Preparing for a Remodel: What to Do in the Weeks Before Demo Day
The weeks leading up to a remodel can be a hectic time, especially as you prepare for demolition day. To helps things go smoothly, it’s important to plan where your belongings will go and how to handle items you no longer need. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Clear the Space
Before the demolition begins, you’ll need to remove all your furniture, lamps, window treatments, and artwork out of the construction area. Be sure to carefully wrap fragile items such as wall art, mirrors, and lamps. Here are some options for storage:
Use Other Rooms: If you have the extra space, move your items into other rooms that won’t be affected by the remodel.
Rent A Storage Unit: For larger projects, consider renting a storage unit where you can keep your belongings safe and out of the way until the project is complete.
Portable Storage Container: A temporary, on-site storage container can be a convenient option if you want to keep everything close but out of the way.
2. G
et Rid of Unwanted Furniture
If you have old furniture you no longer want, the weeks before a remodel are the perfect time to declutter. Here’s how to manage it:
Donate: Many local charities or other organizations will accept gently used furniture. Schedule a pickup in advance or drop off the items if possible.
Sell: If your furniture is still in good condition, consider selling it through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a neighborhood garage sale. Keep in mind, it can sometimes take months to find a buyer through online marketplaces.
If you have items of high value, or a large quantity of items to sell, you can contact a local auction house. They will come pick up the items, photograph them, price them, and give you a portion of the sales.
Recycle or Dispose of Responsibly: For furniture that’s beyond repair, or too stained or damaged to be able to sell or donate, check if your local municipality will do a large trash pickup, or find a recycling center that accepts large items. You can also contact a junk hauling service, but that will require a fee.
The Junkluggers offer an eco-friendly service, where they donate, rehome, or recycle as much as they possibly can.
3. Protect What’s Staying
If there are any items that will remain near the construction area (for instance, if you are renovating your principal bathroom but not the adjacent bedroom, and you are not removing your bedroom furniture), make sure to cover them. Use drop cloths, old bed sheets, or moving blankets, to protect them from damage and/or dust. Most contractors will also put up a plastic barrier that hangs down from the ceiling, but even still, dust will find its way through. Also, if workers will be setting up a saw in your garage, you may want to throw some drop cloths over things to protect them from saw dust.
4. Make Sure Essential Items Are Easily Accessible
During the construction phase of a remodel, you may not have access to certain parts of your home. Before demo day, put essential items – like important documents, electronics, and daily use items - in an easily accessible location.
By taking the time to prepare for a construction project, you’ll be more organized and you’ll reduce stress for both you and your contractors for the duration of the project, which could be weeks or months depending on the size of the remodel. Construction projects are certainly messy, but it will be worth it when you see the end result!
