15 Tips For Preparing For A Kitchen Remodel: Part 1

Throughout my years of working on kitchen projects with clients, I have found a few things to be helpful in helping them prepare for the actual work to begin in their house.

1.      Gather supplies. You will need boxes, newspapers, packing materials, packing tape, masking tape, quart size and gallon size plastic storage bags and markers.

2.      Keep it simple. Pull out items that you use every day such as the coffee maker, tea kettle, pots, skillets, mixing bowls, can openers, vegetable peelers, cooking utensils. To make life easier, use disposable cups, plates and dinnerware. Set aside storage containers for leftovers, food storage bags, foil and plastic wrap. Also, make sure that you have cleaning supplies on hand. Pare down to the kitchen tools you really, truly can't live without. Be merciless — how often are you going to use your food processor or waffle iron?

3.      Pack. Put canned and boxed foods in categories such as breakfast food, canned goods, sauces, pastas, spices, baking supplies, drinks, pet food and cooking oils. Use low-sided open boxes to keep items organized and at-hand during the construction activity.

4.      Collect. Items you use infrequently such as holiday dinnerware, specialized bake ware, punchbowls, platters, etc. can be packed, marked and stored in a closet or basement.

5.      Together. Keep like items together when clearing out your cabinets. This will make unpacking into your new kitchen so much easier.

6.      Donate. Set aside things you don’t use anymore for donation. Make a list and estimate the value before you take them to your local donation center. Throw out anything broken or unusable like old plastic storage ware. This is a great time to reduce clutter.

7.      Down. Take down blinds, curtains, rods and wall decorations. Place the hardware in plastic storage bags and label with masking tape or directly on the bag. Clean and dust these items if you will be using them again in the remodeled kitchen. Take down valuable pictures and wall hangings in adjacent rooms that can be knocked off the wall or damaged during the remodeling process.

8.      Cover. You may want to cover furniture and electronics in adjacent rooms that may be affected by dust from the construction area.

9.      Pets. Protect your pets. Keep them away from the work area.  Dogs and cats can be a danger to themselves and the work crew if they are underfoot. The best option is to keep them in a closed room away from all the work.

Next time we will explore the last items on my list. Have you found other tips to be helpful in your projects? Do you have anything to add to this list? I would love to hear! Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com