Household renovations are extremely stressful. Whether you have to survive a simple kitchen or bathroom remodel, or you’re brave enough to face a full-on overhaul – there are bound to be setbacks.
Apart from dealing with difficult contractors and people invading your space, one of the biggest renovation frustrations is having to live in a cramped, messy home.
But not to worry, there are ways to keep your sanity during a renovation.
1. Make living arrangements
Although a lot of people stay on-site to keep an eye on progress, you may want to consider alternative living arrangements, especially during a full renovation.
Options include self-catering accommodation, a room in a guesthouse or even staying with relatives and friends. Choose a place close to your home so you can still monitor the renovation closely.
2. Stay organised
It’s a little easier to deal with the chaos if you’re in control of your belongings. Prepare before the renovation starts by packing up your home or the rooms in question.
Mark boxes or containers clearly, and keep a separate list with corresponding numbers and exact contents. You’ll thank yourself later when you need to urgently dig up something buried in the mess, or packed away in storage.
3. Recreate areas you’re going to need
This is especially important if you’re renovating essential areas like a kitchen or bathroom.
Set up a makeshift kitchen in your garage or another area in your home with necessary utensils and appliances. Include a bin, a bucket for washing up, a few shelves, a surface to prepare food and a small fridge. Use camping gear such as a gas cooker and kettle to save space.
If you only have one bathroom and you plan to stay on-site, arrange with your neighbours to use their shower, or make the most of your gym membership by using the ablution facilities there. You will have to consider renting a porta-loo for your family and the contractors during the build.
4. Keep your stuff safe
Avoid the added stress by packing up your valuables before the project commences, and preferably storing it off-site.
Apart from the security risk, personal items can also get damaged by building rubble, burst pipes or careless builders. Rather have peace of mind knowing it’s safely locked up somewhere else, away from the chaos.
5. Prepare for an extended timeline
No matter what the contractors promise you, double that timeline and add a week or two to get a more accurate completion date.
With realistic expectations you’ll be less disappointed (and more prepared) when the project scope and timing changes.
Save your sanity, use self-storage
XtraSpace offers storage units in various sizes. It’s convenient and easy to access, giving you peace of mind during a stressful renovation project. With XtraSpace you get:
- Extended access: Get access during business hours, or make an arrangement to get to your stuff after hours.
- Month-to-month rental: This will come in handy when the renovation takes longer (or even shorter) than expected.
- Security: It’s much safer to store your belongings where there’s 24-hour security, alarms, and CCTV cameras.
- Convenience: Organise your items with boxes and packing materials for sale at all branches. Once you’re ready to move back in, you can collect and unpack your belongings and enjoy your new space straightaway.
At XtraSpace, we offer clean, secure self-storage units that are ideal for storing breakables until you’re ready to move them into your new home or premises. Contact us for more information or browse to find a branch near you.