4-week countdown – If you're mid-renovation like me, here's how I make my messy house presentable for the festive season, starting now

No matter how things are going in your renovation journey you are, it's not uncommon to need a break from it all. And, with festive plans looming, it's the best time to set your tools down and rest. But how can you make a half-finished house filled with dust and boxes fit for relaxation?

We’ve spent three out of the last four Christmases mid-renovation, and we’re looking down the barrel at another. So, I’ve collated my preparation list as to how I down tools and make my house semi-presentable during this period.

Follow my tips below for a week-by-week plan for scaling down a house renovation project during the busy holidays.

Step 1: Agree time off in advance (November)

Just like a business, run your renovation project with a set number of days off so everyone knows and can plan around this period. Consult with your contractor or project manager to agree to any natural pauses in the schedule. Be warned this might not exactly coincide with the school holidays, but usually the week between Christmas and New Year should be a firm time to plan off.

Last winter, we were able to block out two weeks with no builders or contractors in the house. They left us with as many essential amenities as possible, including lighting, a working bathroom and heating, but this might not always be possible, which is why organizing this time off as early in advance as feasible is better to get everyone on the same page.

Use a project calendar on the wall to make your expectations crystal clear to all involved, but don’t get too upset when things shift around. The point of taking a break is to take stock of things you have accomplished and recharge for the next stage.

Step 2: Finish up any outstanding DIY projects (late November)

If you’re like me, then you can’t stand to not be involved in your renovation in some way - be it painting walls, laying flooring or taking on every task yourself. Try to return your home into a semi-normal state by finishing up what you can, so your brain can switch off.

Ensure anything unsafe is dealt with – that means no nails sticking out of the floor, no disorganized wires and certainly no sharp tools lying around. This is a time for family, and for them to feel welcome in your home – they don’t want to be worried about sitting on a drywall knife!

Also, put away paint samples and tins – out of sight, out of mind. We used storage bins like these from Walmart to keep messy equipment packed away neatly in our garage.

Step 3: Start to clean up (Mid December)

Dust and dirt may be inevitable during any kind of home improvement project, but it isn’t welcome during our festivities! Give your living spaces a thorough deep clean once work winds down. I swear by Method's refill and reuse Pink Grapefruit All Purpose Spray from Amazon, it makes the whole house smell fantastic and does a great jobs at tackling grease and grime.

Clean windows to let in a little winter light, declutter the kitchen to make room for baking cookies and properly set up and organize the guest bedroom (if you have one) to make visitors feel as comfortable as you can.

You can follow our essential tips for cleaning, or take a look at the guide for keeping a renovation dust free.

Step 4: Deck the halls (mid December)

Dig out any and all decorations, packed away or not. It’s surprising how much joy a bit of $0.98 tinsel from Walmart can bring out – not to mention how many flaws the warm glow of string lights can mask. This tradition of decking the halls is important for your mind to know it’s time to take it easy for a few weeks.

Our favorite renovation decorations made light of the unfinished and imperfect state of our house. One year, we had no room for a whole tree, so we used large fir branches and set them in vases of different sizes (like this set from Ikea), pots and anything we could find. The result still brought us cheer, even if it wasn’t the most stylish or grand of decor!

Take a look at this guide of alternative Christmas tree ideas for your home.

Step 5: Don’t be upset if things don’t go to plan

Renovation life is messy - it comes with the territory. So, try not to be too dismayed if something breaks and needs fixing while you’re relaxing. Invest in some heavy duty extension cords from Lowe's, and a portable power generator from Lowes, and have your tools handy, just in case.

During our first renovation winter, our central heating broke on Christmas day. Family took us in for the day, but in the evening we just popped on layers and layers of jumpers, put on a video of a fire on the TV, turned on our space heater and warmed up with a festive whiskey. It’s hands-down one of our most memorable Christmases.

FAQs

How should I properly store paint mid-renovation?

Paint tins should be sealed and kept at a cool temperature, but be careful of freezing temperatures. A shed, garage or utility area should be fine.

Can you renovate a home in Winter?

Yes, you can renovate a home in winter (you might even be able to get a good deal with a contractor), but it is best to keep to indoor jobs, such as reorganizing a floor plan or installing a new kitchen. Replacing windows or re-roofing should be done in dry weather.

Should I move out during a Winter home renovation?

Moving out during a home renovation is costly unless you have friends of family you can decamp to. Honestly, it depends on the scale of the work and what you're willing to put up with. If you can carve out a kitchen, bedroom and sitting area that can remain untouched during this time, you might find it bearable. However, many aspirational home-improvers sign up for living on-site during a renovation without fully considering the realities.

Next, delve into home renovation projects that inspire.