Is it time to update your outdated kitchen cabinets? Maybe you are getting new flooring. Or a new, custom closet (from yours, truly wink, wink) finally! Any update to your home is an exciting time and a whole lot of work. Even if you are working with contractors, there is plenty of prep work to get done. The key to a successful renovation project with less stress is all in how you prepare before the project actually begins. It can feel overwhelming, but our professional organizing tips and strategies will help you plan, prepare and pack with ease.
Pre-Renovation Declutter
As with all things home organization, the process always begins with a decluttering session. Prepping for a home renovation project is no different. This is actually a perfect time to declutter as you empty drawers, shelves and cabinets.
As you work through your items, have your donation and trash boxes or bins ready. Try to be as ruthless as possible when deciding what to keep and what to let go. Keep in mind that the less you keep, the less you have to pack away and put back later. Think of it as a fresh, clean start once your new space is ready.
Prepare to Pack
There are a couple of planning steps to complete before you begin the packing process. You will want to gather your needed supplies like boxes or plastic bins with lids, packing tape, markers, bubble wrap or packing paper and labels. Depending on the size and scope of your home renovation project, you may need to plan for covering your existing furnishings to keep everything construction dust free.
You will need to have a storage plan. Where will all the boxes and bins live while the project is underway? You may choose to use a spare bedroom, your garage or even a temporary storage pod depending on how much stuff you have and how much space you need. The more out of the way you can place these, the easier it will be for you to peacefully exist in your “under construction” zone during the project.
Pack & Label
Now it’s time to pack your items away. When packing, think in categories to keep like items that go together. Your future self will thank you for this when it’s time to unpack. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect your glass or fragile items.
One of the most important steps in packing is to clearly label your bins and boxes. Use a method that works for you~ by room, item category, or a detailed inventory list of what’s inside. Just make sure you don’t skip this step as this makes the unpacking process so much easier.
Temporary Living Zone
If your home renovation project is in your kitchen, bathroom, or a primary living space, you will need to plan for the in between time. Set up a temporary mini kitchen that you can use for meal prep and eating in a different area of your home with your coffee pot, microwave and crock pot. If your bathroom is on the remodel list, keep all of your daily essentials in a caddy you can carry to an alternate bathroom and easily put away when it’s not in use. Keep these temporary spaces simple. Your goal is functional, not elaborate or perfect.
Organized Unpacking
This is where all of your hard work prepping and organizing your packing pays off. Your labeled bins and boxes will be so easy to work through as you return all of your items back into your updated space. And you only have your favorite items that you actually use because you decluttered before you packed everything away.
You will want to create an organized system as you unpack. This will help you keep your new space tidy and organized for the long term. Use organizing products like labeled baskets, drawer dividers, stackable bins and shelf dividers. This will help you not only organize your items, but also maximize and take advantage of every inch of your storage space. There are so many options to choose from. Make sure you measure before you buy so you don’t waste your time on returning products that don’t fit or work in your space.
And there you have it. Not only do you get to enjoy your updated space but you get the calm and clarity that comes from having an organized and highly functional space. Enjoy!
If you need a hand organizing for your home renovation project, we’re here to help!
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