How to Prepare Your Minneapolis Home for a Kitchen Remodel (A Survival Guide) 

Getting organized upfront is the key to maintaining your sanity.

• Declutter Ruthlessly: This is your golden opportunity! Go through every drawer and cabinet. Create three piles: Keep, Donate, Toss. The less you have to pack and move, the better.

• Pack Like You're Moving: Clearly label boxes not just with the contents ("Pots & Pans"), but also with their future destination ("New Lower Cabinet by Stove"). This will make unpacking a breeze.

• Protect Your Belongings: Dust is inevitable. Cover furniture in adjacent rooms with old sheets or plastic drop cloths. Consider placing an air purifier in your living area to help.

• Communicate with Your Neighbors: Give your neighbors a heads-up about the upcoming project, including expected timelines for noisy work. This is especially important if you live in a close-knit South Minneapolis neighborhood or a duplex.

You'll be without a sink, stove, and fridge for a while. A well-planned temporary kitchen is a game-changer.

• Choose the Right Location: A basement corner, a spare room, or a section of the dining room works best.

Gather Your Essentials:

• • Appliances: Small microwave, slow cooker, electric kettle, toaster oven, and an indoor grill or hot plate.

  • Food Storage: A large cooler for drinks and perishables can supplement a small, temporarily relocated fridge.

  • Washing Station: Get a large plastic tub for washing dishes. You can dump dirty water in a bathtub or laundry sink.

• Stock Up on Disposables: Don't be a hero. Stock up on paper plates, plastic utensils, and disposable cups to minimize cleaning.

• Create a Pantry Box: Pack a clear bin with coffee, tea, snacks, spices, and easy-to-make meals like pasta and canned goods.

A little prep the day before can make the first day of construction much smoother.

• Establish Clear Paths: Work with your contractor to define a clear, protected pathway from the entrance to the kitchen for the crew. Protect your floors with cardboard or Ram Board.

• Set Ground Rules: Discuss which bathroom the crew should use and where they can park. A quick conversation prevents misunderstandings.

• Plan for Pets & Kids: The noise and strangers can be stressful. Arrange for pets to stay with a friend or family member on the loudest days, or create a safe, quiet zone for them. For kids, explain the process and set clear boundaries to keep them away from the work area.

• Safety First: Treat the construction zone as completely off-limits. Ensure your contractor has clearly marked hazardous areas, especially after hours.

• Embrace Simple Meals: This is the time for salads, sandwiches, and slow-cooker meals. Explore Twin Cities takeout, but your budget (and stomach) will thank you for not eating out every night.

• Maintain Normalcy: Stick to your family's routines as much as possible. If you always eat dinner together, do so in your temporary dining space.

• Communicate with Your Project Manager: Your Laghmich project manager is your lifeline. Have a daily or weekly check-in to discuss progress, timelines, and any concerns. No question is too small!

• Keep the End Goal in Sight: There will be dusty, noisy, and inconvenient days. Counteract the stress by looking at your design plans and the beautiful kitchen remodel photos that inspired you. Remember why you started this journey!