AI generated Image of a frustrated male needing a temporary kitchen solution.
Kitchen renovations can be both exciting and overwhelming. While the thought of having a newly updated, more functional space is appealing, the process of getting there can pose significant challenges—especially when your kitchen is completely out of commission. Whether you live in a small apartment or a larger house, losing access to your primary cooking space can feel disruptive. But with a bit of planning and creativity, you can set up a temporary kitchen that allows you to maintain some level of normalcy. In this post, we’ll explore how to create a functional temporary kitchen, manage food prep, and clean up when space is limited. These tips are designed to help you no matter how big or small your home is.
1. Identify a Temporary Kitchen Space
The first step in surviving a kitchen renovation is finding a space to temporarily relocate your kitchen. This space will act as your cooking, eating, and cleaning hub for the duration of the project. Choosing the right area depends on the size of your home and how much free space you have.
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Small Homes or Apartments: If you live in a small space, finding room for a temporary kitchen can be tricky. You might not have the luxury of a spare room or unused area, but don’t worry—there are still options. You can create a makeshift kitchen by setting up a small prep station in a corner of your living room or dining room. Even a hallway can work with a small folding table and access to a power outlet for cooking appliances. The key is to think creatively about the space you do have and how you can use it effectively.
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Larger Homes: If you’re lucky enough to have more space, such as a spare room, a garage, or even a utility room, these areas can easily be converted into a temporary kitchen. These larger spaces offer more flexibility, allowing you to set up multiple zones for food preparation, cooking, and washing up. You might even be able to use an outdoor space, like a covered patio, especially if the weather is cooperative. Larger homes give you more freedom to create a kitchen-like flow and keep disruption to a minimum.
2. Essential Appliances and Tools
Once you’ve chosen your temporary kitchen space, the next step is to gather the essential appliances and tools that will allow you to prepare meals with minimal fuss. Since you likely won’t have access to your full range of kitchen gadgets, it’s important to focus on the most versatile and compact options.
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Multifunctional Small Appliances: You won’t be able to recreate the full functionality of your kitchen, so opt for small appliances that can perform multiple tasks. A microwave or toaster oven can handle most basic cooking needs, while a portable induction cooktop or hot plate can substitute for your stove. For larger meals, a slow cooker or instant pot is perfect for making stews, soups, or casseroles with minimal effort. An electric kettle will come in handy for boiling water quickly, whether for tea, coffee, or instant meals. Choose compact items that won’t clutter your temporary space.
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Minimalist Kitchen Tools: You’ll also need to pare down your kitchen tools to the basics. Stick with a good knife, cutting board, spatula, and a couple of pots and pans. You can make do with just a few key items to cover most of your cooking needs. If space is tight, consider using disposable plates, cutlery, and cups to reduce the number of dishes you’ll need to clean.
3. Food Storage Solutions
With your primary kitchen out of commission, storing your food can become another challenge. You may not have access to your main refrigerator or pantry, so you’ll need to think about where to store both perishable and non-perishable items during the renovation.
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Small Homes or Apartments: In smaller living spaces, you may only have room for a mini fridge to store your perishables. It’s a good idea to stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and snacks, which can be stored on portable shelves or in plastic bins. If you’re struggling with space, a cooler with ice packs can be a temporary solution for keeping drinks or smaller refrigerated items cool.
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Larger Homes: If you have a second fridge in a garage or utility room, this can serve as your primary food storage during the renovation. Larger homes also offer the option of setting up a small pantry in your temporary kitchen, with shelves dedicated to dry goods and essentials. Keeping your storage organised will help reduce clutter and make meal prep more efficient.
4. Where to Clean Your Dishes
One of the biggest inconveniences during a kitchen renovation is figuring out where to clean your dishes. Without a sink or dishwasher, you’ll need to get creative with washing up. Here’s how to manage depending on your available space:
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Small Homes or Apartments: In smaller homes, your bathroom sink might become your primary dishwashing station. While it’s not ideal, it’s often the easiest option. Consider using a portable wash basin, which you can fill with water and use to scrub plates, utensils, and cups before rinsing them in the bathroom sink. You could even set up a small washing station outside if the weather allows. To reduce the number of dishes you need to wash, using disposable dishware may be a practical choice for the duration of the renovation.
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Larger Homes: If you have more space, you might be able to make use of a laundry or utility room sink, which can work perfectly as a dishwashing area. If you have access to an outdoor space, washing larger items like pots and pans with a garden hose can also be a quick and easy solution. Just be sure to dry everything properly before bringing it back inside.
5. Practical Layout and Flow
Setting up a temporary kitchen is all about creating a space that allows for a smooth flow between preparation, cooking, and cleaning. Whether you have limited room or more freedom, organising your temporary kitchen to maximize efficiency is essential.
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Compact Homes: If space is tight, you’ll need to be strategic about how you organise your temporary kitchen. Maximize any available counter space by using stackable containers for storage and a foldable prep station. You can also invest in a dish drying rack that fits over your bathroom or laundry sink, so you don’t have to sacrifice precious counter space. Keeping your most-used items in a portable basket or on a rolling cart will ensure they’re always within reach.
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Larger Homes: In a larger home, you have the luxury of dividing your temporary kitchen into different zones for prepping, cooking, and cleaning. Setting up separate stations for each task helps create a smooth workflow and mimics the layout of a regular kitchen. Temporary shelving or rolling carts can keep ingredients, utensils, and appliances organised, allowing you to move easily between stations as you cook.
6. Meal Planning Tips
During a renovation, your ability to cook elaborate meals may be limited, so meal planning becomes even more important. Focusing on simple, quick meals that don’t require extensive prep or cooking will save you time and frustration.
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One-Pot Meals: One-pot meals are perfect for temporary kitchens. They minimize the need for multiple pots and pans, making cleanup easier. Stews, soups, pasta dishes, and stir-fries can all be made using just one appliance.
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Pre-Made Meals: Consider prepping meals ahead of time and freezing them in individual portions. These meals can be easily reheated in a microwave or toaster oven, reducing the need for extensive cooking.
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Ready-to-Eat Options: If cooking is too challenging during the renovation, don’t hesitate to take advantage of ready-to-eat meals or fresh deli options from your local grocery store. Fresh salads, sandwiches, or pre-cooked options can provide a quick and healthy alternative.
7. Maintaining Cleanliness
Renovations tend to produce dust and debris, which can make its way into your temporary kitchen if you’re not careful. Keeping your cooking and eating area clean is essential to maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment.
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Block Off the Kitchen: Use plastic sheeting or temporary curtains to separate your kitchen from the renovation area. This will help prevent dust and dirt from contaminating your food prep area.
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Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: A small hand vacuum or broom can help you quickly clean up any dust or crumbs. Regularly wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes or a clean cloth to keep your temporary kitchen sanitary.
Conclusion
While kitchen renovations can feel disruptive, setting up a temporary kitchen doesn’t have to be stressful. By thoughtfully selecting a space, choosing the right appliances, and staying organised, you can maintain a functional and comfortable cooking environment, no matter how large or small your home is. With these tips, you’ll be able to weather the renovation with ease, ensuring you’re still able to enjoy meals with your family while looking forward to your brand-new kitchen!
