Planning a Temporary Kitchen Setup
A temporary kitchen setup gives a household a place to store food, cook simple meals and wash dishes while the real kitchen is out of service. Most setups use a refrigerator, a microwave or countertop cooker, a table for prep and access to a sink. Planning it before demolition saves stress.
Pick a spot away from dust and close to an outlet and water.
Choosing the Location
Dining rooms, laundry rooms and garages are common choices. A laundry room offers a utility sink, while a dining room stays clean and close. Avoid putting it next to the work zone, since dust travels.
Because the setup may last weeks, choose a space the family can give up comfortably.
Appliances for a Temporary Kitchen Setup
Small appliances do most of the work. Plug them into outlets on separate circuits to avoid tripping breakers.
- Refrigerator moved from the kitchen
- Microwave or toaster oven
- Electric kettle and coffee maker
- Slow cooker or electric skillet
- Induction burner for simple cooking
Ask the electrician which outlets can handle the load.
Dishwashing Plans
Dishwashing causes the most frustration. A laundry sink or bathroom tub can serve, though bathroom sinks clog easily with food. Paper plates reduce the load but add waste. Some households wash dishes in bins and carry the water to a utility sink.
Food Storage
Keep pantry items in labeled bins. Meanwhile, plan meals that need few pans. Stock up before demolition so trips to the store stay short.
Safety in a Temporary Kitchen Setup
Keep cords away from walkways and water. Also keep cooking appliances on stable surfaces away from curtains. Children and pets need to stay clear of hot surfaces. The article on living through remodeling lists more safety steps.
How Long It Will Last
The setup lasts until the new kitchen passes its final inspection and appliances work. A City of Sacramento page notes that a project is not approved until inspected and accepted. So plan for the full construction period plus a buffer.
Temporary Kitchen Setup Costs
Most setups use what you already own, so costs stay modest. Still, a few purchases help, such as an induction burner, bins for dishes or a folding table. Because takeout adds up over weeks, plan a meal budget too.
Also consider renting a small refrigerator if the main one must stay in the work zone. Then the temporary kitchen setup supports the household without surprise expenses.
Making It Easier
Set a routine for meals and cleanup. Simple menus and fewer dishes make the weeks go faster. The kitchen remodel timeline article shows how long each phase can take. A well planned temporary kitchen setup keeps daily life running while the remodel moves forward.