5 Things You Shouldn’t Pack During a Renovation
The past few weeks have been slow going. Why? Well, let’s for a moment say my contractor didn’t get a not-so-healthy dose of the Norwalk virus. And let’s say he didn’t recover only to be called to jury duty. Let’s just pretend everyone was healthy and present. Things have slowed because of the curse of the crown molding.
Even with the nice, newly installed, straight-as-an-arrow ceilings this job took the better half of a week. You see, the walls are still wonky as all get out. And this architectural challenge stretches what should be a one-day job into a multi-day nightmare. Each piece had to be finessed by hand.
I’d have curled into a ball and wedged myself into the corner of the dumpster if faced with this. But these guys are master carpenters and seemed to enjoy the challenge. And the results are worth the wait.
In the meantime, my stove remains in a box and my mother is still generously allowing me full use of her kitchen. Four weeks into what I thought would be a whirlwind reno, I realize that my zeal to pack up my cupboards clouded my judgment. More than once, I’ve rummaged through this, for a much needed item.
And inevitably, that item hid in a box at the bottom of the stack or in the furthest corner. Why? Because Murphy never gets sick or called to jury duty.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “We’ll just knock down a wall and move the stove. How hard can it be?” do no pack everything. Especially these:
- Your good knives: Enough said.
- Your barbecue utensils: A gas grill and have a full tank of propane isn’t enough. At some point you have to flip the food.
- Your spice grinder: You tell yourself you will simply use pre-ground spices. But when the craving for Indian-roasted cauliflower hits, you will find yourself creating a makeshift mortar and pestle with an antique wooden potato masher and a pottery bowl.
- Your spices: You will tell yourself that along with the pre-ground spices, you will pick up a few essential herbs to get by on. Immediately upon being packed away, all herbs, spices and seasonings become essential.
- Your coffee system: You will last two days on pre-ground coffee brewed in a Mr Coffee maker.
If my mother didn’t have a microplane and really good oven mitts, the list would be longer. What kitchen item can’t you live without?