A stylish kitchen doesn’t last forever. Most kitchens start to look their age once they’re about ten years old.
One way to spruce up a house is to give your kitchen a face-lift. Although a kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, the shiny, new kitchen at the end is worth it. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to be prepared.
Eating out for every meal isn’t practical, so you’ll have to set up a temporary kitchen during your remodel. Keep reading for the most cost-efficient tips on creating your temporary kitchen space.
Creating a Functional Temporary Kitchen
Most people find that it makes the most sense to stay in your home during a renovation. This keeps your overall costs lower and keeps you closer to your everyday items.
During your remodel, your kitchen will become a construction zone. You’ll have limited access to much of the place you usually spend a lot of time in. Although this can feel overwhelming, there are many tips you can use to make your temporary kitchen feel like home.
Get Organized
You’re going to want to start your temporary kitchen planning before your kitchen renovations start. The first step is to get your old kitchen organized.
Before your kitchen renovations start, you’ll want to pack your old kitchen up. Like packing for a move, you’ll want to label your boxes and wrap each glass item in paper to keep it safe.
Packing up your old kitchen is a great way to get rid of old or outdated food and appliances. This will give you less to worry about when you set up your temporary and new kitchens.
Grab the Basics
As you pack up your old kitchen, make sure to start pulling out items that you use every day. Stick to the basics to keep your washing and storing easier.
Here is a good list to start with:
Plate and bowl for each family member
Sturdy plastic cup for each family member
A set of flatware for each family member
Medium size pan
Medium size pot
Cutting board
Set of knives
Measuring cups
Wooden spoon
Spatula
Food storage containers
Plastic tub for dirty dishes
Large folding table
Find the Perfect Spot
The first step to setting up your temporary kitchen is finding the best spot for it. You’ll want to find a location away from any construction dust. You’ll also want to look for a place that has access to water to set up your temporary kitchen sink.
Sometimes a laundry room with a sink is a good option. If you have a basement space with a sink, that will also work well.
If you don’t have a spare sink, that’s okay! You’ll just have to make a few extra trips to the bathroom sink to cook water and clean dishes.
Before you get your whole kitchen put together, don’t forget about safety. You’ll want lots of outlets, a working smoke detector, and ventilation in the spot you choose.
Utilize Small Appliance Cooking
Small appliances are going to be your best friends during your temporary kitchen renovation days. During your initial organization, set aside the following small appliances if you have them:
Microwave
Toaster oven
Coffee maker
Electric griddle
Instant Pot
Mini-fridge
Make a Menu
You can do more than you think with your small appliances! Once you have made an inventory of what cooking appliances you have, it’s time to make a menu.
Online, there is a wealth of knowledge on healthy recipes to make without needing a stove or oven. You can even double your batches and eat the leftovers later in the week.
Make rice, pasta, and chicken in your instant pot. Grab your slow cooker and make chili, soup, or pulled pork.
Your electric griddle is perfect for breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon. It also makes a yummy quesadilla.
Don’t skimp on nutrients by using your microwave for steamed veggies. Your microwave is also great for heating leftovers.
Get Grilling
If your renovation falls in warmer weather, use your grill to your advantage. You can make delicious meals on the grill that rival what an oven can do.
Get creative with the types of food that you cook on your grill. Try out a flatbread pizza for a Friday night meal. Cook up some classic hotdogs and burgers and have an outdoor picnic.
Kitchen Renovation Tips
Before your kitchen renovations, make life easier by making several freezer meals. You can cook many types of meals that you dump right into a crockpot. They are simple to make and super delicious.
If you have family or close friends nearby, consider asking them to use their kitchen once a week. This will give you time to get most of your meal prep done in a larger and more functional space.
Cleaning your dishes can be a challenge during a kitchen renovation. If you have a lot of dishes to clean, consider filling a cooler with water and washing your dishes there.
Paper is another choice that can cut down on dishes. If you go this route, go for biodegradable options to reduce your waste.
Setting up a Temporary Kitchen During Your Remodel Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
It’s not hard to get overwhelmed with a full kitchen remodel. Thankfully, setting up a temporary kitchen during your remodel can keep your family fed quickly and easily. Remember that before you know it, you’ll be eating in your brand-new kitchen!
The best way to have a low-stress kitchen remodel is to have an expert team by your side. Minneapolis Kitchen Remodeling has been helping people make their dream kitchen a reality for over five years.
Contact us today to get your kitchen remodel process started.