There comes a time in every person’s life when they decide that it’s high time for a home renovation. Whether you got bored with the same old furniture, tiles, and floors, or you are experiencing problems such as leaking roofs and the lack of square footage for your growing family, sooner or later, you will have to hire contractors to get to work. While this is an exciting time and the time of change, there is also one dilemma that is on every homeowner’s mind – should you live in or move out? Moving out while remodeling may bring additional costs during this already expensive period. But staying put might result in more problems than you and your family can handle. Here’s how to solve this dilemma once and for all and decide what to do when repairing or replacing the items inside your home.

Look at the size of the project when deciding whether to live in or move out

Without a doubt, the first thing to consider when deciding whether to live in through the remodeling madness or to move out is the amount of work that needs to be done. It’s the sheer size of the project that will help you make the best decision. For example, if the work needs to be done on one half of your home or more, the answer is simple. Functioning in such a constricted space won’t be a feasible option for you and your family. On the other hand, if the workers will be focused on one to two rooms, there is no need for you to spend any extra money on movers. Sure, there are plenty of affordable movers out there, and you can find them everywhere. From databases such as Verified Movers to their own websites, moving quotes come in a vast price range. But, be frugal, and spend your money only on the necessities. And movers are not a necessity if all you are doing is repainting your home. 

How long will it take for the project to be finished?

The truth is that there is not a simple answer to the dilemma of moving out or staying in during remodeling. But, one thing you have to take into account is for how long the workers will invade your premises. Let’s say your goal is to give your kitchen a makeover and replace the tiles, as well as the cabinets and countertops. While you are at it, you have decided to change your bathroom tiles, as well. The answer depends on the size of these rooms and on the estimate your contractor gave you. If they estimated that the work can be done in a matter of days, which is oftentimes the case with small kitchens and bathrooms, then there is no point in you moving out. Perhaps you can use your neighbor’s bathroom (assuming you are on good terms, of course) for those two or three days and you can always order in. But, if the workers will be busy with these rooms for a whole week or more, it will be next to impossible for you to stay put. That’s a situation where you have no other option but to move out.

Think about the health and safety hazards

It goes without saying that your health comes first, even before your finances. You can never let it suffer just because you need to save a few extra dollars. Money can always be earned but, sometimes, health cannot be restored. And the truth is that there is nothing worse than living in a construction zone. Don’t mind the constant yelling, drilling, and altogether noise that comes with remodeling. But take into account all the power tools that will be lying around, sometimes unattended. Add dust everywhere and you quickly get a scenario that presents a major safety hazard. Such conditions are dangerous for grown-ups, but they are ten times as dangerous for kids. So, if you have a child, it goes without saying that you should move out if the scope of the project is so big that it entails the aforementioned conditions.

How can you stay in and keep your sanity?

Some people are all for staying in your home during remodeling. That way, you get to keep close tabs on the construction workers and to personally make sure everything goes according to the plan. Once again, unless it is dangerous and otherwise impossible for you to stay in, you could attempt to live through the mess that comes with remodeling. And you should do that by creating your own personal oasis in one part of your home. Have your contractor create a seal off zone, a chunk of your home that will be off-limits to the workers. This will be your place to retreat once the whole undertaking becomes too overwhelming. Not only will you be able to calm down in this area, but you will also have a fully functional place.

Have an exit strategy

If, on the other hand, you belong to those who prefer to get away from all the mess that comes with remodeling, you have your options open. For starters, you can stay in with friends and family, and save the money you would have to spend on rent or hotels. Of course, you should choose this option only if you know you won’t be intruding. Otherwise, there is no point in saving money while losing precious friendships and hindering family relations. Moreover, you can stay at an extended-stay residence hotel or seek out other long or short-term housing solutions. Again, everything depends on how long the remodeling will last.

When dealing with the live in or move out dilemma, the most important thing is your sanity. Do you think you will be able to mentally handle all the disruptions? Or will you crumble down under the pressure and chaos? Be wise when choosing, as your happiness, as well as the success of the project, depend on it.