6 Low Budget Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen When You Move

What if you have found the ideal new home — but the kitchen is a bit dated? 

Many people dream of a new kitchen but can’t afford the costs of expensive remodels when they move into their new home. With the average kitchen remodel costing anywhere between $12,000 to $35,000, even a minor remodel can easily set a new homeowner back at least $4,000. 

Here are a few low-budget ways to refresh a dated kitchen and give it a newer look. It’s not a full remodel, but these small changes can make a huge difference.

1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A coat of new paint can shave years off a dated kitchen. Painting is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to refresh a kitchen when moving into a new home. All it requires is about 1-2 gallons of paint and a few hours to get the job done. In the end, the kitchen will look refreshed and inviting.

2. Update Kitchen Cabinets

New kitchen cabinets can cost thousands of dollars. However, many vintage kitchen cabinets are well-made of solid wood and will continue to last decades.

  • Sand and re-stain
  • Paint
  • Add new cabinet pulls and knobs

Sometimes, all kitchen cabinets need is a little TLC, and you can make them look refreshed and new without the hefty price tag.

3. Upgrade to a Modern Faucet

Many people are surprised after they realize the dramatic impact a modern faucet makes in a kitchen. Old, outdated faucets are often hard to keep clean and aren’t as functional as newer models. Yet, it’s one of the things most new homeowners overlook. Traditional chrome models show water stains, whereas brushed nickel and other versions repel water and leave it looking clean all the time. More contemporary faucets also add height and have built-in spray features making pots and pans easier to clean. Good-quality faucets are very affordable and can give your sink a whole new look.

4. Change Drawer and Shelf Liners

A low-budget refresh that you can do before your residential move or quickly before you unpack is to place new shelf liners throughout the kitchen. It’s a great way to give the interior of cabinets a clean look. It provides an opportunity to do some reorganization and perhaps even some downsizing to make cabinets more functional. Depending on how many surfaces need re-lining, this job, on average, costs anywhere between $25 and $75.

5. Install New Switch and Outlet Plates

Switch and outlet plates are often overlooked items for replacing. Homes often contain the original metal or white switch plates and then can look dingy. Try installing decorative or at least newer metal ones to provide a “cleaner” look—it’s surprising to learn what a big difference this small change makes. Nice-looking switch and outlet plates can cost anywhere between $3 and $15 per cover. It’s an easy fix that doesn’t take away much time from unpacking.

6. Add New Lighting

Older kitchens often have dim or inefficient lighting, which makes the room look dark and dank. Swap out the overhead fixture for an updated fixture that accommodates LED light bulbs. Homeowners can find inexpensive fixtures. If you need to have them professionally installed, it will increase the cost, but they’ll do it safely and correctly. 

New Home Refresh

Moving into a new place with a dated kitchen doesn’t have to bring down the excitement; even minor changes can equal significant differences.

Are you planning an upcoming move? Contact us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our moving services.