You’ve been planning the renovation for months—maybe years!—and now it’s finally happening. The contractors are coming soon, all those old appliances will be removed and recycled, the cabinets will be pulled off of the walls, and your outdated old kitchen will be ripped apart right to the studs.

How on earth should you prepare for such an upheaval?

Dedicate A Nook For A Temporary Kitchen
The most vexing aspect of a kitchen renovation is losing the ability to store, cook, and eat in one place. To ease the transition, dedicate a space somewhere in your house, preferably away from the dust and dirt of construction, to be your new temporary kitchen. Choose wisely, taking these considerations into account:

• You’ll need a nearby source of water for cleaning dishes, pots, and utensils, such as a utility sink in a basement, or close enough to a bathroom with a tub or a deep sink.
• You’ll need space enough for your family to eat as well as an area for dry food, pots, and utensil storage, perhaps in bins.
• You’ll need to dedicate a table as countertop space not just for food preparation but also to hold the smaller appliances you’ll need to continue making quick meals during the period of the construction.
• Ideally, you’ll have access to a secondary refrigerator to store perishables. Alternatively, consider purchasing a small refrigerator to store basics like milk, butter, fruit, cheese, etc.

Packing Considerations
Once you’ve dedicated a temporary kitchen, consider what small appliances you can use in this limited space to help make simple meals, such as:

• Hot plate
• Microwave oven
• Crock pot or pressure cooker
• Toaster oven
• Coffee maker
• Small griddle
• Kettle

Avoid keeping fussy small appliances like mincers and mixers, waffle irons and fancy blenders. It’s unlikely you’ll be whipping up any gourmet meals during the transition.

Also consider what you’ll need to serve simple meals, including:

• Plates and bowls
• Eating utensils
• Serving utensils
• Oven mitts for handling hot items
• Glasses and cups
• Knives and a cutting board
• Can opener

Some homeowners prefer to use paper plates and plastic utensils during this temporary period for time-saving convenience.

Once you’ve put aside what you’ll need, pack everything else in your kitchen, from crystal wine glasses to the curtains, and label each box well. You may find that you need some small kitchen item later, and good labels will help you find it quick.

Be Creative And Flexible
Any kitchen renovation is going to disrupt your daily life, but a little creativity can go a long way. If you have outdoor seating and a grill, take advantage of the good weather to eat al fresco. Try some of those new recipes for the crock pot that you haven’t had a moment to consider. A simple bowl of soup warmed in a pot on the hot plate can be a welcome meal on cold days. And when you reach a point where you just can’t stand another ham sandwich, never underestimate the power of pizza and Chinese take-out.