The hardest part of a kitchen remodel is surviving without a fully functioning kitchen. Depending on the extent of remodel you may have to live without water,  the oven, cooktop, the fridge, or possibly all your kitchen appliances! Don’t fret! We are here to give you the tools and tips you need to survive. Over the years we have perfected our survival guide by listening and working with our clients, and we want to share a few really good pointers with you!

1. Don’t pack down your whole kitchen. Meaning: don’t pack the appliances that will help make your temporary kitchen successful! Think: crock-pot for delicious soups, a blender for easy breakfast smoothies, and a toaster oven for making mini pizzas. These are just a few of the appliances that will help make your remodel process a breeze.
2. Find a good location. This is important as you will be using it every day. This location will temporarily host your morning coffee, your mini appliances, some pantry items, and probably a fridge. We’ve seen this pop-up in several locations: living rooms, dining rooms, laundry rooms, and even bedrooms! The most important thing is to keep it away from debris and pathways into the construction areas.
3. Good time to utilize the outdoors. If you have a grill, then you’re golden when it comes to the temporary kitchen. When the weather permits, this is a perfect tool to use! The grill will become your new best friend as it will make preparing your proteins no more difficult than cooking it in your kitchen. Don’t forget those veggies also make a great grill food!
4. Pantry staples. The time has come where it is acceptable for you to fully enjoy having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner, who wouldn’t?! This is a great time to use those staples and get creative with what you have. Get creative and think: canned goods can make a delicious soup and that tasty pasta can be made in a jiffy. For more ideas check out these awesome pantry dinner ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.
5. Eat out. You know, we all have that drawer stashed full of take-out menus. Why not use this opportunity to scout out some of those restaurants you’ve been wanting to try? It may not seem ideal to do every day, but once or twice a week will eliminate cooking and clean up on those days.

Here are some shots from a real live temporary kitchen:

We like to joke with our clients and say that it’s kind of like camping inside your own home, but keep in mind that it’s only temporary. Most importantly, be looking at the light at the end of the tunnel: your completed kitchen remodel!