Hiring a temporary kitchen is straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way. This checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after delivery so there are no surprises.
Print this page or save it to your phone so you can tick things off as you go.
Before You Book
- Measure your driveway or indoor space. Standard driveway pods are approximately 3.6m x 2.1m. You need at least 4m x 2.5m of clear space on your driveway or a room of at least 2m x 1.5m for an indoor unit.
- Locate your outdoor tap. The provider will connect the kitchen's water supply to it. It should be within about 25 metres of where the pod will sit.
- Locate your nearest drain or gulley. Waste water needs to go somewhere. Ideally within 10 metres of where the pod will sit. Note if it is uphill — let your provider know.
- Check your power socket. The pod plugs into a standard 13A socket. An outdoor socket is ideal. If you only have indoor sockets, the provider can run a cable through a window or door.
- Check vehicle access. Can a flatbed truck or large van with a trailer get onto your street and turn into your driveway? Check for width restrictions, parked cars, and low-hanging branches.
- Decide on duration. How long is your renovation expected to take? Add a buffer of 1 to 2 weeks — renovations almost always overrun.
- Check your insurance. If your kitchen is out of action due to an insured event (flood, fire, burst pipe), your insurance may cover the hire cost. Check our insurance guide →
When Requesting Quotes
- Get at least 2 to 3 quotes. Prices vary significantly between providers.
- Ask what is included. Does the price cover delivery, setup, and collection? Or are these charged separately?
- Ask what appliances are included. Most pods include a hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, and sink. Some include a washing machine or dishwasher — check.
- Ask about gas vs electric. Some pods use LPG gas for the hob and oven. Others are fully electric. Know which you are getting.
- Ask about the hire period. Is it weekly billing? Is there a minimum hire? What happens if you need to extend?
- Ask about insurance documentation. If claiming on insurance, ask the provider for an insurance-ready quote. See our claims walkthrough →
- Check reviews. Look at Google and Trustpilot reviews for each provider. Focus on comments about delivery reliability and customer service.
Get free quotes from multiple providers →
The Day Before Delivery
- Move your car off the driveway. Park on the street or ask a neighbour.
- Clear your driveway completely. Remove bins, bikes, plant pots, toys, and anything else.
- Check overhead clearance. Trim any overhanging branches that might obstruct the delivery truck or crane.
- Turn on your outdoor tap. Check it works and is not frozen or seized.
- Test your power socket. Plug something in to make sure it works.
- Clear a path from the outdoor tap to the driveway. The provider will run a hose along this route.
- Tell your neighbours. Let them know a delivery is coming so they do not park in the way.
On Delivery Day
- Be home for the delivery slot. Someone needs to be present for the full setup.
- Confirm the pod position with the team. You can usually choose the exact spot.
- Watch the team connect water, waste, and power. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Watch the team test every appliance. Hob, oven, microwave, fridge, sink, hot water — everything should work before they leave.
- Get a walkthrough. Make sure you know how to use every appliance, where the controls are, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Get the provider's support contact. Save their phone number in your phone.
- Check you have a key. Most pods are lockable. Make sure you have the key and it works.
What to Bring to the Pod on Day One
You do not need to move your entire kitchen into the pod. Bring only what you will use regularly:
Essential:
- Kettle (if not included)
- Toaster (if not included)
- Pots and pans (2 to 3 is enough)
- Frying pan
- Chopping board and knife
- Wooden spoon and spatula
- Tin opener
- Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses (one set per person)
- Cutlery (one set per person)
- Tea towels (3 to 4)
- Washing-up liquid and sponge
- Bin bags
- Basic cleaning spray
Nice to have:
- Slow cooker or instant pot (great for one-pot meals in a small space)
- Baking tray
- Colander
- Cling film and foil
- Spice rack or small selection of spices
- Salt and pepper
Do not bring:
- Rarely used appliances (bread maker, waffle iron, etc.)
- Full dinner service sets
- Bulk food supplies — shop for the week, not the month
During Your Hire
- Keep the pod clean. Treat it like your normal kitchen. Wipe surfaces after cooking, do the washing up, and take rubbish out regularly.
- Lock up at night and when you leave the house. Most pods contain appliances worth several hundred pounds.
- Report any issues promptly. If something breaks or leaks, contact your provider straight away.
- Monitor your gas bottle (if LPG). You will know it is running low when the flame weakens. Your provider should have supplied a spare or told you where to buy a replacement.
- Do not overload the power circuit. The pod runs off a single plug socket. Avoid running a kettle, microwave, and oven simultaneously.
When Your Hire Ends
- Remove all your personal items and food. The provider will not do this for you.
- Give the pod a basic clean. You do not need to deep clean — just wipe down surfaces, empty the fridge, and sweep the floor.
- Be home for collection. The team needs access to disconnect and remove the pod.
- Check your driveway after collection. It should be in the same condition as before. If there is any damage, take photos and contact the provider.
- Cancel or close your insurance claim. If the temporary kitchen was covered by insurance, let your insurer know the hire has ended.
Quick Reference: Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driveway space | 4m x 2.5m minimum |
| Indoor space | 2m x 1.5m minimum |
| Water supply | Outdoor tap within 25m |
| Power | Standard 13A socket |
| Drainage | Drain or gulley within 10m |
| Vehicle access | Wide enough for flatbed truck |