For large kitchen remodeling projects, it's best to create a temporary substitute kitchen. The dining room, family room, or other adjacent area is likely the best candidate for this role.

•Lay down plastic sheeting (4 mil or thicker) on the floor, and then top that with some inexpensive 1/2-inch plywood sheathing or oriented strand board (OSB). A couple of full sheets will give you an 8x8-foot work area, plenty for setting up a makeshift table/countertop. Even if you aren’t keeping your old appliances, for now retain at least the refrigerator and microwave oven to set up in this area. For even more versatility, look into a European tabletop cooking center, such as the Avanti Mini-Kitchen (800/323-5029; www.avantiproducts.com). Designed for use in dorm rooms and small apartments, these units are about the size of a large microwave oven and feature a small convection oven topped by two electric burners. (Some kitchen contractors give or loan these to their clients to use while their kitchen is out of commission; ask to see if that’s an option.) As for plumbing, use a laundry or utility sink if you have one.

• Adopt a simple menu that involves minimal fuss and lends itself to eating on disposable dinnerware. Frozen prepared foods, canned soup, and microwave entrees might not be everyday fare in your house, but the convenience they offer is exactly what you need. Salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit are easy to prepare and keep cleanup chores to a minimum. Pizza and takeout fast food is fine one or two nights a week, but you’ll tire quickly of that kind of fare. Try to mix it up a bit, and if possible, budget for one restaurant meal each weekend as a reward to keep you going. Finally, let good friends and local family members know that the occasional dinner invite would not only be greatly appreciated, but also reciprocated when your new kitchen is up and running.