When your kitchen’s out of action, mealtimes can quickly turn into chaos. The oven’s unplugged, the hob’s boxed up, and the kettle’s probably buried under a bag of grout.

Feeding the family without a kitchen suddenly becomes a full-blown logistical challenge.

But this phase won’t last forever. With a few smart appliances, some simple meal planning, and a bit of flexibility, you can keep everyone fed (and mostly smiling) without living off takeaways every night.

1. Set Up a Simple Prep Station

You don’t need much — just a practical, wipeable surface and a few essentials.

Here’s what makes life easier:

• Work surface – sturdy and wipeable (oilcloth or plastic covering helps).
• Cutting board & knife – you’d be surprised how much you can do with just these.
• Washing-up bowl & sponge – even disposables won’t eliminate washing up entirely.
• Bin or waste bag – keep it close to avoid clutter building up.

If space is tight, store dry goods in labelled crates or baskets underneath. It saves rummaging and keeps the chaos under control.

2. Go for Low-Fuss, Family-Friendly Meals

This is not the moment for ambitious cooking. Keep it simple. Keep it filling.

• Sandwiches, wraps & pitta pockets – easy, customisable, and minimal clean-up.
• One-bowl meals – microwave rice, instant noodles, soups, couscous mixes.
• Plug-in appliance meals – air fryer sausages, jacket potatoes, slow cooker stews.
• Breakfast for dinner – cereal, toast, microwave eggs. No complaints from kids.
• The occasional takeaway – survival mode is allowed.

3. Keep Kids (and Fussy Eaters) Happy

Renovation chaos plus hungry kids can get tense quickly.

• Stick to familiar foods – pasta, wraps, toasties, cereal.
• Let them build their own – wraps, flatbreads, simple pizzas.
• Use lunchbox-style snacks – fruit pots, crackers, yoghurt, cheese sticks.
• Keep routines consistent – same meal times help reduce meltdowns.

4. Store Smart, Stay Sane

Without cupboards and proper fridge space, storage becomes strategic.

• Mini fridge – even a tabletop one helps massively.
• Clear storage bins – group similar items together.
• Create a “pantry box” – dry goods in one easy-access crate.
• Keep essentials within reach – tea, coffee, bowls, spoons.

5. Washing Up Without a Sink

It’s not glamorous, but it’s manageable.

• Bath method – washing-up bowl on a rubber mat, optional clip-on hose.
• Camping-style basin – portable water tanks work surprisingly well.
• Eco disposables – reduce the scrubbing workload when needed.

6. Keep It in Perspective

Living without a kitchen is inconvenient. It can be messy. It can test patience.

But it’s temporary.

In a few short weeks, you’ll be cooking in a space built properly for your family. The paper plates and microwave dinners will be a distant memory.

Take a breath. Eat the sandwiches. Lean into the chaos a little.

The finish line — and that new kitchen — is closer than you think.