This list will help you avoid unnecessary headaches
Good planning makes a renovation easier, more affordable, and clearer. Whether you’re renovating one room or your whole home, this checklist will help you get off to a great start.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to plan your move
- How to create a budget
- What insurance you need
- What to buy for your first home
- Tips for packing
- Storing furniture and belongings
Below you’ll find a checklist to help make your renovation easier
1. Define your renovation goals
Start by thinking about what you want to achieve.
- Do you want a new look?
- Should your home be more functional?
- Will you need more extensive renovation work or structural changes?
A clear goal makes it easier to plan both your budget and materials.
2. Find inspiration
Explore different solutions before you begin.
You can find inspiration, for example, on:
- Google Images
- Interior design blogs
- Facebook groups about homes and interior design
Save your favorites so the overall look stays consistent throughout the project.
3. Create a realistic budget
Draw up a detailed budget that includes:
- Materials
- Tools
- Professional labor costs
- Unexpected expenses
Compare prices, watch for deals, and consider used materials if they suit your project.
4. Choose the right materials
The cheapest option isn’t always the best.
Consider, among other things:
- Durability
- Maintenance needs
- Ease of cleaning
- Functionality
- Design
Choose solutions that suit your everyday life.
5. Plan a schedule
Create a realistic timeline.
Keep in mind that:
- Material delivery times can be long.
- Professionals should be booked well in advance.
- Unexpected delays happen almost every time.
If you’re doing the work yourself, a simple project plan or spreadsheet can help you keep everything under control.
6. Find out if you need permits
Some renovations require approval.
Approval may be required, for example, from:
- The municipality
- Your housing company
- Your housing cooperative
Find out the rules before starting work.
7. Choose professionals carefully
If you need professionals, you should:
- Request multiple quotes
- Read reviews
- Ask for references
- Draw up a written contract
- Agree on the work schedule
This way, you can feel at ease throughout the project.
8. Protect your furniture and belongings
Renovations create dust and often require extra space.
So consider the following:
- Move furniture out of the work area.
- Store valuables safely.
- Carefully protect floors and furniture.
If there isn’t enough space at home, a storage unit can be a practical solution during the renovation. With Pelican Self Storage, you can safely store your furniture until the work is done, and you can even borrow a trailer free of charge to transport your belongings.
Remember to pack and wrap furniture, rugs, mattresses, and textiles in protective plastic to prevent them from getting dirty and to keep them in good condition during storage.
9. Make sure you have the right tools
If you’re doing the work yourself, it’s important to have the right equipment.
If you’re a beginner, you’ll find plenty of great guides and videos on YouTube.
10. Track the project’s progress
Check regularly that the renovation is proceeding according to plan.
- Review the schedule.
- Communicate with professionals as the work progresses.
- Respond quickly if delays or changes occur.
- Good communication can save both time and money.
Make your renovation easier with storage space
During a renovation, furniture, moving boxes, and personal belongings can quickly get in the way. By storing them safely in a Pelican Self Storage unit, you give professionals more room to work and keep your belongings protected from dust, damage, and paint. Once the renovation is complete, you can easily move everything back into your freshly renovated home.