More than any other single home renovation project, kitchen remodeling is disruptive to your everyday routine. An extensive project can require weeks or even months to complete, so you need to have practical alternatives for food storage, cooking, and cleanup. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure a happier process, less disruption, and better results.

• Begin your planning and preparation months before the demolition hammer meets the drywall. The last thing you want is to be making design and product decisions after the old kitchen is gutted. For starters, get a professional planner or certified kitchen designer on board right away.

They’ll help you make decisions about layout, cabinetry, appliances, and lighting, so you can get product specifications and installation info in hand well ahead of time. Budget for this expertise; it’s a bargain compared to fixing avoidable mistakes later or living with a new kitchen you wish had turned out differently.

• Be sure your contractor has pulled the necessary permits before starting and knows the schedule for inspections. Until things like electrical and plumbing get signed off, work has to stop, even if it means your kitchen sits torn apart for an extra week.

• Order everything early. Whenever possible, purchase appliances, cabinetry, sinks, and other fitted items well in advance. Inspect the condition when they arrive, and confirm that they are the right items. Manufacturer delays, freight damage, incorrect dimensions, and other problems are best managed or avoided by building a lot of lead time into the process. If you don’t have a dry and secure garage or similar space to store these goods, try to arrange storage with your designer or contractor, or rent a storage unit.