So, you’ve decided it’s finally time to remodel your kitchen. Great! You’re going to love it when it’s done. In the meantime, however, remodeling your kitchen is going to be a challenge. Not because the work is hard, but rather, because you won’t have the use of your kitchen for several days (weeks?!), and that will be the hard part. 

Many people who have been through a kitchen renovation suggest leaving the home and not returning until the remodel is complete, but if that isn’t an option, the tips below will help you get through it (almost) stress-free. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

You can expect to be inconvenienced and frustrated. There will likely be delays and last-minute changes, but if you expect these things to happen, you’ll be less stressed about them when they do. 

Your kitchen remodel is going to be messy and noisy, too. You’ll find yourself washing dishes in a tiny bathroom sink or the tub, even, and that cup of coffee you look forward to every morning? Plan on getting it from some drive-thru on your way to work. 

Lastly, if you don’t particularly enjoy cooking, the kitchen remodel won’t be so bad after all as you won’t be doing cooking of any kind for a while. Unfortunately, your wallet won’t be as happy as you to be eating out so often. 

THINK AHEAD

Try to plan for things as much as you can. Pack up the kitchen or hire movers as it’s a big job. Think about how you’ll refrigerate necessities while the renovation is going on. Maybe you have an extra fridge in the garage that you normally use for beer and soda. If not, consider purchasing a mini-fridge or a used unit to use while your kitchen is in chaos. 

SET UP A MINI KITCHEN ELSEWHERE

If you have space, consider setting up a makeshift kitchen in another room of the house. While you won’t be making any gourmet meals there, you’ll at least be able to make a pot of coffee in the mornings. Equipment you might use in your makeshift kitchen includes coffee maker, toaster oven, slow cooker, electric skillet, etc. 

SET UP A TABLE FOR EATING

This is especially important if your family is used to eating meals together. If your table usually resides in the kitchen, find another room to set it up and use it as you normally would. Whether it’s takeout, grilled food, or a slow-cooker masterpiece, you’ll enjoy it more eating it at the table rather than from a living room floor picnic. 

GET TO GRILLING

If you’ve ever wanted to master the outdoor grill, now’s the time. Without a functional kitchen inside, grilling is a great option for cooking dinner and avoiding eating out all the time. You can cook just about anything on a grill, so hit the Internet and look for some great recipes to try. 

Remodeling the kitchen is exciting, but it’s also a stressful time that requires a fair amount of patience and creativity. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, make it less of a hassle by following the suggestions above. 

Sponsored by Property Spark.