Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen

During your remodel you’ll want to make sure you still have access to your refrigerator, small appliances and other necessities for preparing meals and eating. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make it through the organized chaos. 

Find temporary kitchen location. 

  • Find an area in your home that has enough room to cook and prepare a meal. ​
  • Make sure that the area is well ventilated and is near an electrical outlet that can support small appliances.

Create a work space.

  • Take advantage of the mock-counter space that a long, sturdy table can provide.​
  • Position each appliance in a neat row for easy use. ​
  • Include a small storage container for cooking utensils .​
  • Once demo starts, consider reusing your old base cabinets in an alternate room to store canned and boxed goods, dishes and glasses.

Gather Your Essential Supplies.

  • When packing up your existing cabinets, set aside the number of plates, bowls, cups and silverware that you will need for your family.​

  • Set aside cooking utensils needed to make a meal: a can opener, colander, cutting board, knives, favorite pans, measuring utensils, etc.

  • Stock up on disposable plates and cups to make life a bit easier on you. There are many environmentally-friendly options available.


Make a dish-washing station. ​

  • Designate one sink in your home to use for dish washing.

  • If you need to use a bathroom, consider putting a plastic bin/tote in the bathroom to hold washing supplies.

  • Some remodelers keep a small tote handy to collect all dirty dishes after a meal. This way, you can easily carry dishes to the sink and avoid spills or stains along the way.


Cooking. ​

  • Take advantage of portable cooking appliances such as countertop grills, crock pots, convection ovens, microwaves, hot plates, etc.

  • Keep your portable appliances in a central location with a recipe box of meals that can be made using each appliance.


Refrigeration. ​

  • Ideally, your refrigerator can be in or close to your temporary kitchen. If it needs to be moved farther away, make sure to have a clear path/access.

  • If possible, avoid putting your refrigerator on carpet or flooring that might be damaged in case of a leak.

  • Regardless of the location you choose, make sure you have that area has the proper electrical requirements.


Meal Plan.​

  • Precook meals before the installation process and freeze them. Homemade stews, soups, and baked goods are a wonderful treat when you’re missing the luxury of your former kitchen setup.

  • Tired of cooking in? Treat yourself to new restaurants or visit markets for freshly prepared foods.


Be flexible. ​

  • We understand that everything may feel scattered around your home, but remember, it’s only temporary.

  • With some simple planning, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable. And, your new kitchen will be well worth the wait!

PRO TIPS

Wherever you decide to set up your temporary cooking space, make sure that the area is well ventilated, portable appliances are plugged into surge protectors, and a smoke alarm is installed near the cooking area. 
Be sure to unplug portable appliances (except refrigerator) after you’re done using them.
Keep all activity out of the room that is under construction. Communicate this to family and friends by sealing off the entryways to that room with large sheets of plastic and possibly even a baby gate to keep out children and pets. 

t​emporary kitchen checklist


Print Checklist

Remember – Be safe. Be flexible. Your new kitchen will be well worth the wait!