“What Do I Need to Do to Physically Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel?” Here’s the Honest, Expert Answer

“What Do I Need to Do to Physically Prepare for a Kitchen Remodel?” Here’s the Honest, Expert Answer

 

It always starts with a moment. Maybe it’s a drawer that sticks every morning. Maybe it’s Thanksgiving, and for the third year in a row, you’re squeezing past your cousin to get to the oven. Or maybe it’s just the quiet realization—while sipping coffee in the early light—that the kitchen you’re in doesn’t reflect who you are anymore.

For many homeowners in Bucks County and the surrounding area, the kitchen is more than a place to cook—it’s where conversations unfold, kids do homework, and friends naturally gather. And when the kitchen doesn’t work, it affects the rhythm of the entire home.

You’ve made the decision to remodel your kitchen.  You’ve chosen your contractor and all your fixtures.  You’ve picked out your cabinets and countertops.  Everything is scheduled and you’re ready to make your dream kitchen a reality.  So the next question becomes: What do I need to do to physically prepare for a kitchen remodel?

 And the truth is: most homeowners don’t realize how much time and stress they can save by prepping before the first hammer swings.

Let’s go beyond the surface-level suggestions and unpack what really makes a remodel run smoother—starting with the space you already live in.

 

Start Emptying—And Start Early

Packing up your kitchen is not unlike moving house—but it’s trickier, because you’re still living there. Waiting until the day before demo is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make.

Start at least 2 weeks ahead:

Remove everything from cabinets, drawers, and shelves.

Box up what you’ll store long-term.

Set aside the essentials (think: coffee maker, a few plates, a few cups, a skillet, and utensils).

Don’t forget food! Toss expired pantry goods and donate what you won’t use. Perishables should be moved to a secondary fridge or cooler if possible.

Pro Tip: Label each box clearly (e.g., “Everyday dishes – Upper Left Cabinet”). This will make reloading your new kitchen faster and far less chaotic.

 

Take Everything Off the Walls (Yes, Everything)

Family photos, calendars, art, wall hooks—even that little chalkboard where you write grocery lists. Take them down.

Demo and construction produce vibrations that can knock items off walls, even in adjacent rooms. If it’s on the wall, it should be packed up or relocated.

This step is often skipped, but it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental damage to items you care about.

 

Protect Your Floors, Furniture, and the Rest of Your Home

Dust will travel. No matter how careful your remodeler is, particles find their way into hallways, stairwells, and vents.

Here’s how to be proactive:

Roll up area rugs near the kitchen and store them.

Move furniture away from pathways the crew will use.

Seal off doorways with painter’s plastic or better yet, ask your contractor to use zip walls or dust containment systems.

If you have pets, consider gating off access or boarding them during noisy or dusty phases.

At Buckingham Bath & Home Remodeling, clients are guided before construction starts, which includes reviewing floor covering options, identifying sensitive areas, and setting expectations for daily cleanup.

 

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen Station

You’ll need a space to prep simple meals and make coffee. Choose a corner of your home—ideally with a sink nearby—and build your “mini kitchen.”

Include:

Microwave or toaster oven

Coffee maker

Paper towels, dish soap, trash bags

A bin for essential spices or condiments

A cooler or mini fridge if you won’t have access to the main one

If your fridge needs to be unplugged or moved, do that the day before demo—not the morning of. You don’t want to rush through saving food while contractors are showing up.

 

Clear the Way for the Crew

Your remodelers will need a clear path from the door to the kitchen—think wide enough for tools, vacuums, and large pieces of material.

Do this before Day 1:

Remove console tables, shoes, coats, and anything cluttering the hallways.

Take down hanging light fixtures or wall décor along the path, especially in tight spaces.

Designate where contractors should park and how they’ll enter the home.

And don’t forget the garage—if you’re storing materials or appliances there, make space in advance.

 

Unplug, Disconnect, and Confirm Utilities

Before demo, your contractor should confirm disconnection of:

Gas lines to stoves or ovens

Water lines to sinks, dishwashers, or fridges

Electrical to outlets and lighting being removed

Still, it helps to know where your water shutoff valves and circuit breakers are, just in case. Bonus: Labeling these ahead of time can speed up work and avoid confusion during inspections.

 

Mentally Prepare for Living Differently—for a Little While

This is the part most people don’t talk about.

Even a smooth remodel changes your routine. Your morning coffee might happen in the laundry room. You may eat more takeout than usual. You’ll hear unexpected noises at 8 AM.

But knowing this going in makes it easier to stay flexible. And having a contractor who respects your home and your time makes all the difference.

At Buckingham Bath & Home Remodeling, clients are prepared so they can enter demo week feeling confident, not frantic.

 

Final Thoughts: The More You Prep, the Less You Stress

A kitchen remodel is a major transformation—but it’s also a temporary disruption. With smart, intentional preparation, you can minimize the mess, protect your space, and stay sane during the process.

So before you dive into design boards and tile samples, ask yourself this:

Is my home—and my family—physically ready for what’s coming next?

 

Have questions about how to prep your kitchen for a remodel?  Feel free to reach out!  We’re happy to help you navigate the process from packing to project completion.