Managing Renovations

Renovations are a blessing but can also lead to clutter!  All the dust, stress and second guessing equal a beautiful, completed home project!  Once the project is complete, it’s now time to empty those boxes and put your personal belongings back into the renovated space. 


STOP DON’T OPEN THAT BOX YET!


1. First decide if you missed or still need the items that were boxed up during the renovation?

2. Have the kids been asking for the boxed toys?

3. Did you purchase new items to replace the items you had boxed up during renovation?

4. Do you really need or plan to use all the boxed clothes?

5. Do you really need, or did you really miss all those choochkies?


The renovation allowed you to live with minimal supplies, and minimal to no clutter!  What do you really need out of those boxes?


If you completed a kitchen renovation, put away the absolute bare minimum and the basic dishes back out.  Then take a hard look at everything that is leftover.  Do you really need all those small appliances?  How many blenders, food processors etc. are needed?  Do you really need 2 drawers full of mix- match Tupperware?  Do I really need 10 coffee mugs?  No one needs 10 whisks!  20 Spatulas!  Keep only 4 or less of the most used utensils.


If you completed a different kind of renovation, think about what is in the boxes:  Are the contents décor?  Do you want the same old décor, or did you change with the remodel?  If the answer is Yes, then donate what doesn’t match or is no longer needed. 

If you completed a renovation in the bedroom, think about the clothes you might have boxed up.   Will you ever wear all these clothes?  Can you manage with less clothing?  Take a hard look at what’s in the boxes and make the hard decision to get rid of old or out of style clothes.



Was the renovation in the family room or kids’ playroom?  Will your kids ever play with the toys that were boxed during the renovation?  Did the kids even realize that the toys were not around to play with?  Did the kids out outgrow some of the toys?  Don’t overthink it, let them go or donate them to someone who will play with them.


Remember you spent time and money on making your home beautiful!  Take the extra time to decide what is really needed before unloading all those boxes!

By Annie Kilbride September 1, 2026
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By Annie Kilbride July 2, 2026
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