Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to upgrade your space, but when it overlaps with a move—whether moving in, out, or just shifting rooms temporarily—the process can quickly become overwhelming. Between construction crews, dust, scheduling conflicts, and the challenge of organizing your belongings, coordinating a move during a home renovation requires thoughtful planning and flexibility.
Whether you’re staying on-site during the remodel or relocating temporarily, here’s how to manage both transitions without losing your sanity.
1. Create a Detailed Timeline
The most important step in coordinating a move during a renovation is developing a clear timeline. Work with your contractor to understand when key parts of the project will begin and end, and use that information to plan your move accordingly.
Include:
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Start and projected end dates for each phase of renovation
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When specific areas of the home will be inaccessible
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When you’ll need to move furniture or personal items
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Your actual move-in or move-out dates
A well-organized timeline allows you to minimize disruption and avoid overlapping major tasks.
2. Decide Whether You’ll Stay or Go
Depending on the scope of the renovation, you may have to decide whether to live in the home during the project or find a temporary place to stay.
Consider moving out if:
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The kitchen or bathroom will be out of service for extended periods
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There will be structural work, such as tearing down walls or replacing flooring
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You have children, pets, or work from home, and can’t handle the noise or dust
If you choose to stay, be sure to create a livable zone in the home where you can function comfortably, even if it’s just a bedroom with a mini fridge and microwave.
3. Prioritize Packing and Protecting Your Belongings
Even if you’re only moving within the home, packing up rooms under renovation is a must. Construction dust can find its way into every crevice, and belongings left exposed may be damaged.
Tips:
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Use plastic bins or sealable bags to store items during renovation
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Cover furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheets
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Label boxes clearly and keep essentials easily accessible
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Store valuables, paperwork, and irreplaceable items off-site if possible
For larger moves, consider using portable storage containers or off-site storage facilities to keep your items safe and organized.
4. Coordinate with Contractors and Movers
Communication is key when juggling a renovation and a move. Make sure your moving company is aware of ongoing construction and any access limitations, such as:
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Blocked driveways or stairways
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Unfinished floors
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Rooms that can’t be entered
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Restricted delivery windows
Similarly, notify your contractor of your moving schedule so they can accommodate or adjust work accordingly.
5. Set Up Essential Services in Advance
Whether you’re temporarily relocating or moving into a newly renovated home, ensure that all your utilities—electricity, water, gas, internet—are functioning and transferred appropriately.
You don’t want to discover you’re without power or Wi-Fi on the day you move in or during a key phase of renovation.
6. Be Ready to Adjust Your Plan
No matter how detailed your schedule is, renovations are notorious for unexpected delays. Supply chain issues, weather, or hidden structural problems can all push your project back.
Stay flexible by:
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Building extra time into your move-in/move-out plans
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Having a backup place to stay if needed
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Keeping a small emergency fund for surprise expenses
Flexibility is your best friend during any home upgrade project.
7. Keep Safety a Priority
Renovation sites are full of hazards—tools, debris, exposed wires, and dust. When moving through or living in a space under construction:
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Wear appropriate footwear
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Keep walkways clear
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Ensure children and pets are kept away from work zones
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Make sure smoke detectors are working and exits are accessible
Taking safety precautions will help prevent injuries and protect your belongings.
Coordinating a move during a home renovation is no easy feat, but with careful planning and clear communication, it can be done smoothly. Focus on your timeline, safeguard your items, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from professionals along the way.
Remember, both moving and renovating are temporary—when the dust settles (literally), you’ll be enjoying a space that’s better suited to your lifestyle, goals, and comfort.