Surviving a kitchen renovation: Keeping your household fed
Let’s face it, living without a kitchen for a few weeks can be a real challenge. But with strategic planning and creativity, you can keep your household well-fed throughout the renovation. Here’s how:
Find Your Temporary Kitchen Space
Decide where you can locate a temporary setup. This could be in a dining room, utility room, conservatory etc. Make sure you’ve got a flat surface, easy access to power sockets and a little space for storage.
Essential Cooking Appliances
Before you go packing away the kettle and toaster, think about the essentials you’ll need to keep the munchies at bay. Small appliances that can be your saving grace in this kitchen-less period:
• Air-fryer
• Slow-cooker
• Microwave
• Mini hob
• Steamer
If you don’t own these items or want to purchase them, can you borrow or hire?
The Fridge Dilemma
Getting by without a fridge is not advisable and luckily you have options. It may be possible to plug in your existing fridge outside of the kitchen or get hold of a mini fridge.
As of April 2024, several retailers sell 10L mini fridges for less than £50.
Bare Minimum Utensils
Keep it simple when it comes to utensils. A saucepan, spatula, knives, chopping board, a few plates, cutlery, and mugs should get you by. Store them in a box or on a shelf for easy access. (If you have young children, a box with a lid).
Meal Planning
Get creative! Plan meals around the appliances you have and consider freezing meals (if you still have access to a freezer).
Call in favours and visit friends and family, order takeaways, dine out, or fire up the BBQ if the weather is nice. Just remember to budget for those extra takeout and restaurant treats when planning for your new kitchen.
Dealing with dirty dishes
Washing up in the bath may not be glamorous, but it gets the job done. Collapsible bowls are another option if you’re short of space. This one from Dunelm is £5 and comes with a mini drainer!
If you’re desperate to cut down on the washing-up, opt for eco-friendly disposable tableware or maybe invest in a counter-top dishwasher
Rubbish Bin
Your regular kitchen bin will be out of action, so think about where to house your temporary rubbish bin.
Laundry
If your washing machine’s not in use, line up some accommodating family or friends who won’t mind you popping round for a coffee and washing cycle. Or visit the local launderette to keep on top of the laundry
Eyes On The Prize
Unless you are vacating your house, living without a kitchen may cause a bit of disruption to your normal household routine. Remember it’s only temporary and the result is a beautiful new kitchen you are going to love for years to come. With a bit of planning and a positive attitude, you’ll breeze through this inconvenience in no time.
