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Tips from McManus Kitchen & Bath and real clients who’ve been there.
Congratulations — you’re about to transform your bathroom! Whether it’s your primary bath or a guest suite upgrade, a remodel is a big deal. And while the payoff is always worth it, the process can feel a bit disruptive if you’re not prepared.
This guide outlines the top things you can do now to make the weeks ahead smoother, cleaner, and less stressful — plus a few tips from real clients who’ve been through it already.
If you haven't already mapped out the full scope of your project — budget, timeline, what's actually involved — our Tallahassee bathroom remodel planning guide is worth reading first. It gives you the bigger picture so the prep work in this post makes even more sense.
While you're in the design phase or waiting for materials to arrive, use the time to declutter. Go through your vanity, drawers, linen closet, and medicine cabinet. Make piles for:
Keep (everyday essentials)
Donate/Sell (fixtures, rugs, unused decor)
Toss (expired meds, crusty nail polish, etc.)
List old large items a few days before the new ones arrive.
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local charities like Habitat for Humanity and Lighthouse Children’s Home are great places to rehome items.
Not everything in your current bathroom has to go. Think creatively about what might still be useful:
Vanities or base cabinets can find new life in a laundry room or garage.
Mirrors or light fixtures might work in a guest bath or hallway.
If you’re adding an outdoor shower or pool bath later, your old sink or countertop could be a perfect fit.
If you're remodeling your only or primary bathroom, set up a backup space:
Move daily-use items into a hall or guest bath.
Store the rest in labeled boxes or totes.
Consider a portable vanity setup for makeup or shaving in a different room to ease morning congestion.
Use a tabletop LED mirror and a caddy or case for toiletries.
We’ll talk with you about a pet plan before your project starts, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
Make sure pets have microchips and collars
Create a cozy, quiet space away from the chaos
Play soft music to drown out construction noise
Take them for extra walks or breaks
If your pet gets anxious, consider pet sitters or temporary boarding (check Rover.com)
Yes, it gets messy. Yes, your routine will shift. But this process is a privilege — and one that ends with a bathroom built for you.
Use this time to slow down and spend time away from the dust (and your usual routines).
Grab dinner with friends. Try a new morning coffee spot. And when things feel hectic, remember the goal: a bathroom designed just for you.
We asked former clients what helped them the most during their remodel. Here are their top tips:
Begin sorting and packing 3 weeks before demo starts. Clean everything before storing it.
Cardboard boxes work well for towels and paper goods. Use plastic bins for makeup and liquids.
Even a simple setup with a microwave and coffee maker helps. One client even put their coffee station in the bathroom!
You’ll be sharing a bath for a while. A tote keeps all your essentials portable and tidy.
If your closet connects to the bathroom, you might need to move clothes. A freestanding rack gives you quick access in a spare bedroom (Lowes has good options for less than $25).
Remodeling can be overwhelming, but a little prep goes a long way. Whether you’re working with our team or just getting started, we hope this guide makes the process feel simpler and more manageable.
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What you’ll get:
A personal design consult in our showroom
3D drawings to help you visualize options
A ‘good-better-best’ estimate