want to cover the area with plastic while not in use.
In addition, be prepared to cover furniture, ottomans, coffee tables, or other surfaces that might serve as your new temporary "dining table" with plastic covers to keep things clean throughout the weeks of the remodel.
This picture is of a temporary kitchen one of our clients had in their living room during their kitchen remodel.
Throughout the day as people were working, all of the food and other items were kept covered to make sure it was protected from dust.
At night, they would uncover the space and make dinner without the worry of dust and debris.
Tip #2: Temporary Kitchens & Doing The Dishes During A Remodel
Doing dishes is a tricky task without a kitchen sink.
You will want to choose a location where there is running water available and possibly an area to let your dishes dry.
This could be a laundry tub, bathroom tub with vanity counter, or really anywhere you have available.
We recommend getting a large bin to set all your dirty dishes in until you can take them to the place where you will wash them.
Your bin can also hold your sponge and dish soap to keep things organized.
If you don't have another place available for washing dishes or you hate the thought of washing in a tub, paper plates and cutlery can be your new best friends.
Buy plenty to be prepared for cutting, heating, cooking, mixing, etc. with them as your main, or only, option.
It may not be your first choice but can be a great temporary option in this situation and reduce stress.
Don't forget crockpot liners if you're planning to make crockpot meals and want to avoid the mess!
Tip #3: Planning & Cooking Your Meals In A Temporary Kitchen During A Remodel
Planning meals while not having access to a full kitchen is difficult which makes preparation of meals for this time very important.
Eating takeout or going out to eat is always an option but can become very costly when it drags on for weeks at a time, so planning extra money into your kitchen remodel for that may be a smart move if that is what you prefer.
Cereal, sandwiches and other cold food options are always available, but can get boring after a few days.
If possible, during the weeks leading up to the kitchen remodel, double recipes when making meals and freeze in microwave safe containers.
You will thank yourself later for taking the time to plan ahead for some good meals.
A crockpot is also a lifesaver during a kitchen remodel as you can throw a meal in there in the morning and have dinner ready when you get home.
Invest in a cookbook with creative crockpot recipes and you can keep your family happy for many weeks!
Conclusion
Using these tips to start planning for a temporary kitchen during your remodel can help reduce stress and feel more prepared for what is ahead.
Taking the time to set a space that can be simple, yet functional, will offer an alternative way to feed yourself and your family without blowing your budget or throwing a huge wrench in your routine.
Have questions about setting up your temporary kitchen during your home remodel? Or have you set up a temporary kitchen and have tips to save the day?
Share them with us below!
