Are you envisioning transforming your space? If that’s the case, you’re likely aware that embarking on a substantial remodel can create quite a bit of chaos. However, there’s no need to stress! Through thoughtful organization and clever strategies, you can reduce the clutter and maintain a comfortable living space throughout the renovation process. Here are 8 pieces of advice to simplify your home improvement project!
Key points
- Designated areas are key for ensuring that materials and debris from your home renovation stay organized and tidy.
- To keep the mess to a minimum, consider using the following strategies for creating designated areas: allocating storage areas, identifying where debris should be discarded, segregating items into sections, labeling each compartment, and having a designated person responsible for waste removal.
- Use protective coverings such as tarps, drop cloths, and painter’s masks to keep your home dust-free and minimize any mess.
- Use plastic bins or containers to organize tools and materials needed for your home renovation project.
- Drop cloths are an effective way to preserve flooring in your home during a renovation project by keeping furniture clean as well as catching any falling debris.
Create designated areas for construction materials and debris
Designated areas are key for ensuring that materials and debris from your home renovation stay organized and tidy. To keep the mess to a minimum, consider using the following strategies for creating designated areas:
- Define the space you will be using for the project and allocate storage areas. This should include an area to store construction materials such as tools, paint, carpentry supplies, etc., as well as a place to host any debris that is generated during demolition or construction.
- Keep all mess related to your home renovation project confined to these spaces. Identify clearly where debris should be discarded and ensure that all workers involved have access. This will minimize disruption or confusion while also helping to contain dust or dirt spread by carts, feet, or tools coming in and out of the working area.
- Segregate items into sections such as “clean material” versus “dirty debris” in order to facilitate clean up. Make sure that larger items such as metals or concrete pieces are disposed of properly instead of being left in the designated area with other trash.
- Label each compartment so workers can easily identify where things go when packing up at the end of the day. Keeping items labeled will also help with tracking which materials have been used throughout your project for budgeting purposes later on down the road.
- Ensure proper garbage collection protocols are kept up by having a designated person responsible for waste removal from the site at least once per day if not more frequently depending on how much debris is present during demolitions and construction stages of your project. This can be done through regular collections managed by either yourself, a hired contractor, or a waste management company if needed.
Use protective coverings
Using protective coverings such as tarps, drop cloths, and painter’s masks can help keep your home dust-free and minimize any mess. These items should be used in any area that you anticipate coming in contact with debris. Floors, appliances, furniture, plants, and any other fixtures should be given special attention. Not only will this help manage any work site mess but it will also provide protection to the exposed surfaces of your home.
Additionally, whenever possible, use protective sheets to wrap doors and walls that may become soiled or damaged during renovations. Covering large items like ladders or cinder blocks can also provide an extra layer of protection for yourself as well as for your property. Properly setting up a protective environment prior to starting any renovation project will not only keep the mess under control but will help complete the job quicker and with fewer incidents or accidents.
Use plastic bins or containers to organize tools and materials
Plastic bins or containers are an excellent way to help you organize the vast amount of tools and materials needed for your home renovation project. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and lose track of what you have and what you need when working on larger projects, which is why these bins are so helpful. Not only can they help keep things organized, but they are also lightweight and mobile, making it easier to carry them around from room to room during your project. Be sure to clearly label each bin so that locating what you need is hassle-free!
Use drop cloths
Using drop cloths is a must if you want to preserve the flooring in your home and keep the mess off of furniture and other surfaces. Drop cloths, or painter tarps, are available at most home improvement stores and come in a variety of sizes so you can choose the right size for each room. Additionally, there are odor-blocking drop cloths that prevent odors during painting tasks. Use them to cover countertops or furniture while working with products that have strong scents, such as sealants or adhesives. You can cover large areas with soaked rags before you begin work on them – this will reduce dust and airflow during your renovation project.
Keep the work area clean as you go
When you’re renovating a home, it is essential that you keep the work area as clean and tidy as possible. If the mess becomes too overwhelming, it can be difficult to focus on the task at hand. Moreover, a cluttered area can lead to accidents or your materials being damaged or lost.
Here are a few simple steps to help keep your renovation project organized:
- Prioritize cleanliness from the start. Vacuum and sweep floors regularly so that debris won’t accumulate.
- Cover furniture and other items in plastic sheeting before beginning any construction or demolition projects. When covering furniture, make sure to secure it tightly with tape so dust won’t leak in underneath.
- Establish a “no smoking” rule when working in an enclosed space such as bathrooms or bedrooms. Not only is second-hand smoke hazardous to your health, but it can leave an unpleasant residue on walls and fixtures when renovations are complete.
- Have adequate storage containers on hand for smaller tools and materials, such as screws and nails, saw blades, and jigsaw blades. That way they won’t get scattered around the work site causing a potential hazard for you and others working with you on the project.
Use airtight containers for paint and other hazardous materials
Using airtight containers for paint, solvents, and other hazardous materials is an important step to take when undertaking a home renovation project. Containers should be labeled clearly and stored in a secure location away from children and pets. Make sure to empty any containers of paint or other hazardous materials into a receptacle that can securely contain the material before disposing of it. Taking the proper steps to minimize the mess that often accompanies a home renovation project can greatly reduce the stress of the experience and help ensure its success.
Use a shop vacuum to remove dust and debris
Dust and debris can quickly accumulate during your home renovation, and it is important to take regular breaks to vacuum the construction zone. A standard household-style upright vacuum can help keep clear of dust and debris; however, for a more effective approach, consider using a shop vacuum. Shop vacuums are designed for picking up liquids as well as dry material, so they can be used on both finished surfaces and construction sites.
They also tend to have a higher suction power than an upright vacuum cleaner, ensuring that you pick up all of the fine particles that have been kicked up in the process. Make sure to empty the vacuums often to keep them functioning properly.
Hire a professional cleaning company
Hiring a professional cleaning company is an important consideration when undertaking any home renovation project. A professional cleaner will have the appropriate products, knowledge, and expertise to ensure that your property is left in excellent condition during and after the renovation. They can effectively minimize dirt, dust, and debris to reduce mess throughout the process.
Before hiring a professional cleaner, it’s important to check that they are adequately insured with relevant qualifications and experience with renovating homes. Ask for references from former customers, too. If you feel comfortable with the quality of their services, then discuss areas of your property that they feel will need cleaning attention or perhaps additional treatment such as polishing floors or removing stains on surfaces prior to the renovation taking place. Agree on a reasonable payment schedule in both parties are happy with to ensure a successful outcome.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be messy, but taking the necessary steps to prepare and plan your project in advance, using protective materials, and cleaning up regularly will ensure that mess is kept under control throughout the duration of your renovation. While it may take a bit of extra time and effort, you’ll be thankful in the end when you can enjoy your newly renovated space without having to face a huge clean-up afterward.