This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Brita Universal Jug Cooler Filtration System for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
I’m currently undergoing a kitchen renovation. When will it end you ask? I don’t honestly know. We haven’t even ordered our cabinets yet! I’m hoping to be in and settled in a few months but in the mean time I want to share a few renovation survival tips I’ve picked up along the way. If you have any you’d like to add to my list please share in the comments! I need all the help I can manage right now! 🙂
1. Say so long to your garage
Our garage has certainly became a workshop, lumber storage yard, assembly station, and warehouse for old appliances. While this might not be the case for you, prepare yourself that it might be a possibility. Everything in there will be covered with dust, drywall dust, sawdust, dusty dust. If you have anything that you want spared dust you should probably move it out before your renovation begins.
2. Lower your food expectations
While you don’t have to succumb to eating fast food every meal of the day, it’s good to remind yourself that take and bake pizzas are okay right now. A store prepared chicken pot pie is better than a fried meal in a bag. Sandwiches, cereal, fruit, nuts and yogurt provide easy nourishment.
3. Set up a make shift kitchen
You may not be cooking up Master Chef worthy dishes here but it’s nice to set up a simple “kitchen” some place. Our kitchen of sorts consists of a toaster oven, microwave (see picture above), and a wok on a hot plate. I’m going to add a Keurig to the mix tomorrow. We’re eating off of paper plates and using plastic cups and cutler to save on the amount of dishes we have to wash.
4. Be kind
Renovations are rough on everyone, the wallet, the ones renovating, the ones watching and supervising, and especially the kids. While noises and strange smells will happen, interruptions in power and water will happen, and even *gasp* interruptions to the internet it will be okay. Relax, take a deep breath, and try to roll with the punches. This is a temporary and tense phase that will pass. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and try to always be kinder than you feel like being.
5. Stay hydrated
It probably comes as no surprise but the busier people are the more likely they are to not take care of themselves. Drink, drink, drink. Don’t forget to drink as you’re working. You’ll have more energy and feel better….and if you feel better you’re more likely to be kind to those around you (which is point #4). We love the Coleman cooler that has a Brita filter in it (the Brita Jug Filter system also includes attachments for Igloo and Rubbermaid jug coolers)! It’s so nice to have filtered water available outside without the hassle of tracking extra mud and dust inside to get to the fridge. The cooler eliminates the bulk water bottle waste, makes it easy to filter large amounts of water, and it makes regular old tap water just taste better! It comes with reminder tags to replace the filters every 2 months. To buy your own and Be a Brita Hero to your family visit HomeDepot.com.
Brita is hosting a #H20Hero contest where they’re promoting the Brita filter as the unsung hydration “hero” and are giving folks a chance to win a prize. You can go and vote for the finalists in the contest now.
6. Have a plan for pets
Last but not least, have a plan for Fido. Find a place somewhere that’s safe for your pets to be that’s out of the way and away from harmful things they might eat. A crate may be needed or maybe a kind neighbor would let them run in their backyard when a lot of noisy construction is taking place.
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