13 Steps to Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel

You have your plan in hand, you’ve hired a contractor and now the day for beginning your remodeling project is quickly approaching. You need to clear the kitchen and organize the contents. If this seems overwhelming, follow these steps to simplify the process.

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. 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. During the course of the remodeling project you will need these essentials. 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.

3. Pack 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. Pack, mark and store these items in a closet or basement.

5. Keep like items together when clearing out your cabinets.

6. 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. Reorganize cookbooks and recipes. Create a computer file for your favorite recipes.

8. Pack eating utensils in the gallon size plastic storage bags. Use a bag each for knives, forks and spoons. It will make it easy to unpack these items once the kitchen is finished. Do the same with cooking utensils and small gadgets.

9. Pack glassware and dinnerware carefully. Even though you are packing these items for a short period of time, things can get broken in the process of storing them. Wrap fragile items in newspaper or bubble wrap to protect them and seal your boxes with tape. Mark the contents on the outside of each box.

10. 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 is there is a place for writing contents. Clean and dust these items if you will be using them again in the remodeled kitchen.

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

12. Take down valuable pictures and wall hangings in adjacent rooms that can be knocked off the wall or damaged during the remodeling process.

13. 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. You can also hire a pet sitter to look after your pets during an extensive remodel.

Do you have any tips to share about preparing for a remodeling project?

This is the fourth article in a 5-part series on kitchen remodeling. Please check out these articles:

• Remodeling Your Kitchen: An A-to-Z Wish List Guide
• 7 Tips for Determining a Kitchen Remodeling Project Budget
• 6 Things to Do Before Meeting with a Kitchen Designer