Clear out your space before renovations begin to keep things safe and efficient.
To effortlessly locate needed materials and equipment, pack them into containers, and label them accordingly.
Keep your hands on daily necessities, like keys or paperwork, in an area that is easy to access and obtain.
Protect your valuables from damage and free up space by using an external storage unit.
Remove hazards, all covering the items that are staying behind, and remove all obstructions in the designated walkways.
Revamping or renovating your home should be an exciting time, but it can also be very stressful at times.
Having everything move and change in your place can quickly get out of hand, especially when tools, materials, and scraps start to get flung around.
An incredible $463 billion was spent on home renovations in 2024, which shows that home improvements are on the rise (Source: University of South Alabama).
When you start to work on your renovation, it becomes incredibly pivotal to stay organized.
Continue reading to discover how to stay in control amidst the chaos and keep your sanity throughout your renovation!
Clear the Area Before Work Begins
One of the first steps in any successful renovation is making room for the job to be done.
If working with contractors or doing it yourself, clutter and furniture in the way will slow the progress and increase the amount of damage done.
Before demolition commences, spend time clarifying the scope of the work required, and that means more than just relocating to a less visible position.
It’s best to clear everything out, furniture, electronics, decor, and valuables, so workers have full access and nothing gets accidentally harmed for a more thorough job.
Paint can reach every wall, flooring can be installed edge to edge, and tools can move freely without obstruction.
Doing this early sets a professional tone for the project and shows that you’re committed to keeping the space safe and workable.
The global remodeling market was estimated at USD 3.5 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.2 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2034.
Label and Categorize What You Move
When your belongings are outside the construction zone, the next obstacle is maintaining the order of the items.
Tossing everything into boxes without a system leads to frustration later when you need to find something quickly.
Put items in boxes based on their type or their room, and make sure they are labeled on every surface.
If you need to retrieve your modem, a coat, or a blender mid-renovation, you won’t have to dig through stacks of boxes.
Reorganizing your home becomes faster and smoother when everything is already sorted and easy to identify.
Use labels that won’t fade or fall off, and consider making a simple list of contents for each box or bin.
This kind of preparation keeps your living space functional even during the most disruptive phases.
Keep High-Use Items Accessible
Not everything should be packed away; think about the items you use regularly and set them aside in a clearly marked bin or container.
This might include phone chargers, snacks, a favorite hoodie of yours, or work-from-home tools – these all should be placed somewhere safe but easy to access.
You may not have access to your kitchen or bedroom for a few weeks, but having familiar items within reach can make it feel less stressful.
Consider using temporary storage furniture or collapsible shelves to hold items required during construction.
These additions can help you stay organized in small spaces, and the rest of your home is under construction.
Do You Know? 61% of Americans would rather renovate than move, citing their desire to avoid uprooting family and routine as the main deterrent to moving.
Take Advantage of Offsite Storage
Home captures many people’s focus, it can be stressful dealing with clutter, and even more complex when undertaking home renovations.
To promote better efficiency with work done in your home, it is much easier to utilize an off-site storage unit.
The unit will offer more space for workspaces, efficiently protect your belongings, and make the working area safer.
Free Up Space in Your Home: As you are able to work and live during the renovation, we can clear your furniture, boxes, and other items into storage.
Protect Your Valuables: They protect your belongings from dust, damage, and changing weather as a storage unit is clean, secure, and climate-controlled.
Have a Blank Canvas on How You Want Things Done: Having your rooms cleared out allows your contractors to move around.
This way, it makes it easier for them to do the job quickly, which saves you both time and effort.
Avoid Clutter and Accidents: It also maintains a clean workspace during your renovation and helps prevent accidents and damage to your property.
Make Cleanup a Breeze: It is much easier and more satisfying to bring your belongings into a clean new space after the contractors are done with their work.
Using a local storage facility like the local Timarustorage options will give you more flexibility while ensuring your belongings are well secured.
Protect What Remains in the Home
Even during a renovation process, there may be belongings that require you to stay behind.
Dust and debris can be kept out by protecting these items with drop cloths, plastic covers, and other sheeting materials.
Protect against messes and unplug any electronics to store them with fragile items in a secure location.
To allow workers to move freely as the project gets underway, walkways should be kept clear to eliminate the chances of accidents.
When planned out properly, protecting items that are meant to stay will simplify the process of the renovation, and you’ll achieve better results and be stress-free.
Enhanced preparation eliminates the chances of an unorganized project and allows you to enjoy a smoother workflow with more comfort once the project is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you move from your home before renovations start?
You should move your furniture, electronic devices, art pieces, and valuable items so that you don’t hinder the workers in any way.
How can you keep track of all items that are put in containers?
You must mark your boxes clearly by room or item type and make a simple list of what’s inside each one for easy access later.
Is a storage unit necessary?
A storage unit is rather okay and even advisable as it helps conceal clutter, saves your belongings, and allows for quicker renovation time.
Can you continue to live in your house while renovations go on?
Yes, you can stay at home, but it’s smart to keep your daily requirements in one place that’s easy to reach.