How to Live Without a Kitchen During a Renovation

Undergoing a kitchen remodel? Here's how to live without a kitchen for a few weeks—realistic tips from your local remodeling team to help you stay comfortable and stress-free. Undergoing a kitchen remodel? Here's how to live without a kitchen for a few weeks—realistic tips from your local remodeling team to help you stay comfortable and stress-free.

“How will we manage without a kitchen for a few weeks?”

The good news is, with a bit of planning, you can keep life running smoothly while we bring your new kitchen to life. Here are our top tips for surviving a kitchen renovation—tried and tested by real homeowners we’ve worked with.

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1. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen Space

Choose a low-traffic area in your home, such as the dining room, laundry room, or even the garage, and turn it into a makeshift kitchen.

We recommend setting up a:

• Small folding table or countertop surface
• Microwave
• Coffee maker or electric kettle
• Mini fridge or cooler
• Toaster oven, air fryer, or Instant Pot (whichever you use most)

It doesn’t have to be fancy—just functional. We’ve seen clients create great setups with a few plastic bins and extension cords.

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2. Keep Meals Simple and Safe

Without a stove or sink, now’s the time to simplify your routine. Here are a few options our clients have relied on:

• No-cook meals like wraps, salads, or deli plates
• Freezer meals are prepped before construction starts.
• Microwave-friendly options
• One-pot recipes using an Instant Pot or slow cooker

Bonus tip: Cook a few hearty meals in advance and freeze them in individual portions for easy reheating. You'll thank yourself later.

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3. Use Disposables to Cut Down on Cleanup

When you don’t have a sink, washing dishes becomes a hassle. Most of our clients temporarily switch to:

• Paper or compostable plates
• Plastic utensils
• A plastic dish bin for anything reusable that needs rinsing

You can rinse a few items in the bathroom sink or laundry tub—avoid anything greasy or heavy-duty.

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4. Plan for Some Dining Out

You may need to eat out more often, but you can do it strategically. Rotate between:

• Local takeout spots
• Grab-and-go meals from the grocery store
• Meal kits that require little to no prep

Set a weekly budget to stay on track, and don’t be afraid to accept a dinner invite from friends or family while your kitchen’s out of service.

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5. Make the Most of Your Grill

If you have an outdoor grill, it’s a great alternative to your stove. We’ve had clients cook entire meals on the grill during renovations—everything from foil-pack veggies to grilled fish and breakfast hash.

It’s beneficial in warmer months, and it helps keep cooking mess outside.

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6. Stay Organized and Communicate With Us

Keep all your kitchen gear, dry goods, and snacks in labeled bins so you can grab what you need without digging. And most importantly—keep communication open with our team.

If there’s anything we can do to help ease the transition—whether it’s temporary access to the fridge, running water, or schedule adjustments—we’re happy to work with you.

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7. Remember: This Is Temporary

We know it’s not always convenient, but it’s a short-term adjustment for a long-term improvement to your home. Most of our clients say it’s worth it once they step into their finished kitchen.

We’ll work to minimize the disruption, stick to the timeline, and keep you informed every step of the way.

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