Moving Out During Renovation: Is It the Right Choice for You

I recently helped a family in North London who planned to stay in their own home during a major renovation. Within two weeks, they realised they’d underestimated the dust, noise and disruption. Their kitchen was half-demolished, their living room filled with tools and their young children struggled to sleep. In the end, they moved out and their builders finished the job faster than expected.

This isn’t an easy decision. Moving out during a renovation can mean extra costs, but staying put can bring stress, delays and even health risks. Over the years, I’ve helped many Londoners through this process and in this guide, I'll share expert tips to help you decide whether to move out or stay

This is what you need to know:

1. Is it worth?
2. Temporary Accommodation During Renovation
3. What to Take With You?
4. Practical Tips When Moving Out
5. When Moving Out Isn’t Necessary?

The Pros and Cons of Moving Out During Renovation

Deciding whether it is worth to stay or go depends on several factors—your budget, the type of work being done and how much disruption you can handle. From past projects, I’ve seen homeowners make both choices, with varying results. Some managed just fine in a construction zone, while others regretted not leaving sooner.

Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages and drawbacks to help you weigh up your options.

Pros of Moving Out

Less disruption to daily life – You won’t have to navigate dust, noise and blocked-off rooms every day.

Faster completion time – Builders work more efficiently in an empty house, reducing delays.

Health and safety – If you have young children, pets, or respiratory issues, avoiding dust and fumes can be a big relief.

No makeshift living arrangements – No need to set up a temporary kitchen or shuffle between rooms.

Peace of mind – You won’t have to live in a construction site, making the process less stressful.

Cons of Moving Out

Extra expense – Temporary accommodation, storage and moving costs can add up.

Less oversight – You won’t be there daily to check on the building work and make quick decisions.

Logistics of moving – Packing, storage and setting up a temporary home take time and effort.

Missing home comforts – Even short-term rentals can feel unfamiliar, especially for families with small children.

When Staying at Home Becomes More Expensive

Many worry most about the extra cost of moving out. However, delays from trying to live around construction can sometimes lead to higher overall costs in the long run. 

I once worked with a couple who decided to stay during a loft conversion. The builders had to adjust their schedule around the family’s routine, slowing everything down. In the end, their project took two months longer than expected—costing them more in labour and pushing them past their planned budget.

If your renovation involves a new kitchen, major construction work, or structural changes, moving out is often the better option. But if it’s a smaller project, like refreshing a single room or updating the living space, you might be able to stay with the right precautions.

Key Factors to Consider Before Deciding

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to moving out during a renovation. Some homeowners manage just fine by setting up a temporary home in a quieter part of the house, while others find the disruption unbearable. Before making a decision, consider these key factors.

Scope of the Project

The bigger the renovation, the harder it is to stay at home. Ask yourself:

• Will my kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom be out of action for weeks?
• Are major structural changes involved, like knocking down walls or a loft conversion?
• Will there be dust, fumes, or noise that could make daily life uncomfortable?

For small projects, like painting a room or updating the flooring, staying put might be fine. But for bigger jobs, it’s worth considering whether moving out could actually speed up the process.

Your Family’s Needs

Renovations affect everyone in the house differently. Think about:

• Young children – Loud noise, dust and unfamiliar people in the house can be unsettling.
• Elderly family members – Limited mobility can make navigating a building site difficult.
• Pets – Constant drilling and strangers in the house can cause stress. Check out this article for tips on moving with pets.
• Your daily routine – If you work from home or have a fixed schedule, noise and disruptions might make staying impractical.

Health and Safety Risks

Even in smaller projects, dust and fumes can be a problem. If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, living on-site could be uncomfortable, if not dangerous. Other risks include:

• Exposed wiring and open floors – A hazard for kids and pets.
• No access to essentials – If your bathroom or washing machine is disconnected, how will you manage?
• Heating and water supply – Some renovations require turning off central heating or water for days at a time.

Budget Considerations

Moving out means extra costs, but staying home isn’t always cheaper. Consider:

• The cost of short-term accommodation (renting a flat, staying in a hotel, or serviced apartments).
• Storage costs if you need to clear out rooms.
• Whether delays from staying put could result in higher labour costs for your builders.

If you’re unsure how much your renovation will cost, this breakdown of home renovation costs might help with budgeting.

Work Schedule and Timeline

If your builders need full access to your home for long work hours, staying put could slow things down. Ask your contractor:

• Will they need to turn off power or water for long periods?
• Can they work faster if the house is empty?
• What’s the best time to move out (if needed) to avoid project delays?

I’ve seen cases where builders had to pause work because homeowners needed access to certain rooms. While it seems like a cost-saving decision at first, these delays can make the overall project more expensive.

Temporary Accommodation Options in London

If you’ve decided that moving out is the best option, the next step is figuring out where to stay. London has plenty of choices, but availability, cost and practicality can vary depending on the length of your renovation.

1. Staying with Family or Friends

For short renovations, staying with relatives or friends can be a cost-effective option. But before committing, consider:

• Will the space be comfortable for the whole family?
• Can you maintain your daily routines without too much disruption?
• How long will you need to stay? A week or two might be fine, but longer stays can be stressful for everyone.

2. Renting a Short-Term Property

For longer projects, renting a flat or house might be the best decision. Options include:

• Short-term lets (1–6 months) – Often available through estate agents or platforms like OpenRent.
• Serviced apartments – Fully furnished and ideal for families needing flexibility.
• Airbnb or holiday rentals – Good for shorter stays but can be pricey, especially in peak seasons.

3. Hotels & Extended Stay Apartments

Hotels work well for short periods, but costs can add up fast. If you need to stay for a few weeks, look for:

• Extended stay hotels – Offer kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
• Discounted long-term rates – Some hotels reduce prices for stays over 30 days.

For single professionals or couples, this can be a simple solution. But for families with young children, the lack of space and home comforts can become an issue.

4. Living On-Site in a Temporary Setup

Some homeowners prefer to stay on-site by setting up a temporary living space in an unaffected part of the house. This might include:

• Converting a spare room into a small living area.
• Setting up a makeshift kitchen if your main one is being redone.
• Renting a mobile home or caravan to live in on the driveway.

This option works best for smaller projects or if you only need to relocate for a few weeks. But if the entire house is affected, such as in a full home renovation, this can quickly become impractical.

What’s the Best Option?

It depends on your budget, project timeline and personal situation. If the work is major, a rental property or serviced apartment offers the most comfort and stability. For shorter projects, staying with family or booking a hotel might be enough. Whatever you choose, it’s always worth allowing extra time in case the renovation takes longer than planned.

Packing and Storage: Keeping Your Belongings Safe

Once you’ve decided to move out, the next challenge is figuring out what to take with you and where to store everything else. Renovations can be messy, so even if you’re staying put, protecting your belongings from dust and damage is essential.

What to Take With You

If you’re moving into a rental property or staying with family, pack light. The goal is to bring only the essentials while leaving bulky furniture and non-daily items in storage.

Essentials items checklist:

• Clothes for the duration of your stay
• Important documents (passports, insurance papers, contracts)
• Electronics (laptop, chargers, work essentials)
• Toiletries and medications
• A few kitchen essentials if needed (coffee machine, toaster, basic cookware)
• Children’s toys and school supplies if moving with kids
• Pet supplies if you have animals

What to Store

If you’re vacating the house, larger items will need to be packed away. Even if you’re staying, certain belongings should be covered or moved to protect them from dust and damage.

• Furniture – Store sofas, tables and beds to prevent damage from dust and debris.
• Fragile items – Pack away glassware, artwork and delicate décor.
• Seasonal clothing – No need to take up space in your rental with winter coats if you’re moving in summer.
• Rarely used kitchenware – If your kitchen is being redone, put away anything you don’t need daily.

Choosing a Storage Solution

Where you store your belongings depends on the space you have and the length of your renovation.

• Storage units – A good option for longer renovations or if you need secure, off-site storage.
• On-site storage – If space allows, using a garage or spare room can work for shorter-term projects.
• Portable storage containers – Companies offer mobile storage units that are dropped off and collected when needed.

Label and Organise for an Easy Move Back

Packing isn’t just about getting things out of the way—it’s also about making the move back as easy as possible.

• Label boxes clearly so you know where everything goes.
• Pack similar items together (kitchenware in one box, bedroom essentials in another).
• Keep a small “first-night” box with things you’ll need immediately when you move back in (toiletries, phone chargers, basic tools). Check out this article for more packing tips. 

Practical Tips for a Smooth Temporary Move

Moving out during a renovation isn’t just about packing boxes and finding a place to stay—it’s about making the transition as seamless as possible. Through my experience, I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t), so here are my top tips to help you avoid stress and unnecessary delays.

1. Plan Your Move Well in Advance

The biggest mistake homeowners make is leaving things until the last minute. As soon as you decide to move out, start planning:

• Confirm your move-out and return dates with your builders so there’s no confusion.
• Book alternative accommodation early—short-term lets in London can fill up fast.
• Arrange storage for anything you’re not taking with you. Using profesional removal companies can can streamline the process.
• Check insurance coverage—some policies require additional protection for stored or temporarily relocated belongings.

If you’re unsure whether your renovation insurance covers temporary accommodation or stored items, this guide on renovation insurance can help.

2. Pack Light and Keep Essentials Accessible

You don’t want to move out with your entire wardrobe and every kitchen gadget you own. The trick is to bring just enough to be comfortable while keeping things simple.

• Prioritise daily essentials (clothes, toiletries, laptops, kids’ school items).
• Store bulky or rarely used items to avoid cluttering your temporary home.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a safe place—losing track of paperwork during a move can be a nightmare.

3. Set Up a Communication Plan with Your Builders

One challenge of moving out is that you’re not there daily to oversee progress. To stay in the loop:

• Schedule regular site visits to check on work.
• Ask for weekly progress updates via email or WhatsApp.
• Leave clear instructions for access, especially if builders need to coordinate with suppliers or deliveries.

4. Budget for Additional Costs

Moving out comes with extra expenses, but staying put could slow things down, costing more in the long run. Factor in:

• Temporary accommodation costs (rent, utilities, short-term deposits).
• Storage fees, if you need a unit for furniture and belongings.
• Transport costs if you’re commuting back to check on progress.

5. Plan for Delays

Even the most well-organised renovations can run over schedule. Avoid frustration by:

• Booking flexible accommodation (e.g., short-term rentals with the option to extend).
• Keeping a buffer period before moving back in, just in case work overruns.
• Confirming when utilities will be fully restored—it’s no use moving back in if the heating or water isn’t working!

When Moving Out Isn’t Necessary (But Precautions Are!)

Not every renovation requires moving out. For smaller projects or when only parts of your home is affected, staying put can be a practical option—as long as you’re prepared to adjust your routines and living arrangements.

When Staying at Home Might Work

You might be able to remain in your home if:

• The work is limited to a single room (like a bedroom or bathroom).
• There’s a clear work area that can be sealed off from the rest of the house.
• You have alternative spaces to use—for example, a second bathroom or a temporary kitchen.
• The renovation is scheduled in stages, so you’re never left without essential facilities.

Creating a Safe and Livable Environment

If you choose to stay, you’ll need to set some boundaries to keep things manageable:

• Establish a “safe zone”—a dust-free area where you can relax.
• Adjust your daily routines—work hours might mean early morning noise.
• Plan around work schedules—knowing when builders will be in certain areas can help you organise your day.

3. Handling Noise, Dust and Disruptions

Staying at home means learning to live with some level of dust, noise and disruption. To make it easier:

• Use dust sheets and plastic barriers to contain mess.
• Invest in earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if working from home.
• Set clear work hours with your builders to minimise disruption.

4. When Staying Becomes a Bad Idea

Even if you’re determined to remain at home, certain situations might force a rethink:

• No access to essential rooms – If your bathroom or kitchen will be out of action for weeks, staying could be more hassle than it’s worth.
• Health concerns – If you or a family member has asthma or allergies, the dust and fumes might make staying unsafe.
• Heating and water shut-offs – If your central heating or water supply needs to be turned off for long periods, it might not be practical to stay.

If staying home will compromise comfort or delay work, moving out (even for a short period) could be the ideal solution in the long run.

Final Thoughts & Expert Advice

Deciding whether to move out during home renovation depends on the scope of the project, your family’s needs and your budget. Over the years, I’ve seen homeowners make both choices and the key takeaway is this: if your renovation is extensive and involves major construction work, moving out can save you stress and may even speed up the project.

If you’re still unsure, ask yourself:

• Will I have access to essential rooms like the kitchen and bathroom?
• Can I handle the noise, dust and disruption on a daily basis?
• Will staying cause delays because builders need to work around my routine?
• Do I have a backup plan in case things become too difficult?

For smaller projects, staying put can work—just be prepared to create a safe and livable space. But if you’re dealing with structural changes, a full home renovation, or long-term work, a temporary move might be the better option in the long run.

Renovation