A major kitchen renovation will always bring inconveniences and messes that will challenge your patience. In an ideal world, you could take an extended vacation and return home to a completed dream kitchen, but for most people, reality and your checkbook balance do not allow for such a luxury. Large-scale kitchen renovations take time, particularly DIY projects, and homeowners usually must live in their homes during such a major undertaking. Use these tips for setting up a temporary kitchen and protecting your sanity during a kitchen renovation.

1.Pack up

Before the renovation begins, pack up everything in your kitchen cabinets and pantry and store your wares in an attic, garage, or another location that will not obstruct the area used by the workers. Keep only the absolute essentials for basic cooking and dining, plus plastic containers because leftovers will be key to survival. Depending on the size of your family, limit the number of plates, bowls, cups, and flatware to what is necessary for a family meal because you will not have access to a dishwasher during your project. Piles of dirty dishes and cookware will only add to your stress.

2. Speaking of dishes

No matter how light you plan on cooking, you will need a place with hot water to do dishes, wash your hands, and access water for meal prep. Ideally, this could be a laundry or utility sink, but you may have to establish a bathroom sink or tub for this purpose. A plastic bin for dirty dishes and a drying rack will help you stay organized. If you have space, a portable sink can be rented for a price. Even environmentalists will want to embrace paper products, aluminum baking dishes, and other products that reduce dishwashing.

3. Carve out a workspace

Several items are necessary for a temporary kitchen including a refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave, and toaster oven. While these appliances may not be all you need for gourmet cooking, they are adequate to prepare healthy, edible meals. Set up a table in an accessible area to house these items and to provide a preparation area. Ideally, this area will be near the sink you have arranged, but if not, the plastic dish bins are a must-have. If your renovation is occurring during warm weather, embrace your grill. This will reduce indoor mess and allow for easy meal preparation.

4. Storage

Your temporary kitchen space will need to include places for cookware, dishes, utensils, and food items. An area with shelving would be an asset, but otherwise, clear, plastic storage bins can be labeled and stacked neatly under the table you have established as a workspace. Because raccoons, mice, and insects are attracted to food, avoid the garage or outdoor porches even if the weather would permit such a plan. Schedule regular visits to the grocery store to avoid accumulating large amounts of food in a limited storage space.

5. Clear your entertainment schedule

Entertaining in your home during a renovation will add unnecessary work and stress to the entire family. Schedule your project during a time frame that works with your social schedule. If you always host the family Thanksgiving dinner or New Year’s Eve party, keep that in mind when establishing your timeline. And as always, expect the unexpected. Renovation schedules are never set in stone, so anticipate delays and be prepared to be flexible during this worthwhile endeavor. Keeping the end result in mind will make all the inconveniences all worthwhile.