Your complete guide to decluttering and getting your home ready before a remodel project begins.
While there’s no magic solution for making a home remodel completely stress-free, there are plenty of ways to ensure the process goes much more smoothly. One effective strategy is planning your “pre-remodel” stage, which includes tidying up and organizing your space before work starts.
Just like you wouldn’t hire a cleaner and leave clutter scattered everywhere, your contractor won’t be able to do their job effectively if you don’t clear out the space first. A messy home makes it harder for them to get the work done properly and efficiently.
So, let’s take a closer look at the best ways to prepare for your remodel. This includes organizing your home, setting expectations with your contractor, and taking a few additional steps to ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule.
10 Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Home Remodel
Preparing for a home remodel can be overwhelming, but taking key steps early on will make the process smoother. From organizing your space to coordinating with your contractor, these 10 essential steps will help you stay on track, reduce stress, and get the most out of your remodel.
1. Capture “Before” Pictures
Before you completely transform your home, it’s a great idea to take some pictures of how it looks right now. These photos not only serve as a personal keepsake of your home’s original style but also come in handy for future reference. Whether you decide to share them on social media or need them for insurance purposes, having a record of your home before the remodel begins can be incredibly valuable. Plus, it’s always fun to look back and see how much the space has changed once the work is done. Be sure to snap those shots before any demolition starts!
2. Use Up Everything You Can
When tackling a major home remodel, there’s a good chance you’ll need to move some items into storage or temporarily relocate while your contractor works on your space.
Rather than throwing away an entire fridge full of food or a pantry full of supplies, take the opportunity to use up as much as you can ahead of time. It may seem like a small task, but finishing off canned goods, condiments, or frozen items will make packing and moving things a lot easier. By paring down and using up what you already have, you’ll save time, money, and unnecessary waste, making the pre-remodel process much smoother.
3. Determine If You Need Extra Storage Space
Many homeowners end up stuffing furniture and belongings into garages, basements, guest rooms, or parts of the house that won’t be renovated. However, there’s a good chance you’ll need to move some things into external storage if there’s no space left in your home.
Take some time to think about where these items will go—will they be stored at a friend or family member’s house? Or do you need to rent a storage unit? Also, plan how you’ll transport everything there and when you’ll need to pack up and move things out to avoid delays. Planning ahead for outside storage will make the process much less stressful and keep your home organized throughout the remodel.
4. Plan Where Everything Will Go
Before you start packing up everything for your remodel, it’s important to think about what items you’ll need on a daily basis and where they’ll be stored. For instance, you can create a shower caddy for each family member to store their essential bathroom items or keep a small stash of coffee and kitchen essentials in an easily accessible area to make your mornings smoother.
For organization, place frequently used items in clear, labeled bins so they’re easy to locate, and store other less-commonly used items in deeper storage spaces. By planning ahead where things will go, you’ll make it easier to access what you need and maintain a sense of normalcy during the remodel.
5. Communicate With Your Contractor
Remodels can get messy, and it is always better to be overly prepared than to leave things to chance. Have a detailed conversation with your contractor about their plan of action, especially if multiple rooms are being renovated. Find out which areas they will tackle first and how the work will be organized.
Also, ask about their cleaning routine. Do they plan to clean up and sweep at the end of each day? It is essential to be clear on who is responsible for cleaning and when it will happen, as well as what site preparation will be needed before the work begins. Getting on the same page will ensure the process runs smoothly and minimize any surprises during the remodel.
6. Create a Clear Path
If your contractor needs to walk through other rooms to access the work area, make sure to lay down plastic or cardboard to protect your floors from mud, dust, and debris. Taping down protective coverings will prevent messes from spreading throughout your home and make cleanup easier at the end of each day. Taking this simple step will help maintain a cleaner environment and keep your home protected during the remodel process.
7. Inform Your Neighbors -H3
Chances are your neighbors may not be thrilled about having a big dumpster in your driveway and noisy machines running constantly during your remodel. It’s a good idea to let them know ahead of time about the upcoming remodel, what it will involve, and how long the project will take. By giving them a heads-up, they can make any necessary adjustments to their own schedules or plans during the remodel. Open communication helps avoid any misunderstandings and keeps your relationship with neighbors positive throughout the project.
8. Consider Security
Think about how your contractor and their team will access your home each day. Do you have a home security system in place? Will you need to provide keys or make copies? If you’re concerned about security or the potential for keys getting misplaced, consider investing in a lockbox to store your key safely while the work is underway. Additionally, take steps to secure or seal off any areas of your home that you don’t want visitors to enter during the remodel. Planning ahead will give you peace of mind and ensure your home stays secure throughout the project.
9. Decide Whether To Stay Or Leave
While it may seem like a good idea to save money by staying at home during your remodel, this can sometimes end up being more time-consuming or even costly than renting a place elsewhere. If you choose to stay, you might lose access to your kitchen or bathroom for extended periods, and you’ll need to stay on top of keeping the space clean and safe, which can be challenging during a major remodel.
On the other hand, leaving your home gives your contractor more flexibility, as they won’t have to worry about disrupting your daily life. You’ll also have the freedom to cook, bathe, and relax in peace without the stress of construction noise or dust. Before making a final decision, it’s a good idea to discuss with your contractor how your presence might impact costs, timing, or their ability to work efficiently.
10. Mentally Prepare Yourself
Finally, take time to prepare yourself mentally for the challenges that come with a home remodel. Home remodels can be stressful, time-consuming, and disruptive to your daily routine. Having strangers in your home and dealing with the mess can be draining, and living in a constant state of disarray is tough, even for the most laid-back individuals. It’s important to prepare yourself to let go of certain comforts and remember to focus on the end result—your dream space.
Overall, the key to preparing for a home remodel is to start early and create a solid plan. These steps take time, so be sure to review your calendar and block out dedicated time for research, packing, and cleaning. This will help ensure that everything stays on track and the weeks leading up to the project are well-organized and manageable.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for a remodel is an essential step to ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently. By following the outlined strategies—such as decluttering, organizing, and communicating effectively with your contractor—you can minimize stress and stay on schedule. Creating clear pathways, securing storage solutions, and mentally preparing for temporary disruptions will pave the way for a successful project.
At Tyger Remodeling, we understand the challenges homeowners face during renovations. Our experienced team in Cleveland, Ohio, is here to guide you through every step of your interior remodeling journey. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, transforming your bathroom, or reimagining your basement, we’re committed to delivering high-quality results tailored to your budget. Let us help you turn your vision into reality. Contact Tyger Remodeling today to get started on your dream home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with my belongings before a remodel?
Declutter and organize your items. Consider using temporary storage for larger furniture and valuables to keep your space clear and accessible for contractors.
How do I decide whether to stay home or temporarily relocate during a remodel?
Consider the scope of the project and how it will impact your daily life. Discuss with your contractor whether staying could cause delays or increased costs.
Why is it important to communicate with my contractor before the project begins?
Clear communication helps set expectations, coordinate schedules, and ensure both parties are on the same page, reducing surprises during the remodel.
How can I protect my home from dust and debris during renovations?
Use plastic sheeting or cardboard to create pathways and protect floors. These coverings help contain messes and make post-construction cleanup easier.
What steps can I take to mentally prepare for a remodel?
Acknowledge that disruptions are temporary and focus on the long-term benefits. Planning ahead and maintaining a positive outlook will help you stay motivated throughout the process.
