Mess is inevitable during construction, but you can minimize the impact to the rest of your home with the right planning.

If you are staying in your home during the project there are a few things you can do to help the dust from spreading into other rooms, but we aren’t going to lie—this won’t be the most fun thing you’ve ever done. If you have a cleaning obsession, it’s best to just let it go. Giving up some control and knowing this won’t last forever helps to keep your eye focused on the renovation prize!

Here are a handful of tips to help you along:

• Plastic and Tape – Seal off the kitchen area doorways with plastic sheeting.
• Keep doors and vents closed during construction days – Better yet, tape plastic over the vents while you’re at it.
• Moving Blankets or Tarps – In adjoining rooms, cover furniture with blankets, and bookcases with plastic painter’s tarps.
• Set Up a Work Area – When possible, set-up the construction area in a garage or outside covered area to eliminate the dust and noise of construction in the home’s living space.
• Flat Sheets – Wet the sheet and hang in front of the plastic to attract and catch drywall dust.
• 2 pairs of slippers – If you must walk thru the space, leave the dirty ones in the project room and clean ones on the other side–minimizing dust tracked throughout!
• Shop Vac – Save your good vacuum cleaner until the end.
• Leave when you can. – Take a break and focus on something other than your project.