To some people, the thought of renovating a kitchen is a daunting idea and I can certainly understand why.
Your kitchen is about to be unpacked, taken apart then a new one installed and then all your items are put back into your new kitchen.
But fear not, I have a few handy hints on how you can make this process easier for you.
It’s all about being organized….sorry, you thought I had a magic answer?
If you read my blog “What is the Process and Time Frame of a Kitchen Renovation” you will have a better understanding on how long a kitchen installation will take- typically 3 to 5 day depending on the size and complexity of your kitchen or new flooring.
Yep, only 3 to 5 days for an average Reedesign Kitchens with Laminate or Mirostone countertops*
The days before your kitchen is installed you will need to empty your personal belongings.
This is a great opportunity to have a clear out….do you really need 10 wooden spoons, 3 cheese graters,4 can openers and 2 popcorn makers?
If you find things in your cupboards you haven’t used for years- do you really need to keep it?
For those who can’t quite bring themselves to throw out or donate, I suggest you put the items you’re considering clearing into a box- write the date on the box and stick it in the shed.
If in twelve months you haven’t opened the box you can feel comfortable them tossing it all away ( usually works!)
I love a good clear out as it makes you feel so good and by donating your unwanted goods you can help others. Goodbye clutter- hello new kitchen
Have a game of match the Tupperware and plastic containers with lids.
Reedesign Kitchens will move your fridge but in the weeks preceding your install cut down on your fridge storage capacity for easy relocation.
Gather boxes beforehand to store your items you won’t need for your kitchen installation week.
Pop the boxes into the garage or spare room for storage.
There will be a little bit of dust during installation so by removing your items for the installation area means you won’t need to clean them before popping them back into your beautiful, clean new cupboards.
So we’ve had a clear-out and stored some items away, next we need to think about coffee and food but importantly coffee!
Best place to set up your food/coffee area is next to your fridge, so if the fridge is moving into the dining room then set up a table there for microwave, coffee machine and breakfast cereals, bread, toaster, kettle, utensils and crockery, water jug, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, chopping boards and snacks/chocolate.
Ideally, the laundry is the best spot if you have enough room as you have a sink handy for washing up. (or do you need a new laundry? Reedesign Kitchens renovate laundries too!)
Use paper plates for less washing up.
Cooking options-
Dust off the slow cooker, electric frypan or give the BBQ a spruce up.
You can actually do a roast in a slow cooker!
Your microwave will be really handy for heating up meals and cooking.
Use that pressure cooker or cooking gadget, air fryer you bought and haven't used or mastered!
Plan for at least three nights of dinners without your kitchen.
A few ideas-
Plan a BBQ dinner/s
Have a takeaway night
Go out for dinner one night, or three (any excuse!)
Call in those dinners your friends and family owe you!
Go away on a mini-break with your family.
We have installed kitchens for many people who were absent during installation.
Prepare meals and freeze them, easy to heat up in the microwave.
Order a week’s supply from the fresh food boxes- you will need a cooktop/electric frypan though.
Order premade meals from your local café, hotel or buy premade dinners from the supermarket.
We were in isolation in March 2020 after returning from overseas and we had some amazingly yummy meals delivered from local eateries along with coffee!
Having so many food delivery choices, which are reasonably healthy, it’s easy to eat well with the aid of your microwave.
When I was younger the only thing we had delivered was the mail, milk and Woodroofe soft drinks ( in glass bottles- the best).
Here are a couple of recipes my family love that you might want to try?
Chicken Rosemary Hotpot-
Adapted from The CSIRO cookbook.
2 Leeks – sliced using white part only
3 sticks of Celery- diced
2 Carrots- diced
2 garlic cloves – fined chopped or minced
1 can of Diced Tomatoes
1 tablespoon stock powder
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup of water-or ½ water and ½ dry white wine
800g of chicken thighs- cut into 2cm cubes
2 sprigs of fresh parsley –chopped
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary- finely chopped**
Salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the chicken (in batches) till coloured and set aside.
Place oil into a large saucepan and cook leeks on medium heat to soften.
Add carrots, celery and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes
Add the tomatoes, paste, stock, water/wine and herbs and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Return cooked chicken to the saucepan and season.
Cook on a gentle simmer for 35-40 min
Make a double batch and freeze one for an easy and delicious “knee tea”( eating in front of the TV with your plate on your knees!)
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or pasta – all which can be cooked in the microwave.
Basil Pesto Pasta with Zucchini
Not as healthy but really quick and easy-
2 zucchinis cut with a spiralizer
Half a packet of Fettucini
150g of cooking cream
150g jar Basil pesto
Parmesan Cheese
Cook the pasta according to directions on the packet
With 2 minutes to go-add zucchini spirals
In a deep frypan- combine pesto and cream over medium heat.
Using tongs, lifting out the pasta- add the pasta to the pesto mix, don't worry about draining the pasta as you'll need some of the water in the mix.
Stir till warm, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve topped with Parmesan Cheese
Feeling fancy? Add a few prawns right at the end so they don't overcook or top with roasted pine nuts.
Enjoy!
If you need more help surviving your kitchen renovation, please don't hesitate to ask for help.
*Kitchen with Mirostone or Laminate countertops and flooring excluded. Splashbacks not accounted for in installation times.