Can you live without a kitchen during renovation? 10 practical ideas
.When your kitchen is out of action, life at home changes – fast. The heart of the house disappears, your daily routines are flipped upside down, and suddenly you're cooking pasta next to the hoover cupboard. But with the right planning, it doesn't have to descend into chaos.
Whether you're a parent feeding a family of five, a minimalist who lives on toast and tea, or somewhere in between, this guide will help you stay sane while your dream kitchen comes to life.
TL;DR
Yes, you can live without a kitchen – if you plan ahead. Create a clear temporary setup, keep your meals simple, and accept that now is not the time for soufflés. Portable appliances, a bit of clever storage, and managed expectations go a long way.
What Happens When the Kitchen Goes Offline?
You lose three core functions: cooking, washing up, and food storage. That affects everything from how you eat to how you socialise. Here’s what to expect.
Cooking becomes a puzzle
Without a hob or oven, you’re down to plug-in gadgets. A microwave, kettle, toaster, and maybe a slow cooker form the backbone of most temporary kitchens. But you'll need space, sockets and patience to make it work.
2. Washing up shifts to the bathroom
Unless you’re lucky enough to have a utility sink, the bathroom basin becomes your default washing-up zone. That’s manageable for mugs – less so for baking trays.
3. Storage gets squeezed
You might have to relocate the fridge, switch to a mini one, or rely on cool bags for overflow. Frozen food becomes harder to stock. Spices, dry goods, and tools end up in boxes or makeshift shelves.
4. Dust spreads everywhere
Even with the best dust sheets, fine construction dust has a knack for creeping under doors and clinging to everything. Keep food sealed and kitchen gear far from the build zone.
5. Routines are disrupted
That quick cuppa while chatting to the builder? Now you’re boiling a travel kettle next to the printer. Families especially feel the loss of that communal gathering space.
The Temporary Kitchen: How to Set One Up That Works
Setting up a solid temporary kitchen is the key to surviving the chaos.
6. Pick the right spot
You need a space away from the dust and noise – ideally a dining room, spare room, or even a cleared-out garage. One family we worked with in Highgate transformed a conservatory into a surprisingly chic kitchenette for eight weeks – and swore by it.
7. Power up – safely
Make sure you’ve got access to at least three sockets, preferably on different circuits. Avoid overloading a single plug board. Use an extension with surge protection and keep cables out of wet zones.
8. Keep workflow in mind
Even in a mini setup, structure matters. Try for a 3-zone layout:
Prep & cook (microwave, hotplate)
Clean-up (access to water + draining surface)
Storage (dry goods + fridge or cool box)
It doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to stop you walking in circles looking for teaspoons.
What Appliances and Tools Will You Actually Use?
It’s tempting to bring everything out, but less is more. Here’s what gets used most in real-world temporary kitchens:
Appliance/ToolWhy It HelpsMicrowaveEssential for reheating, defrostingKettleHot water for drinks, pasta, ricePlug-in induction hobCook fresh meals with controlToaster oven or air fryerQuick roasting and crispingSlow cookerGreat for one-pot stews and curriesMini fridge or cool boxSaves space, handles essentials
👉 If you normally cook often, a double induction hotplate (£75–£120) and a slow cooker can replace most meals.
Tips That Actually Make It Easier
1. Use clear storage boxes
Labelled containers for dry goods and tools save endless rummaging. Stack them vertically to reclaim surface space.
2. Lay down washable mats
Even just a £10 vinyl mat protects carpets or wood floors from splatter, spills, and dropped noodles.
3. Sort water access early
If there’s no sink nearby, use two buckets: one for clean water, one for dirty. It’s basic, but it works – especially for camping kettles and rinsing plates.
4. Use compostable plates and cutlery
It’s not the most sustainable long-term, but for a few weeks, it’ll save your sanity – especially if you don’t have access to a decent washing station.
5. Freeze meals ahead of time
Batch cook 8–10 dinners and freeze them in portions. Even minimal prep feels like a luxury when the builders are knocking out your old splashback.
6. Plan takeaway nights in advance
Build takeaway into your renovation budget. According to research by Kitchen Design NYC, most households spend 30–40% more than planned on food during kitchen renovations. Having a plan cuts guilt and cost.
Families, Flat-Sharers, and Foodies: Tailoring Your Setup
Different households cope differently – here’s how to adapt:
Families with young kids
Create a child-friendly snack zone
Stick to mealtimes – routines matter
Use barriers to keep children out of work zones
Flat-sharers or couples
Assign roles (one cooks, one cleans)
Use portable dish tubs if the bathroom’s shared
Keep plug-in appliances to a minimum to avoid blown fuses
Foodies
Set up a mini mise-en-place zone
Invest in an air fryer or good-quality portable hob
Don’t forget your knife block – you’ll regret plastic picnic knives on day two
When Should You Consider a Kitchen Pod?
If your kitchen renovation is going to take 8+ weeks, or you have no backup utility room, a portable kitchen pod may be worth the cost. These are self-contained units that can sit on your driveway or garden, with a hob, sink, and fridge built in.
Some UK providers even include full ventilation and plumbing. Pricing varies, but if staying functional at home is essential – this can bridge the gap.
Beams Renovation’s Take
We’ve guided plenty of London households through life without a kitchen – from leafy Dulwich semis to compact flats in Camden where the kettle ends up sharing shelf space with the printer.
Here’s what we’ve learned: preparation makes the difference. The families that cope best aren’t the ones with the fanciest tech – they’re the ones who batch-cooked freezer meals, cleared a calm space to cook, and accepted that takeaway night might become a bi-weekly tradition.
Our design and planning teams don’t just look at finishes and layouts – we also think about what happens when the room you rely on disappears. We stagger work to minimise downtime, help you plan alternative zones, and make sure you're not left rinsing pasta in a paddling pool.
Need help making your kitchen renovation livable? That’s what we do.
