Expert Tips for Keeping Your Space Livable During Renovations
Home renovations are exciting but often come with the stress of maintaining a livable space. According to a recent survey, 52 percent of homeowners plan to renovate in 2024, signaling a growing interest in upgrading living spaces. While the results are worth the effort, living amid a remodel feels overwhelming without the right strategies.
At Oriole Home & Design, we understand the challenges of maintaining comfort and functionality during a renovation. Here are expert insights to help you keep your space livable, organized, and stress-free while transforming your home.
Plan for a Smooth Renovation Process
Before construction begins, planning is key. Proper preparation reduces stress and ensures a smoother workflow. Here are a few ways to prepare:
Designate Renovation-Free Zones: Choose one or two areas in your home to remain untouched. These zones become your sanctuary for relaxation and daily living.
Create a Temporary Kitchen or Bathroom: If major rooms are under construction, set up a small, functional alternative space. For instance, a garage, dining room, or outdoor area serves as a makeshift kitchen.
Schedule Accordingly: Avoid major renovations during busy or emotionally demanding times, like the holidays or family events.
By planning, you’ll ensure a more organized living experience even while your home is being updated.
Protect Your Belongings and Reduce Dust
Renovations get messy, and protecting your home from dust and debris is crucial for keeping it livable. Here are expert tips to shield your belongings:
Seal Off Construction Areas: Use plastic sheeting or temporary walls to contain dust within the work zones. This prevents it from spreading to other parts of the house.
Cover Furniture and Floors: Invest in protective covers, drop cloths, and cardboard for high-traffic areas.
Improve Ventilation: Use air purifiers or open windows (when possible) to keep the air clean and breathable.
Daily Clean-Up: Encourage contractors to tidy up at the end of each workday to minimize dust and debris in your home.
Taking these measures helps maintain cleanliness and protects your valuables throughout the process.
Stay Organized with a Designated Storage Space
A clutter-free environment goes a long way in keeping your home livable. Renovations often require temporarily moving furniture, decor, and personal items. Create a dedicated storage space, such as a spare room, garage, or rental pod, to keep your belongings safe and out of the way.
Label boxes clearly with categories like “kitchen essentials” or “daily use items” for easy access. Having an organized system ensures you’re not sifting through endless boxes to find necessities, reducing stress and chaos.
Embrace a Flexible Daily Routine
Renovations disrupt your daily life, but flexibility is the key to staying comfortable. Here are a few tips to adjust your routine during remodeling:
Plan Around the Noise: Schedule activities like calls or work-from-home tasks during quieter times of the day.
Keep Essentials Accessible: Store your daily-use items in easy-to-reach places, whether they’re toiletries, cookware, or kids' toys.
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that renovations take time, and unexpected delays may occur. Practicing patience helps reduce frustration.
Being adaptable to your day-to-day routine allows you to focus on progress rather than inconveniences.
Communicate Effectively with Your Contractors
Clear communication with your renovation team helps ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Regular updates from contractors keep you informed of the timeline, progress, and any necessary adjustments. Open communication builds trust and ensures both parties are on the same page, minimizing surprises.
Take Breaks and Prioritize Your Well-Being
Living through a remodel is often physically and mentally exhausting. Make time to step away from the chaos and recharge. Spend a weekend visiting family or enjoying a staycation to take a break from the renovation environment. Small getaways help you return feeling refreshed and ready for progress.
Final Thoughts: Focus on the Outcome
While living through renovations feels daunting, the result is worth the temporary disruption. By planning, staying organized, and embracing flexibility, you create a livable environment that minimizes stress and maximizes comfort.
At Oriole Home & Design, we’re here to support you through every step of your remodeling journey. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you’ll soon enjoy a beautifully transformed home that fits your lifestyle perfectly.