Planning a galley kitchen remodel in Rocky Hill, Tennessee? You’re not alone. Galley kitchens—tight, efficient, and often overlooked—are getting major upgrades across the area. But while your future space might look sleek and modern, the weeks leading up to it can be chaotic. One of the smartest ways to stay organized and reduce stress? Rent mobile storage units before construction starts. Without a clear plan, a kitchen renovation can feel like indoor camping—minus the fun, plus a whole lot of dust and disruption.

This guide isn’t about picking countertops or backsplash designs. It’s about the stuff most homeowners overlook: the survival strategy. What do you pack? Where do you put it? How do you keep your home running when your oven’s unplugged and your fridge is sitting in the hallway?

We’re diving into the seven most effective moves to make before your galley kitchen renovation begins—focused on kitchen remodel storage, temporary kitchen setups, meal planning, and local solutions that help you stay sane while your kitchen is under construction.

Let’s get into it.

1. Purge Like You’re Moving (Because You Basically Are)

Remodeling a kitchen? It’s practically a local move. You’re going to be packing, relocating, and storing almost every item in the space. So the first and most essential step is to purge everything you don’t need. If you’re planning to rent mobile storage units, now’s the time to make sure you’re only storing what’s worth keeping.

You’ll be shocked at what’s been hiding in the back of your pantry or under the sink.

What to ditch:

• Expired pantry items (yes, even those gourmet jams you swore you’d use)
• Duplicate utensils
• Worn-out pots and pans
• Appliances you haven’t touched in a year
• Plastic containers with missing lids

Pro tip: Donate usable items to local centers in Knoxville, Maryville, or Loudon. Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Farragut is a great spot for kitchen gear.

Purging lightens your load—literally. Fewer items mean fewer boxes, less storage space, and an easier unpacking process later.

Don’t forget to clear out nearby areas too. Galley kitchens often open into dining or laundry spaces. Clear out clutter that might get in the way of contractors, deliveries, or dust barriers.

2. Pack With Purpose: Sort By Frequency of Use

Once you’ve trimmed the excess, it’s time to pack smart.

Use the tiered system:

Label every box with contents and access priority. You don’t want to rip open five boxes to find your strainer.

And if you’re short on space? Many homeowners in Rocky Hill choose to rent mobile storage units that can sit in your driveway or be hauled off-site for safekeeping. Companies like STORsquare offer storage container rentals designed specifically for remodeling situations.

Tips for smarter packing:

• Use clear plastic bins for items you may need mid-renovation
• Pack spices and small jars in over-the-door shoe organizers
• Label every box on at least two sides
• Use soft items like dish towels to wrap breakables

When you treat packing like an organized relocation, unpacking after your remodel becomes far easier and faster.

3. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen (And Be Realistic About It)

Once the sledgehammers come out, your kitchen is off-limits. That means you need a makeshift kitchen, ideally in a laundry room, basement, garage, or dining room. To free up space, many homeowners rent mobile storage units to temporarily store non-essential kitchen items and clear the way for a functional setup.

What to include:

• Microwave: For reheating, not gourmet meals.
• Mini fridge or cooler: Especially if your main fridge will be inaccessible.
• Toaster oven or air fryer: More versatile than you’d think.
• Electric kettle or coffee maker: Non-negotiable for most households.
• Folding table: Prep space.
• Dish bin: You’ll miss your sink more than you think.

Set realistic expectations. You’re not cooking Thanksgiving dinner here. Think heat-and-eat meals, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Keep essentials like paper towels, trash bags, and disposable plates nearby.

Think of it as your kitchenette pod. Set boundaries to keep it clean and functional. Keep it stocked with:

• One all-purpose skillet
• Cutting board + knife
• A colander
• Reusable storage containers
• Trash and recycling bins

If space is limited, you might even use the bathroom sink to wash dishes. Not ideal, but functional.

4. Create a Meal Survival Plan

You can’t (and shouldn’t) eat out for every meal during your remodel. It’s expensive, unhealthy, and gets old fast.

Instead, create a renovation meal strategy:

Freezer-friendly meals to prep ahead:

• Lasagna or baked ziti in foil pans
• Soup in mason jars (easy to reheat)
• Marinated chicken or beef in freezer bags
• Smoothie packs: frozen fruit + protein powder

If cooking ahead isn’t your thing, explore local meal prep services in Knoxville or grab fresh pre-made meals at markets in Farragut or Oak Ridge. To make room in your fridge or freezer during this phase, many homeowners rent mobile storage units to temporarily house bulk pantry goods, small appliances, or kitchen overflow.

And keep a rotating stash of easy meal options:

• Canned chili or soup
• Pre-made salads
• Rotisserie chicken from local grocery stores
• Rice packs and frozen veggies

Stock up on healthy snacks, and don’t forget coffee supplies.

Bonus idea: Meal kits

Order meal kits from companies that send ingredients pre-portioned. You can prep them with just a knife and microwave or toaster oven. Some even offer no-cook options.

5. Rent Mobile Storage Units (It’s a Game Changer)

You’re going to run out of room fast. Between appliances, dishes, pantry goods, and construction materials, your home will start to feel like a storage unit.

That’s why many Rocky Hill homeowners choose to rent mobile storage units before renovations begin. Whether it’s for kitchen remodel storage or a full-blown local move, mobile storage simplifies the chaos.

Why it works:

• Delivered to your driveway (no U-Haul needed)
• You pack at your pace
• Secure and weatherproof
• Can stay on-site or be picked up and stored off-site

Need flexible options in Westwood or Royal Oaks? Rent mobile storage units from companies like STORsquare to keep your kitchen gear out of the way and retrieve items mid-renovation if needed.

Bonus: These units double as excellent moving containers if you’re doing a larger home overhaul or tackling multiple projects.

Renting portable self storage also frees up critical space for the remodel itself. Contractors can use your cleared garage or dining area as a staging zone, keeping your project moving efficiently.

6. Protect the Rest of Your Home

Galley kitchens are usually central, often acting as a passage between other rooms. That makes it easy for dust and debris to travel—especially when you’re moving appliances and furniture to make space or rent mobile storage units for temporary use.

What to do:

• Install plastic sheeting with zippered entrances between kitchen and living spaces
• Cover nearby furniture with drop cloths or old sheets
• Close or block HVAC vents near the renovation
• Lay down floor protection in hallways

If you rent mobile storage units to move kitchen items and furniture out of the way, be sure to protect the paths workers will use to carry them in and out. Don’t forget to seal pantry doors and cabinets in adjacent rooms—you don’t want drywall dust on your cereal boxes.

Contractors will bring tools, boots, and materials through your home daily. Lay down doormats and runners to protect flooring.

If you need a breather from the mess, consider a weekend stay in Tellico Village or The Cove at Blackberry Ridge. Even a short break helps maintain sanity.

7. Build a Renovation Timeline (Then Pad It by Two Weeks)

Even the most punctual contractors encounter delays: backordered cabinets, surprise plumbing issues, or weather delays.

That’s why you need a realistic, flexible renovation timeline and checklists for every phase. Don’t forget to rent mobile storage units early in the process so your packing, staging, and demolition days stay on schedule without clutter slowing things down.

Sample Timeline (for a 6–8 week kitchen remodel):

Stay in contact with your contractor and check off items weekly. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process will go.

Keep a binder or digital folder of receipts, permits, contact numbers, and photos. This makes problem-solving and budgeting easier down the line.

Local Insight: Rocky Hill & Beyond

Rocky Hill residents are lucky—you’re within easy access to storage solutions, contractors, and services across East Tennessee. Many homeowners in the area choose to rent mobile storage units to simplify their renovation process and keep their homes organized during construction.

Here’s how to tap into local resources:

• Storage in Hunter’s Hills or Fox Run: Portable storage units offer convenience without driving across town.
• Donation drop-offs in Maryville or Loudon: Clear space before you pack.
• Contractors in Oak Ridge or Knoxville: Build your renovation team locally.
• Meal options in Sweet Briar or Concord Hills: Ready-to-eat meals and catering services are lifesavers during demo week.
• Shopping for last-minute supplies? Home improvement stores in Farragut and Green Concord Hills are well-stocked and easily accessible.

Homeowners in neighborhoods like Woodland, Emory Valley, and Avalon Golf Community have leaned into mobile storage as a remodeling must-have. It keeps your home livable, your items protected, and your renovation on track.

Plan Hard, Breathe Easy

Galley kitchen renovations in Rocky Hill may come with unique challenges—tight spaces, narrow pathways, and limited storage—but with the right game plan, you can keep your home functional while the magic happens.

Purge. Pack smart. Set up a realistic kitchen alternative. Rent mobile storage units to keep your space organized and your stress in check. The end result is worth every checklist item and frozen meal.

When you’re finally cooking that first meal in your new kitchen, free from dust and clutter, you’ll be glad you put in the prep work.

And if you need extra room during the chaos? Companies like STORsquare offer portable self storage solutions that make kitchen remodels in Rocky Hill a whole lot easier.