Starting a kitchen remodel is exciting—but before the new cabinets, countertops, and appliances arrive, there’s one important step homeowners often overlook: preparing and packing up your kitchen.
A little planning goes a long way in helping you stay organized, protect your belongings, and maintain some normalcy while your kitchen is out of commission. Ultimately, the best way to prep for a kitchen remodel is to be prepared and think ahead.
1. Create a Temporary Kitchen Setup
Before packing anything, consider how you’ll handle meals during the remodel. Setting up a makeshift kitchen in another part of your home—such as the dining room, basement, or even a large laundry area—can help make life feel a bit more normal during mealtimes.
Consider including these things in your temporary setup:
- A small table or countertop space
- A mini fridge or cooler
- Microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate
- Coffee maker or electric kettle
- Essential utensils and dishes
Prepare and freeze a few meals before demo begins to make the first week easier. From meal prep to packing lunches, it’s essential to plan ahead and establish a temporary routine to minimize extra stress during the remodel.
2. Sort and Declutter
Kitchen remodeling is the perfect opportunity to declutter your space and get rid of items you no longer use or need. As you pack, go through each cabinet and drawer, separating items into these categories:
- Keep: essentials or frequently used items
- Donate: items in good condition that you no longer need
- Toss/Recycle: broken, expired, or unusable items
This is a great time to part with chipped mugs, mismatched Tupperware, or that fondue set you haven’t touched in years. You can even sell unused items to add extra funds to your remodeling budget!
3. Pack Strategically
Once you’ve decluttered your space, it’s time to start packing everything up. Treat this part of the process like a short-term move: label everything clearly and keep categories together.
Tips for efficient packing:
- Use small to medium boxes for heavier items such as dishes, cans, and glassware.
- Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap, packing paper, or dish towels to prevent damage.
- Label boxes by cabinet location and contents for easy unpacking.
- Pack essentials in an “open first” box and set it aside.
- Store boxes in a nearby room or garage to keep the work zone clear.
Don’t forget to take photos of cabinet interiors if you want to replicate your old organization system in your new kitchen layout.
4. Protect Valuables and Keepsakes
If you have heirloom china, antique cookware, or other valuables, pack them separately and store them in a safe, dust-free location away from potential construction damage.
Even with the most careful crews, kitchen remodeling can get messy. Sealing fragile items in labeled boxes and relocating them far from the work area protects them from accidental damage.
5. Clear the Work Zone
To keep everyone safe, make sure the entire area is clean and accessible. This includes:
- Removing everything from drawers, cabinets, and countertops
- Clearing wall décor, light fixtures, and curtains
- Unplugging and moving small appliances
- Disconnecting your refrigerator, stove, or dishwasher
Confirm which items your contractors will handle and which ones you’re responsible for before work begins. Clearing the space ensures your kitchen demolition and remodel start smoothly.
6. Adjust Routines As Needed
Remodeling can be disruptive—there will be noise, dust, and schedule adjustments. Mentally preparing for the temporary inconvenience makes a big difference.
Keep the final result in mind: a custom, updated kitchen that’s more functional and beautiful. Plan easy meals, schedule takeout nights, and stay flexible during construction.
7. Talk to Your Contractor
The most effective way to prepare for a professional kitchen remodel is to communicate openly with your contractors. At Kitchen and Bath Builders, we provide clients with a clear project timeline and preparation checklist.
- What areas of the home will be impacted?
- Will any walls, floors, or ceilings outside the kitchen need to be cleared?
- What should I expect for dust and noise levels?
- How long will I be without water or power in the kitchen?
Knowing what to expect helps you plan more effectively and minimizes stress during the remodel.
Ready for Your Dream Kitchen?
At Kitchen and Bath Builders, we make the kitchen remodeling process as smooth as possible from start to finish. From design consultations and 3D renderings to material selection, we handle every detail—you just need to prep your space and get ready to love your new kitchen.
Contact Kitchen & Bath Builders today to start planning your next kitchen remodeling project!
