Picture this: your home's current state is the opposite of ideal. It's covered in drop clothes, furniture pieces are piled on top of one another, and it’s dusty, noisy, and chaotic. You're living through a renovation.

While this current state of living is anything but ideal, there are definite ways in which you can, not only survive, but thrive during this temporary disruption. I'm going to share with you how.

Tip #1: Set Expectations, but Stay Flexible

First, it's important to thoroughly discuss the planning and execution of your reno with your design team and contractor so that you can set realistic expectations within your home. (If you’ll be hiring a contractor soon, be sure to read our tips on selecting the right one.) It will be crucial to know which rooms will be disrupted, which areas of your home you will temporarily have limited or no access to, and how long this will be for.

The key to your survival during this timeframe is going to be communication and flexibility. It's important to remember that your design plan is based on a timeline, but sometimes unexpected issues can arise during a project and can impact your timeline. Communication with your team is crucial to ensure that you're able to best navigate any delays, and a flexible mindset will ensure that your expectations remain realistically on par with the project timeline.

Tip #2: Create a Sanctuary & Embrace Calmness

Second, and I can't stress this enough, you'll need to create a temporary space to retreat from the chaos that will ensue with any project. This area should be a designated calm space that remains clean, organized, and relaxing. I promise, you will thank me later for having this space designated.

Not only will this help you to prepare for what you will be missing from the current compromised rooms in your home, but it will also aid in maintaining your sanity for the weeks or months to come.

Tip #3: Pack Carefully & Plan Storage Space

Third, pack and plan for the impaired space. Everything that is in and near the area being renovated will need to be covered, moved, or packed to protect your pieces and items from dust, debris, paint, etc. The better you properly prepare, the safer your items.

On a side note, I highly recommend that you make a plan for where you will be storing these items, as well, so that you can accommodate your designated sanctuary accordingly.

Tip #4: Stick to Daily Routines & Rituals

Fourth, try to keep to your daily routines and rituals. We are all creatures of habit, and being this way, it is important as ever to try to maintain as much normalcy as possible when living in a construction zone.

Doing so will not only help your life to feel less disrupted, but it will also aid in navigating any inconveniences and general stress that comes with this territory. This is going to be where all your dedicated and meticulous planning comes in to save your peace of mind.

Tip #5: Document Disruptions, but Trust the Process

Fifth, during your project progression, be sure to document with pictures and notes any and all questions to your contractor or design team as they arise and try to embrace the chaos. I like to say to try to remember that this is temporary and you're just passing through this season in time. While living through a renovation is never easy, it is also never permanent, as everyone is working hard towards your end goal.

Last, but not least, I'll leave you with this small token: "deep breaths and trust the process!" This may be stressful, inconvenient, chaotic, disruptive, and certainly not ideal, but it is worth it.

Thriving Through Your Renovation

If you can follow my tips, I promise that living through your reno will feel a thousand times easier and that you will make it through to the finish line wearing your thriving cape, as opposed to your surviving. You've got this and I will be right beside you, cheering you on from start to finish!

If you're ready to get started on that home renovation, we've got your back! Our Renovation & New Build Consultation is the perfect first step. Contact us and let's get to know each other.

Warmly,
Celeste