A kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting — and disruptive — home improvement projects you can undertake. From envisioning your dream layout to selecting countertops, cabinets, and lighting, the possibilities are thrilling. But amidst all the design plans and contractor meetings, there’s one crucial task that often gets overlooked: properly preparing and packing your kitchen.
If you're planning a Pittsburgh area kitchen remodel, understanding how to get your kitchen ready can save you time, reduce stress, and help your contractor work more efficiently. As your go-to Pittsburgh kitchen contractor, All Star Custom Kitchens is here to walk you through everything you need to know to prep your kitchen for remodeling success.
Before the first cabinet is removed or tile is torn up, your kitchen needs to be cleared, packed, and prepped. A well-organized kitchen packing plan ensures:
Safety for you, your family, and the crew
Efficiency during demolition and construction
Protection for your belongings
Reduced stress from misplaced items or delays
The more effort you put into preparing your kitchen, the smoother your remodel will go.
Whether you’re undergoing a full transformation or a targeted upgrade, follow these steps to get your space remodel-ready.
Before touching a single dish, schedule a walk-through with your Pittsburgh kitchen contractor. This meeting helps clarify:
The timeline and construction schedule
What areas of your home will be impacted
What needs to be cleared
Storage or access needs for the crew
Electrical or water shut-off points
At All Star Custom Kitchens, we make it a priority to guide Pittsburgh homeowners through this process to avoid surprises.
Since your kitchen will be out of commission, plan a functional temporary kitchen. Choose a location with access to:
A sink (bathroom or laundry room)
Outlets for small appliances
A table or countertop for food prep
Pantry storage or portable shelves
Helpful items for your makeshift kitchen include:
Microwave
Mini fridge or cooler
Coffee maker
Toaster oven or air fryer
Disposable plates and cutlery
If you’re in the Pittsburgh area, your contractor might also help you identify the best place for a temporary kitchen setup based on your home's layout.
Before you begin packing, declutter ruthlessly. A kitchen remodel is the perfect opportunity to part ways with:
Expired spices and pantry items
Damaged or unused appliances
Mismatched Tupperware
Duplicate utensils
Divide items into:
Keep
Donate
Trash
Store for later
When working with clients across the Pittsburgh area, we often recommend donating kitchen items to local food banks or shelters — it’s a great way to give back while simplifying your remodel.
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to pack. This is where organization really pays off.
Label everything clearly with contents and room location
Pack fragile items like glassware with bubble wrap or towels
Use small boxes for heavy items (like canned goods)
Group items by category, such as baking supplies, spices, or cookware
Keep essentials separate in a “daily use” box
Here’s a quick guide to how you might group items:
| Group | Suggested Box Label |
|---|---|
| Everyday dishes | TEMP KITCHEN – PLATES |
| Spices | PANTRY – SPICES |
| Cookware | STORAGE – COOKWARE |
| Cleaning items | UTILITY – CLEANING SUPPLIES |
| Appliances | STORAGE – SMALL APPLIANCES |
Pro Tip: If you're using a Pittsburgh kitchen contractor like All Star Custom Kitchens, we can even provide packing materials or recommend local moving supply companies.
During any remodel, dust, tools, and foot traffic can lead to accidental damage. Be sure to:
Remove valuables like wine glasses, heirloom china, or artwork
Store items in a climate-controlled room if possible
Cover furniture in adjacent rooms with drop cloths or plastic sheeting
This includes more than just your kitchen cabinets. To ensure a safe and efficient job site:
Remove everything from the counters, shelves, and walls
Empty under the sink to avoid damage during plumbing work
Clear out adjacent rooms or hallways for safe passage
Move pets and kids’ play areas away from construction zones
We’ve worked on Pittsburgh area kitchen remodels where homeowners overlooked entryways or nearby dining rooms — remember, the crew may need more space than you think.
Your Pittsburgh kitchen contractor will need access to water lines, gas hookups, and electrical panels. Make sure:
The area around your breaker box is clear
You know how to shut off water or gas if needed
Outlets are accessible for tools and equipment
If you’re not sure where utility shutoffs are, our team at All Star Custom Kitchens can walk you through it during the planning phase. If you need assistance with other areas of your home, such as a pittsburgh roofing company, then we can connect you with them.
Remodeling can be noisy. It’s courteous to inform your neighbors about your upcoming project, especially if you share walls or driveways.
Let them know:
Start and expected end dates
Working hours
Contact info for your contractor in case of issues
This one’s often overlooked but might be the most important.
Remodels — especially kitchen remodels — can test your patience. You might feel displaced, stressed, or inconvenienced. Preparing mentally can help you stay positive and excited about the transformation.
Try:
Meal prepping or planning takeout nights
Setting realistic expectations for delays
Focusing on the end result
Communicating often with your contractor
Finally, once your kitchen is packed and prepped, step back and let the pros do their thing. When you work with a trusted Pittsburgh kitchen contractor like All Star Custom Kitchens, you can feel confident that every detail — from demo to finishing touches — is handled with care and craftsmanship.
If you’re remodeling during a Pittsburgh winter or rainy spring, talk to your contractor about:
Temporary entryways to reduce mud tracking
Dust barriers to keep heat or cool air inside
Material deliveries being weather-protected
Need offsite storage? Consider renting a climate-controlled unit.
Whether it’s a schedule change or a design decision, you’re always in the loop with us!
Q: How far in advance should I start packing my kitchen?
A: Ideally, begin at least two weeks before the scheduled start date. This gives you time to sort, donate, and organize without feeling rushed.
Q: Should I move my fridge out during a remodel?
A: It depends on your scope of work. For full remodels, yes. For minor work, you may be able to keep it in a temporary kitchen zone.
Q: What should I do with perishable food?
A: Use it up in the weeks leading up to demo. Transfer leftovers to your temporary kitchen fridge or donate unopened items.
Q: How can I keep dust out of the rest of my home?
A: Use zippered plastic dust barriers, seal vents, and vacuum daily. Your contractor should also take precautions to contain dust.
At All Star Custom Kitchens, we specialize in Pittsburgh area kitchen remodels that are as stress-free as they are stunning. From helping you pack and prep, to delivering custom cabinetry and innovative layouts, we’re with you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to get started with a trusted Pittsburgh kitchen contractor, contact us today for a free consultation.
Let’s turn your kitchen chaos into culinary magic.