Are you planning some home renovations in the future? Do you have little ones underfoot? Well, then this post is for you!
After buying a two fixer uppers in the past 5 1/2 years, we have lived through our share of home renovations. Living in the midst of the chaos can become overwhelming and stressful for everyone in the home, especially children. However, by following these 8 simple strategies you can calm the chaos, keep your children safe, and really enjoy the process much more!
1. Get Organized
Before you even start your project, prepare for the chaos. We are currently converting two small closets to a larger pantry. We knew this project would take at least a couple weeks because if all the drywall work that needed to be done. Since I had to empty out all of my food from my small pantry to work on the conversion, I needed a place to put everything. Instead of covering my countertops and dining table with food, we set up a small 5 foot folding table against a wall in our dining room to set the food. I wasn’t overly organized with how I placed food on the table, but I did put like items together so that it would be easy to find things when I’m cooking.
If you are remodeling a bathroom, plan a place in your home where you will get ready for the day. If you are remodeling your kitchen, set up a small space in your home where you can have your refrigerator, microwave, and a couple of your most used small appliances so you have a place to prepare food. It’s going to be chaotic, but preparing a way to live through the chaos will make your days go much smoother.
2. Only Do 1 Project at a Time
When I begin a project, it usually leads into more projects that I wasn’t anticipating. Last year when I was pregnant {and very much nesting} I decided one evening to clean out and organize a cabinet in my kitchen. That small project that should have taken me 15 minutes lead to cleaning out and reorganizing my entire kitchen.
While this is more of an example of a smaller organizing project, it is very similar to what happens when we start home renovations. We can tend to turn smaller projects into bigger ones and let one task lead to another. By only working on one project at a time, you will keep the renovation contained to (hopefully) a small area of your home.
3. Keep a Designated “Safe Zone” for Kids
This might be a bedroom or a play room. Maybe it’s a small corner of your living room or your master bedroom. Wherever it may be, it’s important to designate an area of your home where kids can play safely without fear that they may get into nails, screws, drywall dust, or any other dangerous renovation supplies.
Move their favorite toys to this area. If it’s open to where the renovations are taking place, make sure to take precautions to block off the area with a gate or large piece of furniture.
4. Clean Up As You Go
This may be one of the most important ones. When you have kids running around, it very important to clean up your projects and all the supplies you are using when you are finished for the day. While it may seem easier to just leave out the paint buckets or box of screws on the floor when you are just going to get up the next day to work, it’s not the safest thing to do with little ones running around. It’s also easier to clean up if you are doing it often.
5. Get Them Involved
Caleb has had a blast by helping Tom tear down walls, handing him supplies, and vacuuming up debris. While it may take longer to finish the project, Caleb has really enjoyed helping. I can see the sense of accomplishment in his face when he is working alongside his dad.
Home renovations can also be a great learning opportunity for kids. Caleb may only be 4, but he is already learning how to use a drill and hold a hammer.
6. Stick with Your Routines
Even though it may seem impossible, sticking to your routines will help keep your house from falling apart while your renovations are in progress. By following your morning and evening routines, you will be able to keep up with laundry, dishes, and keep a relatively tidy home. This will also ensure that your home is still safe for kids to play each day.
Even if you don’t follow your weekly cleaning routine for a few weeks, your home won’t fall apart if you just still with your daily routines. {I’ve been in the “good enough” cleaning mode for the past couple weeks with our home renovations!}
7. Get Out of the House
If you home is half way torn apart, kids can begin to get restless. I’ve found that it’s imperative that I get out of the house with the boys more often. You don’t have to go and spend a lot of money! You can find several things to do around your town that are completely free!
If all else fails, let the kids go outside and play in the backyard! Just getting away from the chaos of the renovations can give your children {and you!} a sense of peace.
8. Give Yourself Grace
Home renovations are stressful on everyone involved. My husband and I enjoy doing renovations and they still cause anxiety for us at times. Just remember to give yourself grace. Your children will probably watch more television than normal. They may eat less healthy food because you don’t have time to cook. You may not have as much time to sit down and play throughout the day. Just remember that it’s a short season. It’s okay to give yourself grace.
If you are planning to tackle some home renovations, make sure to take the time to prepare your home, your family, and your mental state for the disorder that comes along with it. It’s not always easy, but if you follow these 8 tips your project will go much smoother and you will have much happier children.