DIY Prep Guide: Declutter, Stay Safe, and Comfortably Live Through Your Reno

Updated August 23, 2025

Living Through Renovations: DIY Prep Tips for Comfort and Safety

Renovations can be exciting—but they can also be disruptive if your home isn’t properly prepared. The good news is that with a bit of planning, you can minimize stress, keep your family safe, and comfortably live through your project. At Nova Decor Construction, we’ve been helping families in Markham and across York Region navigate renovations for over 46 years. Here’s how to get ready step by step.

Step 1: Declutter Your Space

Before the first hammer swings, it’s essential to clear unnecessary items. Decluttering makes the worksite safer, gives contractors room to move, and reduces the chance of damage to your belongings.

• 📦 Use storage bins for items you’ll need again soon.
• 🚚 Consider a portable storage pod or a short-term storage unit for large furniture.
• 🎁 Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer need—your renovation is the perfect excuse to lighten the load.

Pro Tip: Learn how decluttering improves the process of a whole home remodeling project.

Step 2: Secure Valuables and Daily Essentials

Renovations can mean dust, vibration, and lots of people in and out of your home. Protect what matters most:

• 🔒 Store jewelry, heirlooms, and important documents in a safe place.
• 🖥️ Move electronics to sealed rooms away from dust.
• 🧴 Keep a “daily essentials” bin handy with toiletries, chargers, and medicines.

For water-related safety measures, see our guide on bathroom renovations in Markham.

Step 3: Storage Solutions During Renovation

Renovations often mean moving furniture and everyday items out of the way. Consider these options:

• 🛻 Rent a portable storage pod that sits in your driveway.
• 🏡 Use your garage as a temporary holding space (add plastic coverings for dust protection).
• 📦 Rent a short-term storage locker if you need offsite security.

Step 4: Kid- and Pet-Proofing Strategies

Keeping little ones and furry friends safe during a reno can be tricky. Try these approaches:

• 🐕 Designate a quiet, closed-off space for pets.
• 🚼 Use baby gates and signage for restricted areas.
• 📅 Schedule noisier tasks while children are at school or daycare.

Step 5: Make Safety a Priority

Protecting your family and contractors during construction is key:

• 🚧 Block off construction zones with plastic barriers or temporary walls.
• 👷 Ask contractors to use dust-control systems like negative air machines.
• 🚪 Close vents to prevent dust spreading through HVAC.

Step 6: Create a Temporary Living Plan

Living through a renovation is possible with smart planning:

• 🍳 Set up a mini kitchen with a microwave, kettle, and portable cooktop.
• 🛏️ Move into fewer rooms to simplify cleaning and daily living.
• 💤 If the reno affects your bedrooms, arrange temporary sleeping areas or consider short-term rentals.

Step 7: Managing Stress During Renovations

It’s not just your home that feels the impact—your mental health matters too:

• 🧘 Practice relaxation routines like yoga or meditation.
• 🚶 Take short walks outside to clear your mind during noisy work phases.
• 📅 Schedule “reno-free” days to rest and recharge.

Step 8: Budgeting Hacks While Living at Home

• 💳 Keep a reserve fund of 10–15% for unexpected costs.
• 💡 Use prepaid cards or separate accounts to track spending.
• 🍽️ Cook in batches to save money instead of ordering takeout nightly.

Step 9: Renovation Cleaning Checklist

Keep your home livable with daily dust-control routines:

• 🧹 Vacuum daily with a HEPA filter system.
• 🪟 Wipe down surfaces with microfiber cloths.
• 🌬️ Run air purifiers in common spaces.

Step 10: Seasonal Considerations

• ❄️ Winter: Insulate doorways and seal windows to reduce drafts.
• ☀️ Summer: Keep fans running and open windows for airflow.
• 🍂 Fall/Spring: Watch out for mud tracked in during rainy days.

Step 11: Emergency Prep

Plan ahead for service interruptions:

• 🚰 Store bottled water for plumbing shut-offs.
• 🔋 Keep power banks and flashlights handy for outages.
• 📞 Post contractor emergency contacts in a visible spot.

Client Testimonials

“We stayed in our home during a full main-floor remodel. Nova Decor helped us set up a temporary kitchen and kept dust under control. It wasn’t always easy, but the team’s planning tips made it manageable.”

“With two kids and a dog, we were nervous about living through renovations. Nova Decor’s crew set up barriers and gave us advice on organizing our garage as storage. The experience was far smoother than expected.”

Living Through Your Reno—Made Easier

With the right prep, you can live through your renovation without losing your sanity. At Nova Decor, we believe your project should be as stress-free as possible—so you can look forward to the transformation. If you’re planning a renovation in Markham or York Region, contact our team today to discuss your project.

Explore more resources:
Bathroom Renovations in Markham |
Whole Home Remodeling |
Cost-Saving Renovation Tips