So, you’ve decided to give your home a serious refresh. Maybe your bathroom still looks like a relic from the ‘90s. Or perhaps your kitchen has finally pushed you over the edge with those creaky cabinets and, let’s be honest, kind of questionable countertop tiles. Whatever your project, let’s just say home renovations aren’t for the faint of heart. Exciting? Definitely. Stressful? Oh, you better believe it.
Here’s the honest truth: you can prep your house and stash your stuff, but if your head’s not in the right place, the whole thing can go sideways. Here’s how to actually get ready—mentally—for a home makeover without losing your cool (or your mind).
Find Your Why (So You Remember It When Stuff Gets Weird)
First thing’s first. Figure out why you’re doing this. Sound silly? Maybe, but hear me out: renovation projects take longer and cost more than you expect. When your kitchen is covered in dust and your living room is a staging area for power tools, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. Are you craving more space? Dreaming of a new layout? Wanting to boost your home’s value? Whatever it is, write it down. Keep it somewhere visible—you’ll need the reminder later. Trust me, you will.
Get Real About Expectations
TV shows make it look breezy, but real-life renovations? Not so tidy. There’s messiness, noise, and, yep, delays. You might lose your coffee station for a month, or your bathroom might be out of commission for a weekend (don’t ask me about the time my shower was a bucket for two days—long story). Try to set realistic, flexible expectations with your renovation contractor from day one. There’s a lot you can’t totally control with home makeovers, but being honest with yourself from the get-go helps keep disappointment to a minimum.
Accept the Chaos (or at Least Laugh at It)
If you’re someone who thrives in perfect order, brace yourself. Renovations come with noise, dust, tools everywhere, weird smells—basically all the things you usually avoid. Some mornings, your dining table might be covered in drop cloths and screws, and it just becomes part of the deal. It helps to keep a bit of humor handy. My friend Lisa swears her reno was “like camping, but with better snacks.” Lowering the bar on daily perfection makes things feel lighter, I promise.
Plan a Little “Escape Hatch”
Here’s a practical tip: create a corner or small zone of calm somewhere in your home (or outside it, honestly). A cozy chair in your bedroom with some headphones, a coffee table at a friend’s, or maybe a weekly dinner out. You’ll need something normal as the dust flies. It really does more than you’d think for your sanity.
Keep Communication Open and Friendly
This one’s huge. Ask your renovation contractor about timelines and any big days when stuff will get crazy. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, share concerns, or (nicely) push back when things go sideways. Most contractors appreciate honesty and clear chats, and it can save headaches down the road.
So, if you’re gearing up for renovation, don’t just clear out your closets. Check in with yourself, keep things flexible, and remember—one day soon, you’ll actually enjoy your new space. And you might even have a wild story or two.