Living Through A Kitchen Renovation

If you're an avid HGTV viewer like myself, you're aware that the best advice when doing a renovation is to not live in the space while it's happening.

Well, that's not always feasible.

We lived amongst a demo'd kitchen/ renovation space in various stages for 6+ months, and here's the best tips I can give you on how to come out the other side.

ONE: Manage your own expectations

This is hard, believe me, I know. You'd be hard pressed to find someone else that's as neurotic about plans, lists, and goals, but things will not go as expected. If they do, congratulations on being a unicorn. We had a very long front end time on getting the renovation going, that you can read about here.

TWO: Embrace the chaos

Again, this one is a challenge. It's hard to remind yourself that this is temporary and it doesn't do any good to be a sour grape about it. Personally, I was a real crab cake during this time. It wore me down mentally and emotionally to see my home so out of sorts for so long without an end in sight, but it is just temporary and someday I'll look back and smile on this time.

Embracing the chaos also makes us a lot more appreciate once progress is being made.

THREE: Invest in Temporary Options

This includes compost friendly utensils, plates, bowls, etc. (the utensils weren't something I'd recommend- just use regular ones and wash often) as well as folding tables and some electric options on cooking foods like this electric skillet, electric burner, and a mini fridge if you don't have access to a full fridge during this time. Our grocery store had a $14.99 electric skillet that was perfect for things like fajitas and one pan meals.

Also, figure out how you're going to wash dishes you do have during this time. We had to wash anything we used in a very old utility sink or a bathroom sink for the time being, which wasn't ideal, but it was something.

It also brought us back to college days of washing dishes in bathroom sinks. :) Ah the memories...

FOUR: Vary Your Takeout Choices

I didn't think I'd get so sick of Chipotle. Trying to find cost-effective variety, but maintaining gluten-free options for myself was tricky, but there were a lot of rice bowl dining options near us.

It would be so much easier if I could eat gluten again. tasty tasty carbs... Unfortunately, I've learned my lesson there.

This ended up being an expensive addition to the renovation cost, but you need to eat and it's better to eat some well balanced meals and support local businesses than it is to try and survive on ramen or super processed food for the time being, in my opinion.

We ended up doing takeout or delivery A LOT and it added up so much, but at least we were supporting local restaurants in a pandemic? (Trying to put a positive spin on spending SO MUCH on takeout :) )

I kept reminding myself that this phase was temporary and that the future version of myself would be so happy with the final result. In reality, it's a discomfort but in perspective, our situation could be far worse.

When I was feeling really down about the lack of control or order in the house, I went on Netflix and watched organization shows or hoarders. I don't know why, but hoarders is a show that calms me because it's a good reminder that it can always be worse.

I'm grateful the experience is over now, and for my husband's cool and calm demeanor throughout it. Just know if you're going through a kitchen renovation, it will all be worth it in the end.