Jan 06, 2025 Storage Company

Storage Solutions in Vancouver and Other Tips to Help Survive Moving into a Renovation

Posted by: Mcmmanager

Moving and renovating at the same time might sound like the stuff of nightmares; however, if done right, it’s not impossible to coordinate a move and a major renovation. The key to moving into a renovation project is having a well-thought-out plan in place.

In a perfect world, most people would choose to renovate before settling into their new home. But the reality is, that major renovations take a long time, and it may not be financially feasible to maintain two mortgages or rent alternative accommodation while you wait for construction crews to work their magic. That’s why many people opt to live in their homes while they renovate. Yes, it’s chaotic, but the money you save could be better invested in higher-quality finishes, furnishings, or even an upgraded kitchen or bathroom.

How to Make Moving into a Project More Manageable

Leverage Storage Solutions in Vancouver

One thing about renovations is they are messy. No matter how careful you are, there will be dust, building materials, and construction debris everywhere. While your contractors will attempt to limit the disturbance, you can help by limiting the amount of things in your home. Keeping non-essential items like seasonal clothing, large furniture, and that elliptical trainer you never use in storage is a day-saving solution when it comes to living in a renovation. Many moving companies offer moving and storage solutions so your items can go right from your old house into temporary storage.

Tradespeople will be grateful they don’t have to continually move bulky items, and you can rest easy knowing expensive furniture or family heirlooms won’t be accidentally damaged during the renovation.

Create a Detailed Calendar

When you’re juggling a move and a renovation, organization is your best friend. Creating a detailed calendar that maps out each phase of the project can help you stay on top of deadlines and manage the chaos. Work closely with your contractor to establish key dates for each step of the renovation, including demolition, inspections, and installations. Mark down when certain rooms will be inaccessible and plan your routine around the schedule to avoid unexpected disruptions.

For example, if your kitchen will be unusable for a week, schedule some extra meal prep or plan a short getaway to get a break from the chaos. The more specific your calendar, the easier it will be to adapt to the unavoidable changes and challenges that come with renovating a home.

Prepare to Live Without a Kitchen

If a new kitchen is part of your renovation plan, be prepared to live without one for a while. There is no easy way to live long-term without a functioning kitchen, but creating a temporary space elsewhere in the house can relieve some of the pressure. Find an area to set up a table with small appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, hotplate and coffee machine to make it easier to prepare meals. You can also use your outdoor space to set up your BBQ for more options. To limit the number of dishes, consider using compostable plates and utensils, Most importantly, the situation is temporary and will all be worth it in the end!

Meal Plan

Even with a temporary kitchen, cooking can quickly become a headache. Make things easier on yourself by stocking up on easy-to-make meals like soups, pasta, and prepared frozen dishes that just need a quick heat-up. Meal kits can also help you save on prep which might be difficult if you have construction zones blocking certain areas. You could also budget for more takeout or dining out during this period to keep things simple. Remember, you’re not aiming for gourmet here—just enough to get through the renovations with your sanity intact.

Stagger Bathroom Renovations

Living without a functioning kitchen is challenging enough, but a non-operational bathroom is nearly impossible. Work with your contractor to plan the bathroom renovations in phases and ensure only one is out of commission at a time so you’ll always have at least one fully operational. If you’re down to a single bathroom, prioritize getting the essentials—like the toilet and shower—back up and running as quickly as possible.

Remember madness of a renovation is just temporary and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home for a long time to come. By planning ahead using moving storage solutions in Vancouver to keep big items and valuables out of the way you can be ready for anything.