How to Prepare Your Home for a Major Remodel: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Getting ready for a major home remodel isn’t just about picking tile and paint. It’s about planning smart so your space (and your sanity) stay intact from demo to the final reveal.

In this blog, you’ll find a step-by-step remodeling preparation guide, complete with tips on decluttering, storage, temporary living setups, and staying organized. It’s everything you need to know about how to prepare your home for a remodel. Bookmark this checklist! It'll come in handy for sure.

How to prepare your home for a major remodel:

1. Finalize the Scope and Timeline
2. Declutter Like You’re Moving Out
3. Set Up a Temporary Living Space
4. Consider Moving Out Temporarily
5. Secure Storage for Your Belongings
6. Prepare Kids and Pets for Disruption
7. Inform Your Neighbors
8. Keep Essentials Handy
9. Mentally Prepare for Dust, Delays, and Disruption

1. Finalize the Scope and Timeline

Before anything gets torn down or taped off, meet with your remodeler to lock in the start date and work backward. They’ll help you understand exactly when your home should be cleared out, materials selected, and prep work finished to avoid delays and keep the project on track.

A clear construction schedule helps coordinate everything from temporary living plans to deliveries and storage. Ask for a prep checklist tied to the start date.

The smoother your lead-up, the faster and cleaner your remodel will go.

2. Declutter Like You’re Moving Out

One of the most important steps in preparing your house for renovation is clearing the space before the crew arrives.

Think of it as a pre-remodel reset. It's an opportunity to lighten the load and make room for what’s coming next. Go room by room and remove anything you don’t need during construction.

When in doubt, treat it like you’re preparing for a move (minus the moving truck). It’s amazing how much easier the remodel feels when the clutter is gone.

Things to do before a remodel:

• Sort items into donate, toss, and store piles

• Remove décor, books, small appliances, and valuables

• Clear out closets, cabinets, and drawers in affected areas

• Label boxes by room for easier unpacking later

• Set aside “daily essentials” so they don’t get packed by accident

A little decluttering now saves a lot of stress later.

3. Set Up a Temporary Living Space

Living through a renovation takes a little creativity and a lot of planning. The more major your remodel, the more important it is to carve out a clean, safe, and functional area for daily life. Even if it’s just a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation, the disruption will ripple into your routines. 

Temporary Living Space Checklist by Room:

Kitchen Remodel Prep

• Set up a “mini kitchen” in another room with:

  • Microwave

  • Mini fridge or cooler

  • Electric kettle or hot plate

  • Paper plates and utensils

• Relocate pantry staples and cooking tools you’ll still need

• Plan easy meals (or a meal delivery budget!)

• Move your dining table if your eating area is part of the remodel zone

Bathroom Remodel Prep

• If you have a second bathroom, stock it fully and make it your main one

• Move all toiletries, towels, and cleaning products there

• Add over-the-door hooks or baskets if space is tight

Living Room / Bedroom Remodel Prep

• Shift furniture away from work zones

• Protect upholstery from dust with covers or plastic sheets

• Move electronics or fragile items out of harm’s way

General Tips

• Choose one area of your home to be your remodel-free sanctuary

• Use sound machines or headphones to drown out construction noise

• If you work from home, create a quiet work zone away from the activity

4. Consider Moving Out Temporarily

If your remodel is extensive, it may be better (and safer) to leave temporarily. Not sure if it's time to call the in-laws or book a short-term rental? Here are a few signs:

• You're doing a whole-house renovation

• Your kitchen and all bathrooms will be out of commission at the same time

• You have young kids, pets, or family members who are sensitive to noise, dust, or disruption

• You're remodeling during extreme weather months (heat or storm season in Gainesville!)

• The project includes hazardous materials like asbestos or major electrical work

• You work remotely and need a quiet, consistent space

A little upfront planning for your living situation can make your remodel experience smoother, safer, and way less stressful.

5. Secure Storage for Your Belongings

One of the biggest stress-reducers during a remodel? Getting your stuff safely out of the way. Protecting furniture, valuables, and daily essentials from dust, damage, and disruption will keep your home cleaner—and your sanity intact.

Storage Options for a Remodel:

On-Site Storage (like a storage pod or portable unit)

• Keeps your items close if you need to access them

• Ideal for driveways or properties with extra space

• Saves time hauling things back and forth

• Can double as a staging area for materials or deliveries

Off-Site Storage (storage units in Gainesville, FL)

• Great if you’re doing a full-home renovation and need everything out

• Safe, secure, and climate-controlled options available

• Frees up more space at home for crews and equipment

• Gives you peace of mind for long-term remodels

Local Storage Resources to Consider

• Storage pods delivered to your home for easy loading

• Portable storage units in Gainesville for flexible pickup/drop-off

• Storage units in Gainesville, FL, for affordable off-site options with various sizes

Whether you go with a portable pod or rent a local storage unit, making a plan for your belongings ahead of time is one of the smartest steps in preparing your house for renovation.

6. Prepare Kids and Pets for Disruption

Remodeling doesn’t just impact your walls; it impacts your whole household.

Kids and pets are especially sensitive to noise, dust, and changes in routine, so it’s smart to plan ahead. By setting up safety measures and some temporary routines, you can minimize the stress on everyone involved.

Tips for Managing Disruption at Home

• Create a "quiet zone" away from construction areas where kids or pets can retreat.

• Use white noise machines or headphones to mask loud sounds during the day.

• For kids:

  • Make a visual schedule to help them understand what’s happening and what to expect.

  • Involve them in safe, small decisions to help them feel included.

• For pets:

  • Consider boarding or pet daycare on especially noisy days.

  • Set up a familiar, cozy space away from workers and tools.

Taking a few proactive steps will help make your remodel less chaotic and a lot more manageable.

7. Inform Your Neighbors

Even the most beautiful remodel comes with its share of noise and dust. A quick heads-up to your neighbors shows courtesy and can help prevent frustration later. Think of it as part of your remodel checklist, and it only takes a few minutes, but it can go a long way.

Neighbor-Friendly Tips:

• Let them know the start date, expected timeline, and working hours.

• Mention any possible disruptions like parking, dumpster placement, or delivery trucks.

• Share your contact info or your contractor’s in case they have concerns.

• A small gesture (like a thank-you note or treat once the project is done) goes a long way.

Good communication now helps keep good relationships later.

8. Keep Essentials Handy

Once your belongings are packed or moved into storage, the last thing you want is to dig through boxes looking for your phone charger or insurance papers. That’s where a “daily life” essentials box (or two) comes in.

What to Keep Accessible:

• Chargers and electronics

• Toiletries and medications

• Important documents (IDs, insurance, passports)

• Pet supplies and snacks

• School or work materials if you're working from home

• A small toolkit or multi-tool (you’d be surprised how often you’ll need a screwdriver)

• A folder with permits, contractor contact info, and design plans

• A backup power bank for your phone or tablet

• Your everyday comfort items: that blanket you love, your Bluetooth speakers, favorite candles, etc. 

• Pet meds, calming chews, and collapsible bowls for day trips

• Easy, go-to meal kits or shelf-stable pantry items for when the kitchen’s out of commission

Think of it like packing for a mini staycation in your own home. Keep these bins labeled and easy to grab at all times.

9. Mentally Prepare for Dust, Delays, and Disruption

No matter how organized your remodel is, things won’t always go according to plan. Dust will sneak past barriers. A fixture might be backordered. And yes, there will be days it feels like your house will never be clean again.

Mindset Tips to Stay Sane During a Remodel:

• Expect minor delays. Building timelines can shift, but your contractor will guide you through it.

• Be flexible. Some decisions may need to be made on the fly, especially if there's hidden damage behind the walls or beneath the floor.

• Lean on your team. A great design-build contractor keeps communication flowing.

• Keep the vision in mind. The dust is temporary. The upgrade is forever.

Having realistic expectations can make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying grounded.

Turning Chaos Into Confidence, One Step at a Time

A major remodel is a big undertaking, but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to feel like chaos with the right preparation. Every step you take before construction helps the process run smoothly.

At Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes, we've seen time and time again how the right preparation can make a huge difference when it comes to a homeowner's remodeling experience. Keep this checklist handy and contact us when you're ready to start planning!