Starting a renovation project is incredibly exciting but before the dust starts flying, it is the perfect time to start decluttering and organizing your home so you're ready to start enjoying your new space once its complete. It's also a great way to understand the number of items or collections you have and the appropriate storage solutions you need, especially for a kitchen or mudroom renovation. Starting a renovation with an organized home also does wonders for your sanity and is less stressful to live in daily. Check out our 3 step process to organize your home and start your renovation project off in the right direction.
Tip #1: Declutter, then Decide What Stays and Goes
Once a new space is finished, many people find that their old items no longer work with the improved space. Now is the time time to go through your home and evaluate what items stay or go. I suggest you separate items into five piles: donate, sell, hand me down, save, and trash. Holding on to only the items that are truly loved or still functional is incredibly helpful so you are not taking up valuable space on items you no longer need. Additionally, making a list of items you might need to buy during this time is beneficial.
Tip #2: Sort, then Strategize about Daily Needs
Once you've cleared out items you no longer need it's time to figure out the best way to store or use the remaining items. Safely pack and store items you don't need everyday in clearly labeled bins or boxes that keeps items dust free during construction. Labeling with a piece of paper, blue tape, or marker lets you easily find things during renovation if needed. Separate items that you use daily and those you use more regularly so you don't spend precious time searching for items.
Tip #3: Pack Up, then Put the Boxes in Storage
Depending on the scale of your renovation, many people live in their home during a renovation. It can be really helpful to get all those storage boxes moved to a storage unit or a moveable POD instead of in your home. Removing furniture or other personal items to make sure they are properly protected and not damaged during renovation is worth the piece of mind. It also makes it easier for trade teams to work and move materials in and out of the space. The additional cost of renting storage can be worth it to save the time and expense of replacing items damaged items. Keep in mind if you are using your garage as a temporary kitchen you may not want to use that area for storage storage.
While this step may seem daunting at first and not nearly exciting as the demo phase, it is an important one. We are here to make the renovation process as easy as possible so you can keep your focus on your daily life.
Think you could use help designing and renovating your home? We've got you covered! Learn more about our four step design process and check out our Design Services to find the right fit for you.
Warmly,
Carrie
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