Anyone who's ever lived in their home during a kitchen remodel knows that preparing meals without a kitchen can be quite a challenge. Before I remodeled my own kitchen, I was sympathetic to my clients about the matter. However, it wasn't until after I remodeled my own kitchen that I really got what a hassle living without a kitchen can really be. Over the years, I've compiled tips from my clients and my own experience that will hopefully help make life a bit easier for those going through a remodel.
1. Set your temporary kitchen up near a source of water. Garages, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are good choices. Ideally, you should have some counter space and cabinetry storage near by. You will also want to keep your refrigerator as close as possible. I set my temporary kitchen up in the garage, where I had a laundry sink, refrigerator, and some cabinetry. Although I whined and complained at the time, it was actually a pretty good set up.
2. Don't try to be on a diet during the remodel. However, that doesn't mean that you can't eat healthy. This is where your microwave comes in handy. Before the remodel, while you still have your kitchen, prepare a bunch of meals that you enjoy and freeze them in labeled containers. Store bought frozen dinners also work great. During the remodel, simply heat them in the microwave.
3. Use your crockpot. Mine was packed away during the remodel, but many of my clients swear that they couldn't have survived without it. There are many simple and healthy meals that can be prepared using the crockpot. Google crockpot recipes and you will find tons of them.
4. Outdoor grilling is another great alternative. Fish, poutry, and grilled vegies can quickly and easily be prepared on the barbeque.
5. Use paper goods whenever possible, particularly for messy stuff. Trying to wash dishes in a bathroon sink or laundry tub is not a day at the beach. The less you have to clean, the better.
6. Dust gets into everything. Cover the temporary kitchen work area with a tarp when you're not using it and try to store things in air tight containers whenever possible to keep the dust out. You'll be glad you did.
7. Plan to eat out some of the time. Invest in an entertainment book so you can save a little money and try some new restaurants. Trust me, you will get sick of eating at the same places. Take out food, like pizza, is also good. And you'll get tired of this too, after a while.
8. Use a friend or relatives kitchen to prepare additional meals that you can freeze during the remodel. Of course, never turn down an invitation to dinner at someone's home!
9. If you have pets, make sure that they have a safe place to eat and fresh water. Remodeling can be disorienting for pets, especially if they're used to being in the old kitchen with you.
10. Enjoy a glass of wine or your favorite beverage. Spend time with your loved ones and try not to snap at them too much...Before you know it, your new kitchen will be ready.
