Pack by what you will need, not only by cabinet

Empty cabinets and drawers completely before the agreed start date, including items above and inside them. Group everyday essentials separately from dishes and equipment you can store. Label boxes by their future destination if the new layout will change where items belong.

Protect adjacent rooms as well as the kitchen. Artwork, electronics, and soft furnishings near the work area may need to be moved or covered. Confirm which protection the remodeling team will install and which belongings you should remove beforehand.

Set up a temporary kitchen around simple routines

Choose a location with access to water and safe electrical outlets, away from construction protection. A refrigerator, microwave, coffee setup, and a small selection of dishes may be enough for some households. Keep extension cords and small appliances away from walkways and water hazards.

Plan simpler meals and expect periods when water or power must be turned off. If anyone in the household works from home, has sensory sensitivities, or needs reliable access for health or mobility reasons, discuss those needs before the schedule is set.

  • Keep daily medications, chargers, and essential documents outside the work zone.
  • Create a safe arrangement for children and pets away from tools and open work areas.
  • Agree on work hours, access, parking, alarm use, and a secure closing routine.
  • Identify a bathroom or sink that can be used for limited cleanup.

Finish decisions before the room is opened

Preparation also means resolving design decisions. Cabinets, appliances, fixtures, lighting, and other key products should be selected early enough to support ordering and trade planning. Confirm who receives deliveries and where protected items can be stored.

Use the kitchen remodeling process guide to see how preparation fits the larger sequence. If you are still defining scope, start with kitchen design and remodeling before setting a demolition date.

From planning to a defined scope

Discuss your kitchen remodeling project

Use these guides to prepare, then talk through your home, priorities, and the work involved with Laghmich.

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Questions about this topic

How much should I keep in a temporary kitchen?

Keep only what supports simple daily meals and drinks. A few dishes, utensils, basic food-preparation tools, and essential appliances are usually easier to manage than moving a full kitchen into another room.

Should I move out during a kitchen remodel?

It depends on the project and your household. A single-kitchen home with extensive work, major utility interruptions, or broader renovation may justify alternative arrangements for part of the project.

Who protects the floors and nearby rooms?

Discuss this before signing the scope. The team should explain its protection and cleanup plan, while homeowners usually handle personal belongings, fragile items, and anything outside the agreed work area.

About the author

Written by the Laghmich design-build team

This guide was prepared by the Laghmich Design & Remodeling team — a family-owned, licensed and insured Minneapolis design-build firm with 25+ years of remodeling experience across the Twin Cities. More about our team and approach · Editorial policy.