How to Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
When replacing kitchen flooring, you'll need a makeshift cooking and eating space for several days. Set up a functional temporary kitchen with minimal equipment so your family can maintain some normalcy during the chaos of renovation.
Quick Summary
Time needed
2 hours
Cost
$50-100 (supplies)
Difficulty
Easy
Why a Temporary Kitchen is Worth It
Kitchen flooring replacement typically takes 3-7 days. Eating out for every meal gets expensive fast - you're looking at $300-700 just in restaurant costs. Plus, with dust and noise during work hours, you can't really use your kitchen anyway.
Reality Check: Your temporary kitchen won't be glamorous. You're making sandwiches on a folding table, not gourmet meals. But it keeps costs down and maintains some routine for kids. Plan for simple meals and you'll be fine.
If you're only doing a small area or a bathroom, you can likely skip this step. This is specifically for when your actual kitchen is completely torn apart.
Setting Up Your Temp Kitchen
1. Choose Your Location
You need a space with electrical outlets, room for a small table, and ideally access to water. Common choices are dining rooms, garages, or basements.
Location Pros and Cons:
Dining Room
✓ Close to kitchen, has outlets, comfortable
✗ Loses dining space, might get dusty if adjacent to kitchen
Garage
✓ Keeps mess out of house, plenty of space
✗ No water access, uncomfortable temperature, far from main house
Basement
✓ Out of the way, often has sink
✗ May lack outlets, inconvenient stairs, damp/cold
2. Move Essential Appliances
You can survive on surprisingly little. Focus on appliances that don't require plumbing and can make quick meals.
Must-Have Items:
- ✓ Microwave (reheating champion)
- ✓ Coffee maker or kettle
- ✓ Toaster or toaster oven
- ✓ Paper plates, cups, utensils
- ✓ Basic cutlery and can opener
Nice to Have:
- • Electric kettle (fast hot water)
- • Slow cooker or instant pot
- • Air fryer (surprisingly versatile)
- • Electric griddle
- • Mini fridge if you have one
3. Create Work Surface and Storage
A folding table works great. Add plastic bins or boxes to organize supplies. Keep everything you need in one area so you're not constantly going back to the chaos of the kitchen.
Setup Tip: Get a rolling cart if you can - the kind with shelves. Perfect for temp kitchens. Put microwave on top shelf, supplies on middle, paper goods on bottom. Wheels mean you can move it when needed.
4. Stock Smart Supplies
This is not the time for cooking from scratch. Stock items that require minimal prep and create minimal dishes.
Smart Grocery List:
Breakfast:
- • Cereal and milk
- • Instant oatmeal
- • Bagels and cream cheese
- • Breakfast bars
Lunch/Dinner:
- • Sandwich supplies
- • Canned soup
- • Frozen meals
- • Pasta (if you have hot water)
- • Rotisserie chicken
5. Handle the Refrigerator
This is the trickiest part. Your fridge needs to be completely out of the kitchen during flooring installation. You have three options.
Option 1: Move to Garage/Adjacent Room
Best if possible. Use a dolly with appliance straps. Keep plugged in and accessible. This is what most people do.
Option 2: Use Coolers with Ice
For short projects (2-3 days). Keep perishables in coolers, refresh ice daily. Empty the fridge completely before moving.
Option 3: Eat Down the Fridge
Week before project, stop buying perishables. Use up everything. Then unplug and empty completely. Store shelf-stable items only.
Survival Tips for Temporary Kitchen Life
Accept the Chaos: You're going to eat more takeout, use more paper plates, and make simpler meals than normal. That's okay. This is temporary. Don't stress about perfect nutrition for a week.
Water Access Matters: If your temp kitchen doesn't have a sink nearby, fill large water jugs daily for drinking, coffee, and rinsing. Or use bottled water liberally.
Meal Prep Before You Start: Make and freeze several meals the week before flooring begins. Then you just microwave and eat. Future you will be grateful.
Strategic Restaurant Nights: Eat out on the dustiest/loudest days. Plan one nice dinner out at the halfway point to boost morale. It breaks up the monotony.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need a temporary kitchen?
For a typical kitchen flooring replacement, expect 3-7 days. This includes removal (1-2 days), subfloor prep (1-2 days), installation (2-3 days), and curing time (24 hours minimum). Add extra time if you're doing extensive subfloor repairs.
Can I leave my refrigerator in the kitchen during flooring?
You can, but it must be completely moved out during installation under and around it. Most people find it easier to move the fridge to a garage or adjacent room for the duration. If keeping it in the kitchen, unplug it during work hours to avoid dust getting into the coils.
What appliances should I move to my temporary kitchen?
Essentials: microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Nice to have: electric kettle, slow cooker, air fryer, or instant pot. These let you make simple meals without a full kitchen. Also move your dish soap, sponges, and basic cooking tools to a bin in the temp area.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your temporary kitchen set up, it's time to start the real work: removing the old flooring.