Why Temporary Living Might Be Necessary
Living through a major home renovation is rarely smooth or quiet. Construction noise, dust, lack of access to bathrooms or kitchens, and safety risks can make staying in your house stressful or even impossible. Therefore, many homeowners decide to move out for part or all of the renovation period. The goal is to protect your daily routines, your peace of mind, and sometimes even your health.
In other words, the decision to live elsewhere isn’t about comfort alone. It’s often a practical step that helps the work move faster and reduces the chances of unexpected delays. If workers don’t have to work around your daily schedule, they can complete their tasks more efficiently. Likewise, you avoid the mental drain of living in a construction zone.
Start with a Clear Timeline and Scope
Before you make any decisions about where to stay, get a realistic timeline for the project. This will be one of your most important planning tools. Ask your contractor for a rough breakdown of what work will happen and when. For example, if your kitchen will be unusable for four weeks but your bedrooms won’t be touched until later, you may only need to move out for part of the time.
However, timelines often shift. Weather, inspections, material delays, and design changes can stretch a project out longer than expected. Therefore, you should plan your temporary living arrangements with some flexibility built in. Booking an extra week or two can save you stress later if things go off schedule. It also gives your contractor the breathing room they need to complete high-quality work.
Consider All Your Living Arrangement Options
There are several ways to arrange temporary housing, each with different costs and trade-offs. Your choice will depend on your budget, family size, pets, location, and the renovation scope.
For example, staying with family or friends is often the most affordable choice. However, it can also be the most stressful if boundaries and expectations are not clearly discussed upfront. Renting an Airbnb or a short-term apartment offers more privacy and flexibility. On the other hand, it may come with a higher cost, especially if you need multiple bedrooms or want to stay close to your home.
Another possibility is using a trailer or RV parked on your property. This can be a good compromise if zoning allows it. You remain close enough to check in but have a private, self-contained space. Likewise, some homeowners stay in a basement or a closed-off part of the house if the work is limited to one level.
Budget for More Than Just Rent
When calculating the cost of temporary housing, be sure to factor in more than just rent or lodging fees. Utilities, laundry costs, increased fuel for commuting, and eating out more often can all add up. In addition, you might need to rent a storage unit for furniture and belongings that can’t stay in the home during the renovation.
It’s also important to think about how your renovation budget connects with your living costs. If you’re spending thousands to stay somewhere else, it might affect your choices for materials or finishes. Therefore, include temporary living expenses in your overall financial plan from the start. This helps prevent unwanted surprises and ensures you stay on track.
If you’re still unsure about how to factor these expenses into your planning, it might be helpful to speak with a contractor who handles home renovations in Calgary. They can often offer guidance based on past client experiences.
Pack with Purpose and Prioritize Essentials
Packing for a temporary move during a renovation is not like packing for a vacation. You need to think practically. Consider what you and your family use on a daily basis. This includes medications, work equipment, school supplies, pet care items, and season-appropriate clothing.
To clarify, it’s better to overestimate your needs slightly than to find yourself driving back and forth to pick up forgotten items. At the same time, avoid bringing unnecessary clutter into your temporary space. Storage bins, labels, and checklists can help keep your move-out process organized and smooth.
It’s also a good idea to create a “just in case” bag. This might include extra chargers, duplicate keys, important documents, and other items that would be difficult to replace if packed away or misplaced. Similarly, if you have young children or pets, consider packing a small comfort kit to help them transition more easily into their new space.
Communicate With All Involved Parties
Once your temporary housing plan is in place, let everyone connected to the renovation know where you’ll be. This includes your contractor, designers, and any delivery services related to the project. Provide a reliable phone number and email, and make sure you’re available for quick decision-making if needed.
Meanwhile, make a plan for checking in on the renovation progress. You might want to visit once or twice a week to see how things are going. However, avoid daily drop-ins unless absolutely necessary, as this can disrupt the workflow. Instead, set regular updates with your contractor through phone or video calls. This keeps you informed without adding pressure.
If questions come up or unexpected changes occur, being reachable is essential. To stay ahead of issues, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a professional early in the process. That way, you have a solid communication plan in place from the beginning.
Don’t Forget About Daily Routines
Being away from home during a renovation can disrupt more than your physical space. It can interfere with your daily routines, especially if you work from home, have kids in school, or care for elderly family members. Therefore, it’s worth taking time to think about what your days will look like in the temporary setup.
For instance, will you have quiet space to take calls or attend virtual meetings? If your children need internet access for schoolwork, is the Wi-Fi reliable? Do you have easy access to grocery stores, laundry services, or pet-friendly parks?
Likewise, consider how your mental well-being might be affected. Change can be tiring, especially over several weeks. That’s why building new routines—even small ones like morning walks or evening reading time—can make a big difference in keeping things steady and manageable.
Maintain a Clear Line Between Construction and Personal Life
Even if you remain partially in the house during the renovation, set clear physical boundaries between living space and construction space. This is not just about safety. It’s also about mental clarity and protecting your belongings.
Use plastic sheeting to close off construction zones. Tape down floor coverings in common areas. Move valuable or fragile items to rooms not under construction or place them in storage. Most importantly, discuss boundaries with your contractor. For example, if you need to keep certain hours quiet due to remote work or child naptimes, say so clearly.
Similarly, create a small, clean zone for yourself that is completely off-limits to workers. This gives you a place to relax and recharge. It might be a guest bedroom, a basement nook, or even a part of the garage. No matter the size, having a spot that feels like “yours” can be a powerful anchor during a long renovation.
Expect Setbacks and Build in Extra Patience
Major renovations rarely go exactly as planned. Weather delays, backordered materials, and unforeseen structural problems are all common. As a result, your return date might shift unexpectedly. Preparing yourself mentally for this flexibility is just as important as budgeting or packing.
To reduce frustration, treat your temporary stay like a short chapter rather than an obstacle. Having a list of go-to activities or nearby places to explore can keep the mood lighter. Likewise, staying updated without micromanaging can help the project stay on track.
In many cases, homeowners who plan with patience end up enjoying their return to the house even more. They walk back in with renewed appreciation and a better understanding of what went into the process.
Consider Insurance and Security
One overlooked detail during home renovations is how your insurance might be affected. Some policies require notice if you’re leaving the home vacant for a certain number of days. Others may need updates to cover renovation-related risks like fire or water damage.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance provider before the project begins. Ask about coverage during construction, what’s protected, and whether you need temporary adjustments. In addition, if your home will be empty for a while, make sure locks are secure, lights are set on timers, and someone you trust can stop by periodically.
Similarly, if your house will be partially occupied, store valuables out of sight and consider temporary security systems like motion sensors or cameras. These extra layers of precaution can give you peace of mind while your home is being transformed.
FAQs
How long should I plan to be out of the house during a renovation?
It depends on the size of the project. For full remodels, plan for several weeks or even a few months. Always build in extra time beyond the estimate.
Can I live in part of my home during the renovation?
Sometimes, yes. If the work is isolated to one section and you have access to essentials, staying can be possible. However, safety and comfort should guide your choice.
What should I pack when moving out temporarily?
Focus on daily needs like clothing, work tools, personal care items, and school supplies. Include backup essentials like chargers, documents, and medications.
Is it safe to leave my home vacant during construction?
Yes, but take precautions. Notify your insurance, lock up valuables, and consider having someone check on the home regularly or install a basic security system.
What are the hidden costs of temporary living?
In addition to rent or hotel fees, consider fuel, food, laundry, and storage costs. These can add up quickly, so factor them into your renovation budget.
