How to Organize Your Home Before Your Renovation Starts

Renovations are stressful! People are all up in your space, and your everyday creature comforts, like a working kitchen or bathroom, may be inaccessible. Once the renovations are complete, you're just exhausted and want to have your home back and ready to use.

Planning ahead and organizing BEFORE the renovations begin is essential and will reduce your stress immensely throughout the process. There will be less mess and fewer headaches, making the reno process a little easier to endure! 
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Read ahead for our 3 tips on organizing before your renovation starts...

Step #1: Declutter and Decide What Needs to Go

Instead of dreading how you're going to fit all your stuff back into your newly organized kitchen or bathroom, think of the renovation as your chance and motivation to declutter! You don't want to move your unused, dusty, unloved items into your new, glistening space. Ick!

Think about what you love and what you actually use. Now's the time to let go of all those "just in case" items. If you really end up needing something you decluttered, you can easily run to the store or click "buy now" on Amazon. Think of all the spaciousness and organization you'll have in your improved space. Things will be easy to find and look visually appealing. 

As you declutter and prepare for the renovation, make a list on your phone of what you might need to buy later. Don't clutter your space now with more items you'll need to store away for the reno.

For more decluttering tips, read A Professional Organizer’s Guide to Decluttering.

Step #2: Get Organized and Begin Packing 

Now that you've decluttered, you can more easily decide what stays during the renovation process and what you still want to keep but can be stored away for the time being. Remember to keep out things like medicine and other items that are used daily. 

Pack items in clearly labeled bins so you can easily find things you need that you packed away and so you can easily unpack when the reno is over. Renovations are dusty, and the last thing you want is a brand-new kitchen with all your plates and glasses covered in dust.

Step #3: Move Boxes to Storage and Prep for Your Reno

If you're braving it out and living in your home during the renovation, you may want to store items somewhere outside the home, such as a temperature-controlled storage unit or pod. 

Don't fill your garage with items, and then realize you need to use your garage as a temporary kitchen!

Speaking of, start setting up things like temporary kitchens before the renovation begins. You don't want to start this task when you're stressed and hungry and your home is already a construction zone. Plan on giving yourself grace with more ready-made meals, take-out, and non-perishable snacks.

​Our specialty is helping our clients through moments of change, such as renovations and moving. This is like a mini-move! You have to declutter, pack, and unpack the space you're renovating. Can you say stressful? It's ok to ask for help.

If you're ready to hand off your pre-renovation organizing to an expert, we've got your back! Download our organizing guide to see how we can help!

See you soon,
Sandi