How to Pack Up Your Kitchen for a Remodeling Project

So, you’ve decided to tackle a kitchen remodel. Whether you can’t stand your outdated countertops or you’re finally ready to deal with a leaky sink once and for all, one thing is certain: things are about to get messy before they get beautiful.

A big part of reducing that chaos? Properly packing up your kitchen.

No, it’s not glamorous. But it’s the first essential step in making your remodel manageable, not just for you, but for your contractors and your belongings too.

This guide walks you through everything you need to do before the demolition begins.

Why Proper Packing Is Important

Remodeling zones kick up dust, cause vibration, and bring foot traffic to every inch of your kitchen. If your cabinets, appliances, and countertops aren’t cleared and protected, your everyday items are at risk of getting damaged—or at the very least, a whole lot dustier.

Taking the time to pack properly also keeps the rest of your home livable. Having essentials easily accessible while keeping unnecessary clutter out of the way will help you stay organized, minimize stress, and bounce back quickly once the project is done.

What You’ll Need to Pack Your Kitchen

Make sure you have your supplies ready before you start. This will help things move faster and reduce mid-packing frustration.

You’ll want:

• Cardboard boxes (medium and small are best)
• Plastic storage bins
• Packing tape and masking tape
• Bubble wrap or packing paper
• Plastic wrap
• Zip-top bags
• Moving blankets or towels
• Labels and a marker

Having more of these than you think you’ll need is a good idea—you’ll go through them fast.

9 Steps to Pack Up Your Kitchen For Its Remodel

1. Make a Plan

Planning to pack may sound silly, but it will save you a ton of stress during the remodel. Before you start packing, make a list of the items you think you’ll need during the remodel.

Small appliances, a couple of glasses or coffee mugs, sponges, mixing bowls, etc., are all items that may come in handy. Gather these items and pack eating utensils to keep them separate from everything else you’re packing up and putting into storage.

Don’t forget about your pets! Grab enough pet food for about 4–6 weeks.

Setting these things aside early keeps you from unpacking boxes mid-remodel just to find a coffee mug or mixing spoon.

2. Clear the Countertops

Make sure you have taken any appliances or other items off your countertops. You can either move these to another room, such as a basement or laundry room, or, if storage space is limited, you may need to find a short-term storage facility.

Keep your countertops completely clear to avoid dust buildup or damage from construction tools or materials. This also gives contractors the space they need to work efficiently.

A cleared kitchen also makes it easier to start step three—emptying those cabinets.

3. Empty the Kitchen Cabinets of All Their Contents

Place similar items with similar items (i.e., all dishes together in a box). Make sure that any boxes or crates have been covered with a sheet so as not to scratch anything else inside them.

Carefully pack up your glassware. Take your time and make sure you pack glassware properly. Stack dishes flat, like on a sheet of cardboard, but do not wrap them around the edge. This will keep things from chipping. Wrap fragile items like drinking and wine glasses in bubble wrap and carefully place them in plastic reusable storage bins.

Pack your pots and pans in moving boxes. Tape the boxes up well because they will get heavy fast! Be sure not to overload so they’re not too heavy to lift.

Additionally, label every box clearly with its contents and intended storage location. This will make unpacking easier and prevent unnecessary handling of fragile items during the renovation.

4. Store Utensils in Food Storage Bags

Take the time to separate utensils and place them in food storage bags. This step will help you avoid scratching anything by accident during the remodel. Also, bagging your clean silverware and utensils will prevent you from having to wash them once you move back into your brand new kitchen.

Organizing your utensils now also makes unpacking later much simpler. Keep similar types together—forks with forks, measuring spoons with measuring spoons—so you don’t waste time digging through mixed bags after the project is done.

5. Remove Everything From the Pantry If You Have One

Empty your pantry closet completely. Take any fragile items or glassware to a safe storage location. You should keep snacks and easy-to-cook meals in the pile you created in step 1.

Dry goods, canned food, and other pantry items can be packed in labeled boxes. Keep commonly used staples like cereal, pasta, or granola bars in an easy-to-reach container in your temporary kitchen space.

6. Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

If you’re like most of us, the cleaning supplies you need for your entire house are stored under the kitchen sink. When packing up your kitchen for a remodel, box up your household dishwashing and cleaning supplies separately and put them in a location you can access easily—you may find yourself washing a few dishes in the bathroom sink during construction.

Don’t forget to include paper towels, sponges, disinfecting wipes, and garbage bags in your cleaning kit.

7. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

AC Remodeling will set up a temporary kitchen as a part of our remodeling process, but if yours doesn’t, you can still do it on your own. Countertop appliances can come in handy while your kitchen is out of commission. Here are some ideas of appliances and items you may want to set up:

• Microwave
• Coffee maker or Tea Kettle
• Toaster oven
• Small food processor
• Blender
• Small drying rack

Find a convenient place in your home and set up a folding table with your appliances for easy access. This can make quick meals like breakfast a lot smoother. Prepare a supply of paper plates, plastic utensils, and disposable napkins or paper towels.

If you’re a family with young kids, stocking up on grab-n-go snacks and breakfast food like Pop-Tarts, granola bars, and fruit cups is a great idea.

This simple setup can truly help you maintain some normalcy during the remodel.

8. Remove Wall Decorations

Remove items from the walls and surfaces you don’t want to be covered in dust during the kitchen remodel. This includes your wall art, knick-knacks, children’s artwork, maps, calendars, kitchen decorations (i.e., magnets), etc.

If there is any concern that they will get wet or dirty during the construction process, pack them up!

Protect framed items or glass pieces with packing materials to avoid cracks or scratches while stored away. Label fragile wall décor clearly so it’s not mishandled when moving things around.

Related Article: What to Know Before Remodeling Your Kitchen Cabinets

9. Check In With Your Kitchen Remodeling Contractor

Ask any questions you have about what will and won’t be accessible during the remodel. They do this for a living and should have all the answers to your concerns. Briefly explain what you’ve accomplished and find out if they have any tips or preferences.

Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you’re aligned on the timeline. Your contractor may even have additional insights to make your prep work more efficient based on the layout of your home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a plan in place, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or overlook details. Here are a few common missteps to avoid when packing up your kitchen for a remodel:

• Waiting until the last minute to pack, leading to rushed or careless organization
• Overloading boxes with heavy items
• Forgetting to label boxes clearly by item type and room
• Leaving fragile or valuable items exposed during demo
• Failing to set up a temporary kitchen makes daily meals a challenge
• Storing utensils or small items without organization can cause confusion later

Avoiding these pitfalls can go a long way in keeping the remodel running smoothly and stress levels low.

Your Dream Kitchen Starts with a Packed and Prepped One

With a little preparation, you can take some of the stress off while your kitchen is being remodeled. Following these nine steps will set you up for a peaceful kitchen renovation!

If you’re in the NW Washington, DC, or Maryland area, AC Remodeling is here for all your kitchen remodeling needs. Give us a call or request a phone consultation today!