I plant my base out from the start. Usually by measuring out a (10+23)x25 area, if I remember the measurements correctly (it's hard without finger memory!). I then start by separating the 10x25 part into two - one of these becomes the first storage area. This is also where all colonists sleep until further notice.
As I start building the other half of the 10x25 (which, when both halves are done, will be the cupboard-cum-freezer and general storage respectively) I also start building simple cafeteria furniture in the huge 23x25 part. Once both storage rooms are walled and roofed I start walling the larger room. When built, the large room will serve as everything I need in the early game - guest room, hospital, kitchen, dinner room, crafting room, sleeping dorm for every new colonists recruit, and so on.
Later on, as colonists get their own rooms and other functions get dedicated space the large area is reshaped into a cafeteria/recreation room with a crafting corner. Later the idea is to expand or make a new area for the crafting part, but I usually never stick to playing the same game long enough that it becomes
too crowded, so I can't say with certitude how that works out for me yet.
Freezer and storage usually ends up getting an outward expansion as well when needed. I also have a habit of making hallways (and the boiler room) into permanent "temporary" storage space for less important items and/or resources.
So yeah. All my games usually uses that lay out. I feel like a complete bore for not being more experimental now
I guess I can always disassemble the shacks, but this has bugged me ever since dwarf fortress where it felt like early survival construction made my fort look ugly once it was established.
I don't do this for Rimworld, but when I play DF I usually endeavour to make my initial dwelling (dorm + dinner hall + storage) placed as such that it will later work as my "uppermost barracks". This is where I want my crossbowdwarves to hang out (and maybe a squad of melee dwarves once there's enough people to field several squads) so they're close to action and can quickly respond to ambushes or other things that happen on the surface.
The leftover storage rooms are converted to training rooms and/or archery ranges, but also where I usually start my first farming plots.