A kitchen refurb is an exciting idea until you realise it means weeks or months without a fully functioning kitchen. Suddenly, your home feels like a construction site, your kettle is in the living room and you’re eating more takeaway than you ever thought possible. But don’t panic. You can do it.
Accept the Chaos
The sooner you embrace the mess, the easier this will be. Dust will find its way into places it has no business being. You’ll lose count of how many times you instinctively walk into the kitchen, only to remember that there is no kitchen.
It’s all part of the process. Remind yourself why you’re doing this because, at the end of it all, you’ll have a gorgeous new space that actually works for you, especially if you have a professional kitchen refurb.
Set Up a Makeshift Kitchen
Unless you’re happy living on crisps and biscuits, you’ll need a backup plan. A corner of your dining room, garage, or even a spare bedroom can become a temporary kitchen.
Your essentials? A microwave, toaster, kettle and, if you have one, an air fryer. Washing up in the bathroom sink might not be glamorous, but it gets the job done.
Plan Your Meals
Cooking elaborate meals is off the table, so think simple. Ready meals, one-pot dishes, and anything that requires minimal washing up will save you from frustration.
Stock up on disposable plates and cutlery if you don’t fancy washing dishes in the bath. And if there was ever a time to fully embrace the joys of takeaway, this is it.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
There will be moments when you question everything. Why did you start this? Will it ever end? Is it normal for builders to drink that much tea? But trust the process.
Before you know it, your kitchen will be done, the chaos will be over and you’ll be cooking in a space that actually makes sense. And the first home-cooked meal in your brand-new kitchen? Worth every bit of inconvenience.