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Living Without a Kitchen: How to Manage During a Renovation? [Expert Tips for a Functional Temporary Kitchen]


Empty Kitchen Space after Kitchen Demolition

Temporary Kitchen: Don't Stress About Living Without Yours During Your Kitchen Remodel. Expert Tips to Thrive!


Renovating your kitchen can be overwhelming, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. We know it's tough to live without a kitchen on a daily basis. In this blog post we’ll explore:

  • How different home types require unique planning to manage this period.


  • How to budget in advance, utilize adjacent space, and make the most of additional space.

Learn about setting up temporary kitchen facilities and managing temporary cooking. Further, we'll discuss what your home type and family situation mean for a temporary setup. Stay with us to make this transition smoother and get closer to your dream kitchen.



Table of Contents:

 


 

Summary: Temporary Kitchen Solutions by Home Type & Expert Tips

Home Type

Temporary Kitchen Setup

Additional Tips

Studio Apartments

Alternative living arrangements; clear out completely

Plan well-timed renovation; find temporary living spaces for the duration of the construction. 

Larger Apartments

Utilize Guest Bathroom & adjacent living spaces for a temporary setup with microwave & mid-sized fridge. While your dining or kitchen table is utilized as countertop space.

Budget for take-out; coordinate with your kitchen designer and contractor for timing and coordinating seamless workflow between trades, depending on your family situation be prepared to move into alternative living arrangements.

Private Homes

Garage/spare room setup; use outdoor spaces in summer

Utilize extra rooms; ensure water and other supply line connection availability, aim for a construction window during the summer month.

 

 

What to Consider When Choosing Temporary Kitchen Setup Solutions


Renovations are inherently messy and disruptive. Prepare for workers in your space, noise, and dust. While this can be stressful, remember that it’s temporary. A Renovation can become especially challenging in an apartment due to limited space. Planning ahead and setting up a temporary kitchen can help you manage this chaos. Here are some important considerations and tips to manage the process smoothly.


Home Type and Size Considerations:


Consider your living situation. Are you living in a large residential home or a mid-sized to small apartment? The size and the layout of your home will impact what temporary kitchen solution might be best for you. Further, it will determine if you need to add in some extra money for a short-term rental of food services.


Apartment Kitchen Renovation

Renovating an apartment kitchen can be more complex due to limited space. Plan your renovation to avoid long gaps and downtime. A well-planned project will be smoother and quicker. Factor in extra expenses for take-out and dining out, as these costs can add up. Prepare for workers in your space and some level of chaos. Renovations can be noisy and messy, but it’s temporary. Your kitchen will be sealed off to contain the work area, keeping dust and debris confined. Use a microwave and small fridge, and use your bathroom sink for cleaning. These solutions help you manage daily tasks without a full kitchen. If you have a family, consider moving out to minimize disruption. Children might find it difficult to adjust to the chaos of a renovation. Reuse old kitchen items temporarily and dispose of them after the remodel. This can be a cost-effective solution.


Private Residential Home Renovations

Renovating a kitchen in a private home is generally easier due to more space and flexibility. Construction will feel more isolated in a larger home. You can avoid the main living areas, making it easier to cope. Use spare space in your pantry, laundry room, or garage for a temporary kitchen. These areas can accommodate your cooking needs during the remodel. Utilize outdoor spaces, especially during summer, for cooking and dining. An outdoor kitchen setup can be a fun and practical solution.


Family Considerations

If you have a family with young children, consider the impact of the renovation on them. The noise and disruption can be particularly difficult for kids. In such cases, moving out might be the best option to minimize the disruption. Look for short-term rentals or stay with friends or family.


Timing and Planning

Planning is crucial to avoid long gaps and downtime during your kitchen remodel. A well-planned project will be smoother and quicker. It will minimize the disruption to your daily life. Schedule your renovation in a way that all contractors work efficiently and consecutively. This coordination ensures that the project progresses without unnecessary delays. Talk to your Kitchen Designer, Architect & Contractor to ensure a smooth process.


Don’t forget To Calculate Additional Expenses

When your kitchen is out of commission, you might have to factor in some additional expenses. Those Expenses are driven by factors such as your family and living situation. You might need to account for extra expenses such as:


  • take-out and dining out

  • short-term living arrangements

  • storage of your household belongings

  • moving expenses and similar.


These costs can quickly add up, so it’s important to include them in your budget.

 

Summary: Impact on Temporary Kitchen Solutions


The considerations outlined above will significantly impact your temporary kitchen solutions. Timing and planning will dictate how long you need the temporary setup. The extra costs will influence your budget for dining out or meal delivery services. Expect chaos and prepare for it accordingly. This will determine how you set up your temporary kitchen and manage the disruption. Sealing off the kitchen helps in maintaining cleanliness in other parts of your home. The temporary solutions you choose should be practical and suit your living situation. Especially in small apartments. Family considerations may lead you to move out for a while. Those will impact how you manage your temporary kitchen setup. Reusing old appliances can help bridge the gap until your new kitchen arrives. This will make the remodel period less stressful and more manageable.


In conclusion, renovating your kitchen requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Setting up a temporary kitchen is key to managing daily life during the remodel. By following these tips, you can navigate the process smoothly.

 


Temporary Kitchen Setup up during Kitchen Renovation
Temporary Kitchen Solution in a New York Apartment waiting for new kitchen cabinets.

 

Temporary Kitchen Solutions by Home Type


A temporary kitchen allows you to stay in your home during your kitchen renovation. Yet, in some cases leaving your home while the contractors are working might be necessary. Deciding whether to stay or move out depends on your living situation and home size. Larger homes or apartments provide more flexibility to stay put. You can manage the disruption with a well-planned temporary kitchen setup. However, if you live in a small studio apartment, moving out might be necessary. Find suitable temporary living arrangements to make the kitchen remodel period easier. This could be staying with friends or family or finding a short-term rental.


Studio Apartments


Living in a studio apartment during a kitchen remodel can be challenging. Space is very limited, so you might need to find alternative living arrangements. Consider staying with friends or family or look for short-term rentals. It’s important to clear out your whole space. This allows your contractors to work efficiently and avoid damage to your furniture. Pack your belongings and store them safely to prevent any damage.


Larger Apartments


If you live in a larger apartment, you can likely continue living there during the remodel. Expect some disruption, such as noise and dust, but it’s manageable. Setting up a temporary kitchen can make this period easier. In an apartment, space is limited, so get creative. Find a corner of your living room or dining space for a hot plate, microwave, toaster oven, and a small fridge. Your bathroom sink can double as a temporary kitchen sink for dirty dishes and utensils. This setup allows you to prepare simple meals without needing a full kitchen. Remember to plan for additional costs for take-out and dining out, as you won’t be able to cook full meals. Look for meal deals or discounts to save money. Meal delivery services can also be a convenient option.


Private Homes


For those in private homes, setting up a temporary kitchen is usually easier. You have more space and options. Consider using your garage or a spare room for a temporary kitchen. Make sure the area has electrical and water connections for cooking and cleaning. You can set up a couple of kitchen cabinets, a camp stove, a fridge, and a microwave. If you’re remodeling during the summer, take advantage of your backyard. It's a great way to feed your family until your future kitchen is ready. Bring some basic cooking essentials to prepare your favorite meals. A folding table can serve as your prep area and coffee station. An outdoor grill can serve as a makeshift kitchen. You can enjoy barbecues while your indoor kitchen is out of commission.

 

Summary: Temporary Kitchen Solutions by Home Type


Living without a kitchen can be challenging, but these tips can help you manage the process. For those with larger homes, use other rooms like the garage, pantry, or a spare room for a temporary kitchen. Ensure you have all needed supply lines as well as enough space for appliances. You want to make sure you have the power and space for a microwave, mini-fridge, portable stove and sink. If you live in an apartment, space might be more limited. Get creative with the space you have. A small table can hold a microwave and other small appliances. Use your bathroom sink for cleaning dishes and utensils. Consider take-out or dining out, but budget for the extra cost. Look for local restaurants with affordable meal options.

 


 

Costs for temporary kitchen setups


Consider following costs when considering a temporary kitchen set up:


Rental Costs

Short-term rentals can be quite expensive. A one-month rental can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the location and size. Staying with friends or family, if possible, can save this expense.


Food Expenses

Dining out is also costly. On average, a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $10-$30 per person. If you eat out twice a day, this could easily add up to $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Meal delivery services might offer some convenience but usually come at a premium. Opting for such a solution might end up costing you even more.


Temporary Kitchen Setup

You can purchase kitchenette setups similar to:

Temporary Kitchen Solution



Optional you can consider mobile kitchen rental options during a major kitchen renovation. Don’t forget to add in delivery & installation costs for your interim kitchen solution. Yet, repurposing old kitchen appliances and your kitchen sink can save some money. Yet, setting them up in a spare room or garage may still incurs costs.


Existing Supply Lines

Access to water, gas, and electricity is crucial. Extending these lines can be expensive. Further, if you don’t have any supply lines available a temporary setup might not be possible. Consult with your contractor or designer if running new lines adds significant work. Hiring a professional to extend water lines might cost $300 to $600, while adding a gas line could be $500 to $1,000. Consider if your existing conditions make relocating a temporary kitchen possible. If not you may need to find more creative solutions.


Additional Considerations


  • Storage Costs: Renting a storage unit for your kitchen items and furniture can become costly. Consider the lengths of your construction when budgeting.


  • Appliance Rentals: Renting appliances (if you don't have spare ones) can add to costs. Consider second-hand appliances on eBay or Facebook marketplace for cheaper solutions.


Plan careful and use available resources to manage an interim kitchen even in high-cost areas. It is important to always prepare for higher-than-expected costs, especially in metropolitan areas.



 

Need support with your kitchen renovation?

At Kitchen Design NYC, we understand that a kitchen renovation can be stressful. It significantly impacts your daily life and family. Our Kitchen Designers are ready to guide and support you through the process. Let's discuss how our kitchen design services can assist with your renovation plans.



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