How to Prepare for a Kitchen Renovation: 9 Essential Tips
The kitchen is often the most used room in the house. It's where we prepare our food, entertain family and friends, do homework with kids and more. Therefore, it is always a must for one to consider renovating or upgrading their kitchen every once in a while.
However, this process can be somehow daunting, especially when you have no idea where to begin or do not have all of the information you need!
Hence, we have put together nine essential tips PeakResidential.com says you may use to prepare for the big kitchen renovation project.
How Do I Prepare For My Kitchen Renovation Project?
Plan Out The Entire Project
Before you start any renovation, it's critical to plan out the entire project. That way, you can avoid having a sub-par space or feeling like things were done on an impulse purchase.
Think about what types of appliances and fixtures would make sense for your kitchen style and use, how many additional cabinets will be needed for storage, if there are outdated features that need to be replaced, and more.
You will also want to plan out your renovation schedule during this time. This will help you know how much time to set aside for the project so that all of your materials can be purchased and installed.
The renovation budget is also something to think about at this stage. You will need to have a clear idea of how much you are willing and able to spend on the project before moving forward with finalising your design plans, so it's best not to skimp on costs here or else you'll regret it later.
Make sure to include packing materials, restaurant costs, moving vehicle rental costs, and storage unit prices into your budget if you plan on moving out of the kitchen for some time.
Rent A Self Storage Unit
If you plan to move out of the kitchen during this time, it's best not to put off finding a self storage unit. You will want to have a place where all of your belongings can be stored while the renovations are being done, and self storage facilities offer both the convenience and affordability that you need. Here are some advantages to keeping your items at a self storage unit for the duration of the renovation project:
- You and your renovation team will find it easier to move around and work. You will have unobstructed access to every part of your kitchen, which will make your renovation go faster. This, in turn, means you'll be able to save money on the renovation costs. After all, the faster the work goes, the less expensive it is.
- You will find it a lot less stressful because there won't be any worries about the house being in chaos or your belongings getting damaged or stolen while renovations are ongoing. Moreover, you'll be able to rest easy knowing your belongings are safe and secure in a facility that has climate-controlled units, 24/7 surveillance, airtight security protocols, and many more.
- Without stray pieces of furniture or appliances lying around the kitchen, there will also be less risk for injuries like cuts, bruises, slips, and more at the job site.
As for the cost of such, you'll be glad to know that most self storage units are pretty affordable. These prices are often computed based on the demand for storage, the size of your unit, and the type and features of the unit you choose. Sometimes, your location and the economic conditions in your area play a part in these costs as well. That means a self storage unit in Birmingham will cost differently than a storage unit in London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or anywhere else across the globe.
When looking for the perfect self storage unit for your needs, make sure to compare prices and features. You should also review the size of each unit as they vary in size and can accommodate different needs.
Declutter Your Kitchen
It might sound like a task you can put off until later, but it's best to declutter your kitchen before the renovation project even begins. Go through the items in your kitchen, determine which items you still want or need, and which items you can get rid of.
If you aren't quite sure about where to start with the decluttering, here are some ideas on where you can start:
- Get rid of items that are no longer of use or value to you. If you haven't used a piece of kitchen equipment or tool for more than six months, you probably will never use it again.
- Dispose of duplicates. Chances are, you won't need two air fryers!
- Lastly, you will want to give up items that are obsolete or damaged beyond repair. Such items can be a safety hazard in the kitchen, so it's best to get rid of them.
By decluttering your kitchen, it will also be much easier for you to determine which appliances you will need to upgrade. If you are looking for kitchen appliance recommendations, be sure to check out these product reviews.
Set Aside Your Kitchen Essentials
You will want to set aside your kitchen essentials before the renovation starts. This includes all appliances, cookware and utensils, dishware and dinnerware, glassware and silverware. That way, you'll still be able to make food even if your kitchen is being renovated.
To prevent any inconvenience, it is best to make a list of what you will need before the renovation starts and set those items aside.
Find High-Quality Packing Materials
Next, you must look for high-quality packing supplies to use for the stuff you will be temporarily moving into storage. This will cost you a bit of money, but it will be worth the investment.
The supplies you use for your packing must meet specific requirements before they're considered to be high-quality:
- They should offer sufficient protection against moisture and water damage; from leakage or spills during shipment.
- They should have a sturdy design that prevents collapse when in transit. This is especially important if you're shipping heavy items.
- They should be made from a quality material that will ensure the safety of your belongings during transit.
Otherwise, you may look into using alternative packing materials like towels, linen, or clothing.
Pack Your Kitchen Items Properly
You'll want to pack your kitchen items properly before you send them off into storage. There are many ways to do this, but one of the best is using a crate or box that has been lined with packing material.
If not, then it's wise to wrap your belongings in bubble wrap and place those bundles inside large moving boxes. You'll also want to seal your kitchen items in plastic bags and airtight containers.
Additionally, you can use those foam peanuts that many shipping companies now provide for oversize packages. These are often a good alternative if you don't have any packing materials on hand or run out of them while preparing everything.
Make Sure Everything Is Labelled Properly
Finally, make sure that everything is appropriately labelled before you send it off into storage. This includes labelling the boxes and crates that you use and all of your kitchen items. This will help make everything easier to find when it comes time for pick up or delivery. Plus, this will also reduce any chances of item misplacement during transit.
You will want to put a label on all sides of the box and indicate if the box includes anything fragile or breakable.
Set-Up A Temporary Kitchen And Dining Area
If you have the time and money, it's best to set up a temporary kitchen before things get too hectic. This will allow you to prepare meals in your home even while renovations are still ongoing.
Moreover, you'll want to make sure you have a dining area set up as well. This could be done by setting the table in your living room or using a folding table and chairs for temporary use.
The goal is to create an eating space that will allow you to dine with friends and family while still renovating your kitchen.
Make Sure Your Items Are Moved Into The Storage Facility Safely
Lastly, make sure that your items are moved into the storage facility safely. You want to make certain that nothing is damaged or broken during transit. To do this, you must pack and load the boxes correctly for them to withstand any type of damage incurred by rough handling.
Another way to make sure of this is by availing your storage company's collection and delivery services or hiring moving services to handle the transportation of your belongings. Such service providers have the experience and the equipment to make sure that your items get to the storage facility safely, after all.
Do you have an upcoming kitchen renovation? If so, we hope these tips can help make the process smoother for you!
Meanwhile, if you are worried about having to deal with too many bumps in the road, just keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect renovation. Should any issues arise, all you have to do is keep calm and trust that it’s all going to be okay!