The Ultimate Guide to Survive Your Kitchen Remodel
A new kitchen changes how you cook, gather and entertain. Living without one while it's being built is the part nobody looks forward to. With a little planning, you can do more than survive your kitchen remodel. You can actually enjoy it.
Whether you're remodeling before you sell or you've decided it's finally time for the kitchen you've always wanted, a good result takes time and careful planning. Having your kitchen out of commission can feel daunting, especially during a Fargo-Moorhead winter. It doesn't have to be.
Here are 8 simple tips to help you thrive through your kitchen remodel.
1. Understand the process
Before the remodel begins, take time to interview contractors and find one who will work with you to bring your vision to life. Choose a contractor who is licensed, upfront about pricing, shows you a real cost breakdown and shares a schedule for the entire project.
Too often, homeowners get a vague end date and no idea how the team plans to get there. Asking for a clear picture of each step isn't an overstep. It's a necessity. When you're living at home during the work, you need to know when certain things will happen. For example, if cabinet boxes are being refinished and sprayed, you'll probably want to plan dinner out that night because of the smell.
Ask each contractor whether they use project management software you can access. Our clients get the Buildertrend online project portal, where you can message our team, see your finish selections, approve any changes and follow a shared calendar. If a contractor says they "have their own process" or that a detailed plan isn't necessary, treat it as a red flag.
2. Be prepared by getting organized
Packing up your kitchen will take longer than you think. This isn't a "toss everything in a few boxes" job. Sort as you go:
- Things you know you'll keep
- Things you want to sort through later
- Things you'll need in your temporary kitchen
Everything will likely get moved more than once, so pack fragile items with care. Setting aside enough time to pack takes a lot of stress out of day one.
A mini fridge, portable cooktop and toaster oven will be your main appliances while the kitchen is under construction. If you don't have them, borrow from family or friends or look for budget-friendly options ahead of time so they're ready from the start.
Set aside some money for takeout and meals out, too. When you're craving something you can't make at home, or just need a change of scenery, you can enjoy it without guilt.
3. Create a construction-free zone
You'll want, and even need, a remodel haven: a part of your home that stays untouched by the project. It gives your family a place to breathe, relax and feel at home in the middle of a major kitchen remodel.
The key is making sure everyone on the crew knows that room is off limits. No tools, no jackets, nothing. When the whole team is on the same page, you never come home to a pile of supplies in your sanctuary.
4. Set up your makeshift kitchen and dining area
Part of your remodel-free area should hold your mini fridge, coffee maker, portable cooktop and other essentials. Having them set up from day one makes the switch to a tiny kitchen feel natural. If your morning coffee or evening tea is non-negotiable, you'll be glad the tools are ready.
Knowing how much fridge space you have and which meals you can make will help you stock a temporary pantry. We'll say it again because it matters: planning before the remodel starts is key.
You'll also want a spot to eat together. TV trays or a folding table work well and can double as prep space. Add little touches of normal, like a tablecloth or your usual centerpiece, and make the space feel as homey as you can.
5. Have a designated meal plan
If you don't usually meal plan, now is the time to try. With limited fridge and pantry space, your grocery trips should follow a plan. You'll likely shop more often since you can't buy perishables in bulk.
- Let the family help choose meals
- Skip messy or elaborate recipes
- Keep breakfasts and lunches low-prep
- Buy only what each meal needs
Grilling is a great option in warmer months, and you might even move dinner to the backyard. But remodels aren't scheduled around the weather, and Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo winters rule out outdoor barbecues. That's okay. A lot can be done indoors with a toaster oven and a portable cooktop.
6. Always clean up
Clutter and smells are your worst enemies in a small space. When you're washing dishes in a bathtub or bathroom sink, leaving them until tomorrow isn't really an option. Cleaning up right after meals keeps things organized and stops odors from lingering in what's likely a multi-use room.
Give everything a designated place, and set aside your cleaning supplies when you pack up the kitchen so they're always within reach.
Thinking about a new kitchen? Talk through your goals, your timing and what to expect with our team in a free 15-minute remodel consult.
7. Take this opportunity to declutter
Now that you're cooking with a pared-back set of tools, think about what you truly need in your new kitchen. Since you gave yourself time to pack thoughtfully, you can go through your "sort later" boxes and decide what to keep and what to give away. Do you really need seven spatulas? Two cheese graters?
Take a page from Marie Kondo and ask whether each item sparks joy. Moving into a fresh kitchen with only the essentials keeps your new space from filling up with clutter.
8. Make it fun
Instead of dreading the remodel, treat it like an adventure. If you have kids, call it an indoor camping trip. A positive mindset makes the hiccups easier to handle.
Some days will be tougher than others, so build a safety net of fun before work starts:
- Movie gift cards for a night out
- Ice skating in winter or a hike in summer
- Visits to family and friends
Enjoy watching your kitchen transform from the inside. You'll see the countertops go in, the appliances arrive and the light fixtures get hung. Take photos along the way so you can look back on the whole journey. When you work with a contractor who is open about how they operate, it's much easier to trust the process and love the result.
Designed first, with one fixed price
A calmer remodel starts long before demolition. Our Studio A designers plan your layout, cabinets, finishes and lighting with you first, and design is included with every remodel. Once your design is complete, you get one fixed price, so you know your number before work begins, along with a clear schedule for your project.
Kitchen remodel FAQs
Can we live at home during a kitchen remodel?
Most families do. A construction-free zone, a makeshift kitchen and a clear schedule from your contractor make it far more manageable.
How long will I be without a kitchen?
It depends on your scope and selections. You'll get a clear schedule once your design is complete, so you can plan meals and outings around it.
What should I keep out for my temporary kitchen?
A mini fridge, portable cooktop, toaster oven, coffee maker, a few basic dishes and utensils and your cleaning supplies.
Does design cost extra?
No. Studio A design is included with every remodel we build.