A home remodel—whether it’s updating the kitchen, expanding a bathroom, or reworking a living room—can be an exciting leap toward a better living space. But before contractors step in and walls come down, it’s critical to prepare home before remodeling, especially when it comes to protecting your belongings.

For homeowners in Karns, Tennessee, and nearby communities like Oak Ridge, Farragut, and Knoxville, forgetting to prep and store items before demolition begins can lead to broken valuables, slowed timelines, and unnecessary stress. The solution? A solid storage game plan.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the only storage checklist you need to prepare home before remodeling, including when to order a portable storage unit, what to pack, and how to organize it all efficiently.

🛠️ Why You Should Prepare Home Before Remodeling

Naturally, remodeling turns living spaces into construction zones. As a result, expect dust, tools, debris—and people—moving through your home in ways they normally wouldn’t.

When you prepare home before remodeling by removing furniture, electronics, and personal items, you:

  • Create safer, more efficient work areas for contractors
  • Protect belongings from damage
  • Stay organized and ahead of schedule

It’s especially valuable in places like Creekside, Sweet Briar, and Tellico Village, where multi-room projects and open-concept homes are common.

📦 Your Pre-Remodel Storage Checklist

Here’s your step-by-step list to get everything out of the way before the first hammer swings:

✅ 1. Walk the Work Zone

Take inventory of everything in the space:

  • Furniture
  • Wall art
  • Rugs and lighting
  • Books and electronics
  • Small appliances

This gives you a full view of what needs packing.

✅ 2. Schedule a Portable Storage Unit

You’ll want to schedule your storage container rental 1–2 weeks in advance.

With STORsquare, residents in Village Green, Hunter’s Hills, or Highlands at Maryville can have mobile storage units delivered directly to their driveway. Pack on your schedule and keep your items nearby—but out of the construction zone.

prepare home before remodeling

✅ 3. Gather Packing Materials

Have these ready:

  • Plastic bins or moving boxes
  • Packing paper or bubble wrap
  • Labels, markers, and box cutters
  • Furniture covers and zip-top bags

Tip: Start with non-essentials—like books and décor—so you’re not rushing later.

✅ 4. Group and Label by Room

This will simplify both the storage process and unpacking later. For example:

  • Label boxes “Kitchen – Dishware” or “Living Room – Electronics”
  • Use color-coded tape for each room

✅ 5. Disassemble Larger Items

Remove legs from tables, wrap furniture in protective layers, and bundle cords with their devices. This helps maximize space in your portable storage unit.

✅ 6. Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible

Place anything you might need (seasonal clothes, tools, kitchenware) toward the front of the unit.

Whether you live in Briarcliff, Woodland, or Concord Hills, this ensures you don’t have to dig through boxes mid-reno.

🕐 Timeline to Prepare Home Before Remodeling

WhenWhat to Do
3–4 Weeks OutFinalize renovation scope and timeline
2 Weeks OutOrder storage rental containers
1 Week OutStart packing and disassembling
2–3 Days BeforeClear out renovation areas completely
Day BeforeDo a final walkthrough with your contractor

🚛 Why Portable Storage Makes It Easy

Residents across Karns, Knoxville, and Loudon rely on portable self storage to streamline their remodels. It allows them to:

  • Keep belongings on-site and protected
  • Pack and unpack at their own pace
  • Avoid multiple trips to a storage facility
  • Maintain flexibility as remodeling phases shift

STORsquare offers self storage containers for rent that serve every corner of the area—from Fox Run to Rivers Run, and even out to Tennessee National.

🧠 Bonus Tip: Declutter While You Pack

As you prepare home before remodeling, ask yourself:

  • Do I really need to keep this?
  • Will it still fit the space post-renovation?

Take this chance to donate, recycle, or sell unused items. Less clutter = more room to enjoy your new space.

The Smart Way to Prepare Home Before Remodeling Starts

Before you choose materials or pick out fixtures, take a step back and ask: Have I prepared my home for what’s coming?

By following this checklist and planning your storage early, you’ll save time, protect your belongings, and give contractors the space they need to work efficiently. If you live in Karns or nearby cities like Maryville or Knoxville, don’t wait until the last minute.

Prepare home before remodeling with a STORsquare storage container rental—convenient, local, and built to keep your renovation on track.