Reno's + Real Life: Strategies to Stay Grounded When Your Home's Torn Apart

Home renovations have a way of disrupting our regular routines. As hard as we try to keep things normal, a little bit more chaos is inevitable. In my experience, the chaos is worth it because it has a purpose of making our home more beautiful and functional. But it can be hard to keep that mindset when we feel like dust is everywhere, nothing is clean, and we’re slowly going crazy. That was me about this time last year when we were doing the reno of our basement. It was so exciting to see the progress but it was also so messy and took 4 months. I was having trouble sleeping at night. I felt like I was constantly cleaning but never getting anywhere. So, how do we manage this upset rhythm in a way that is healthy? …Here’s what I have learned: 

Having our house look like this caused me a lot of stress!

1. Leave the Chaos

I found that taking breaks to go for walks or make dinner plans at friends or family’s houses to be so helpful. It gave all of us a break from the mess and helped to keep us centered. 

2. Focus on What You Can Control 

Since our reno was happening downstairs, I figured I would focus on keeping upstairs organized and clean-ish. Knowing that the girls' bedrooms were clean, the kitchen and upstairs bathroom were in good shape helped me feel a little more organized. 

3. Remember Your WHY

Keeping the mindset of positivity and gratitude was super important for me. Also remembering our WHY- we were doing our reno to make a more functional home. Remembering our WHY kept us grateful and helped to manage the stress (a little- reno’s are stressful no matter what). Being able to renovate your space is a privilege, and remembering that was very important. 

Keeping these three things in mind will help you during your reno process. I also take these lessons into my daily routines. When life is feeling stressful or overwhelming, taking breaks, and keeping a positive mindset helps keep me grounded. 

My Why: Having a home that my whole family Enjoys!

I hope you have found these tips helpful, and I would love to hear how you manage stress in life and in particular during renovations 🙂