When you’re planning a kitchen remodel, it’s easy to get excited about countertops and cabinetry (and we’re right there with you). But one of the best things you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly? Get your kitchen packed and prepped before demo day.

This guide will walk you through how to pack up your kitchen in a way that keeps things organized and your sanity intact.

Give yourself a head start

Begin packing at least a week before your kitchen demo day. Trust us, trying to box up an entire kitchen the night before is not the vibe.

Start by thinking about:

• What you use daily vs. what you can live without for a few weeks?
• Where your temporary kitchen will be? Either in a corner of your dining room, basement, unused bedroom, or even the garage.
• How long will your kitchen be out of commission? So you can prep meals or stock up on easy options.

Declutter before you pack

Packing is a great opportunity to purge and get rid of items you never use. Go through your drawers and cabinets and divide everything into four categories:

• Keep – Essentials and items you love.
• Store – Seasonal or specialty items you won’t need during the remodel.
• Donate – Anything in good condition that you just don’t use.
• Toss – Broken, expired, or mystery items from the back of the pantry.

Having less stuff to go through when it comes time to move into your new kitchen will make that process much more enjoyable. You want to be excited about the things you’re putting in your new space!

Pack like a pro

Organize, organize, organize. An organization system will be your best friend here. Use labeled boxes or bins and group items in a way that makes sense. Here’s how:

• Everyday Essentials Box – Keep out a few plates, cups, utensils, a frying pan, your coffee maker… the basics.
• By Category – Pack and label boxes by use: baking tools, pantry items, Tupperware, etc. For added convenience, clear bins let you see what’s inside without digging through everything.
• Fragile Items – Wrap glassware and dishes carefully using tea towels, bubble wrap, or packing paper.

Bonus Tip: Number your bins and write down in a notebook or the notes app on your phone what’s in each bin. This makes it easier to find things mid-reno and unpacking into your new kitchen way easier later on.

Set up a temporary kitchen

You’ll need a small space where you can still make coffee, toast a bagel, or prep a simple dinner. A folding table, a few bins, easy access to water supply, and some power outlets are all you really need. Stock it with:

• Appliances to heat food: microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, induction hot plate
• Electric kettle and coffee maker
• One or two pots/pans
• A dish bin, dish towels, and soap
• Snacks, cereal, and ready-to-eat meals

Read this blog post with more tips on how to live through your renovation stress-free.

Remember, whether you’re keeping your current fridge, dishwasher, and range or ordering new ones, you’ll need to find a temporary home for them outside of the kitchen until the cabinetry has been installed.

Protect the rest of your home

No matter how careful you are, there will always be dust during a renovation, even on the tidiest job sites. Before the first crew arrives on site:

• Take down artwork or shelves near the kitchen
• Remove curtains and rugs that could trap dust
• Cover any furniture close by the reno site with sheets.

Preparing your kitchen for a renovation might not be the most glamorous part of the project, but it’s one of the most important. A little planning goes a long way in making the remodel feel less chaotic and keeps you focused on the exciting part: seeing your new kitchen come to life!