Clean Up for the New and Get Rid of the Old

Whether you’ve been living in your space for a few years or you just moved in, cleaning out the space that’s about to be remodeled is definitely top of the list. You want to make sure that the space that’s being remodeled is completely empty of all your personal belongings and any movable furniture before your contractor arrives.

This is a great time for getting rid of anything you’ve been keeping for a while, that you just weren’t quite sure what to do with. Creating three piles: donate, trash, and save can lessen the load of what you’re taking out and bringing back in once the renovation is complete.

Decide on a Storage Solution

You’re not going to be able to use your renovation space for at least a month. So, you’ll want to figure out where you’ll be storing anything you decided to keep during your project. Whether it’s a spare bedroom, basement or garage, you’re going to need a place to store things safely while work is being done.

Keep Your Essentials, Pack Away the Rest

You’ve decided what you’re keeping and found a place to store it, but what will you actually use on a daily basis during your renovation? If you’re remodeling your kitchen, keep a place setting for each family member and commit to cleaning them immediately after use. Bathroom? Store your essentials in a carry tote to make transporting between rooms a breeze. If you can’t live without your morning coffee, keep your coffee maker unpacked, but box up anything you don’t use on a daily basis.

New Dining Room

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’re going to want to think about where you’re going to be eating in the next couple of weeks. If there’s any structural changes happening (removing walls), chances are it’s not only your kitchen that’s going to be out of order. Really think about where you’ll be having your meals and set it up prior to the start of your project.

Your appliances will be out of order for a while as well. So have a backup fridge in your garage, or if you’re keeping your fridge, move it into the garage to keep your food fresh.

Other Helpful Tips

• Have a safe room for your pet if they will be left alone with workers during the day.
• Add a drying rack for dishes to your bathroom, so you’re less inconvenienced during a kitchen remodel.
• Roll up area rugs throughout the house to keep them clean, both from work boots and the dusty environment.
• Keep extra fitted bedsheets available to cover furniture to prevent dust from settling on couches and chairs.
• Attach plastic sheeting to the front of large open shelving units to control dust.
• Keep doors to other rooms closed for dust control.