How To Prepare Your Tacoma Home for a Kitchen Remodel

Step 1: The Timeline & Routine

Before packing a single box, sync with your contractor. Your kitchen is the command center; when it goes offline, everything disrupts.

Tacoma-Specific Considerations

Rainy Season: Mud tracking is a real threat. Plan covered walkways and heavy-duty floor protection.
Dark Winter Days: Daylight hours affect work schedules. Ensure temporary kitchen lighting is adequate.
Holidays: Avoid major demolition during Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Review Permit & Management Timelines

Step 2: The “Edit” Strategy

Don’t pack what you don’t use. Sort your items into these four buckets.

Pro Tip: Focus on that “junk drawer,” old plastics, and specialty appliances you haven’t used in a year.

Step 3: Build Your Survival Kit

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Click items to “pack” them for your temporary kitchen. Everything else goes in boxes.

Step 4: Smart Packing Protocols

Once your survival kit is built, pack everything else using these simple guidelines:

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Box Sizing

Use small to medium boxes. Large boxes get too heavy with dishes. Wrap fragiles in dishcloths.

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Clear Labels

Label by room and category. Example: “Baking Supplies – Pantry” or “Everyday Glasses”.

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The “First Open” Box

Pack one specific box with coffee maker, favorite pan, and kid’s bowls to open immediately upon completion.

Step 5: The Camp Kitchen

Save your sanity by setting up a functional station away from the dust.

Best Locations:

🔹 Dining Room
🔹 Laundry Room (Water access!)
🔹 Finished Basement

Power Players:

Microwave, Air Fryer, Electric Kettle, and Slow Cooker are your new best friends for simple meals.

Need appliance installation guidance?

Step 6: Meal Strategy

Don’t rely on takeout 7 days a week. It gets expensive and unhealthy. Plan a mix.

Freezer Meals: Cook big batches now, heat later.

Slow Cooker: Set it and forget it (Chili, soups).

No-Cook: Sandwiches, wraps, salads.

Tacoma Takeout: Save for Fridays!

Step 7: Dust Defense

Renovation dust is inevitable, but manageable.

🛡️ Floors: Ram board or plastic runners from entry to kitchen.
🚪 Barriers: Zippered plastic on doorways. Close bedroom doors.
👟 Tacoma Mud: Dedicated shoe-wipe zone at entry.

Step 8: The Household

🐶 Pets

Construction noise stresses pets. Set up a safe room with bed, water, and toys. Inform contractors about escape artists.

🧒 Kids

Create a quiet homework/play zone away from the noise. Clearly mark “Off Limits” zones.

👋 Neighbors

Tacoma lots can be tight. Warn neighbors about noise and parking needs beforehand.

Step 10: The “Go” Week

One week before demo. Run through this list to ensure you are 100% ready.

Pre-Demo Checklist

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Step 9: Decisions Locked?

Nothing stalls a project like missing decisions. Click to review the detailed guides:

Cabinets & Storage Countertops Appliances Flooring & Lighting

Don’t Eat Cereal in the Living Room (Unless You Want To)