Sponsor spotlight: Tips for setting up a temporary kitchen during your remodel

Photo courtesy Irons Brothers Construction

So, everything in the kitchen must be moved out during your remodel. Get started, the earlier the better.

It’s time to pack the dishes and move any food items you keep in the kitchen to a good storage location – but remember, you will have to get into them at times during the remodeling project.

First, decide which items might need to be unpacked during the remodeling process and keep these items near. Also pack things in clearly labeled boxes so restocking cabinets will be easier.

Setting up a temporary mini kitchen, somewhere near a small table for eating is best. The dining room or a large laundry room sometimes works nicely. You will also need space to set up your small appliances in this area. Try to be close to a sink or water source, if possible. You can also use your outdoor barbecue/grill.

If you frequently prepare meals in your kitchen, a kitchen remodel will pose you with many culinary conundrums. A temporary kitchen is not ideal, but at least will help you cook an edible meal instead of eating out every day of the week.

Here are a few tips for setting up your temporary kitchen:

1. Keep essential items handy:

– microwave meals

– non-perishables and canned items — soup, beans, vegetables and fruit

– condiments

– cereal

– microwave-safe dishes and cooking utensils

– dishcloths/sponge

– dish soap and multipurpose spray or disinfecting wipes

– tub for dishwashing if sink not handy

– paper plates, plastic utensils and cups

– coffee and coffee pot and sugar/creamer

– can opener

– cutting board

– knives

– paper towels

– napkins

– garbage can, recycle bin, compost container and bags for these

2. Cook some meals in advance and freeze

3. Eat out or get take-out food. Hot and cold deli items from the grocery store are also an option and are a great alternative to fast food.

4. You’ll be without water in the kitchen for a time, so plan to do the dishes in another sink or the bathtub. Or stock up on disposable plates and cups, paper towels and a disinfectant cleanser.

5. Move your old refrigerator or a small mini fridge to a convenient space close to a water. Add a table with a microwave above and a trash can below.

6. To reduce clean-up, use paper or plastic cups, paper plates, and plastic. Keep a trash, recycle and compost bin in the area for easy clean up.

7. Obviously, small appliances such as microwaves, air fryers, toasters or toaster ovens, hot plates and small electric grills will be immensely helpful in preparing meals. Just remember, the area where you set up your temporary kitchen might not be able to support multiple appliances running at the same time, not to mention any other electronic items typically used in that room. You might need to have only one thing plugged in at a time to prevent blown fuses.

Finally, don’t forget to pack up (or move) fragile items that are near or hung on the walls adjacent to the kitchen. Construction-induced vibrations during the remodel could damage these items.

 

— By Irons Brothers Construction

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