Surviving a Renovation: How to Stay Sane When Your Home Is Under Construction
Renovating your home is exciting—until the dust starts flying and you’re wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake! Whether you’re updating a kitchen, refreshing bathrooms, or tackling a full home makeover, it’s important to prepare yourself (and your household) for the chaos.
If moving out isn’t an option, here’s how to survive—and maybe even laugh—through your renovation:
1. Plan in Stages
Whenever possible, break your renovation into phases. Prioritise keeping at least one functional bathroom and a makeshift kitchen setup—your laundry room can often double as a temporary kitchen while the real one’s being transformed.
2. Create a Dust-Free Escape Zone
Designate one room as your retreat. Keep it sealed off and relatively dust-free so you have a space to relax, recharge, and remind yourself that one day, your home will be beautiful again.
3. Takeout Menus Are Your Best Friend
Keep a stack of local restaurant menus handy. Bonus points for ordering directly from restaurants to save on delivery app fees. Stock up on paper plates and cutlery—you’ll thank yourself when the kitchen sink is out of action and the garden hose becomes your makeshift dishwashing station.
4. Store Belongings Off-Site
If possible, rent a storage unit or clear non-renovated areas to avoid tripping over boxes. A clutter-free home (or what’s left of it) makes for a calmer renovation experience.
5. Embrace Your Inner Camper
Renovations can feel like a character-building camping trip. If your laundry’s under construction, consider hooking your washing machine up to an outdoor tap or deck connection, and use the greywater to nourish your garden.
6. Be Kind to Each Other
Renovations are stressful, and it’s easy to lose patience with loved ones. Remember—you’re all in it together. Take breaks, communicate openly, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
7. Find Creative Ways to Shower
If your bathroom’s being redone in winter, consider a gym or pool membership for hot showers. Alternatively, renting a portable bathroom for your driveway can be both practical and, well, entertaining (just imagine waving to the neighbours in your robe).
Surviving a renovation is all about preparation, flexibility, and a sense of humour. While the process is undeniably messy, the end result—a beautifully transformed home—will be worth it.