There’s nothing quite like install day—the excitement, the chaos, the transformation. But any seasoned designer will tell you that a smooth install doesn’t happen by accident. It’s all about being prepared. We asked the IDC community: What’s in your Install Day Kit? And wow, did you deliver!
We’ve compiled your favorite must-haves, personal tricks, and Amazon picks to build the ultimate install day kit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, consider this your go-to checklist for project success.
Tools & Hardware
You never know what challenges a new space will throw at you. These are the ride-or-die basics for every designer’s kit:
DEKOPRO Combination Package Mixed Tool Set Hand Tool Kit Nothing crazy but enough to handle assembly and hang artwork
Picture Hanging Kit, Picture Hangers Assorted Kit With Heavy Duty Wall Hooks If you need to hang something on the wall, this kit has got you covered! Comes in silver and black finish as well.
Picture Hanging Strips, Removable Damage Free, White Medium For the times you can’t use nails
ScotchBlue Original Multi-Surface Painters Tape Mark your spots, test your layout — and keep your walls clean.
Box Cutter, 4-Pack Tough Folding Box Cutter for Heavy Duty Purpose, Razor Sharp Blade, Comfortable Handle Perfect for slaying those dreaded boxes, stickers and tags
Step Ladder, Folding Step Stool with Wide Anti-Slip Pedal I wish I was a little bit taller, wish I was a baller…IYKYK
235 pcs Felt Furniture Pads Brown & Beige X-Protector! Huge Quantity of Furniture Pads for Hard Floors If its not on a rug it needs to be on felt pads 100%
💡 Pro Tip from @redorabledesign: Keep your go-to items in a stylish fanny pack for easy access (especially scissors and your phone)!
Cleaning & Touch-Ups
You can’t make things beautiful if they’re dusty, scratched, or covered in sticker residue.
Sprayway Glass Cleaner Hands down the best glass cleaner and this 4 -pack comes with a microfiber
Wood Cleaner Preservative Makes all wood surfaces look their best
Goo Gone The OG sticker remover, this one comes with a scraper tool
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Extra Durable Because scuffs happen. And when they do, these make them disappear.
Swiffer Sweeper 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit,Dry, wet, and always on point.
BISSELL CleanView XR Pet 300w Lightweight Cordless Vacuum with Extra Battery Powerful yet easy to take anywhere
Stand Up Broom and Dustpan I love that it stands on its own and the teeth on the dustpan
Furniture Repair Kit Wood Markers Nobody’s gonna know…
💡 Pro Tip from @ventureshuffle Remember the Toilet Paper, especially in new builds. Several designers said they learned that the hard way.
Power, Tech & Setup
You likely coordinate teams, manage last-minute changes, and ensure the entire plan is executed successfully.
Retevis RT19 Walkie Talkie Earpiece with Mic, 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies Long Range Keeps the screaming across the install to a minimum
Heavy Duty Extension Cord Power where you need it. You should have a couple of these they come in white as well.
Extension Cord 20 Ft, Power Strip Surge Protector with 8 Outlets 4 USB Ports(2 USB C), Long Cord, Flat Plug, Wall Mount Power in any form and the flat wall plug for a low profile
Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger Wireless Power Bank with USB-C Cable, Magsafe-Compatible Battery Pack When your phone is about to die but you have to keep moving!
Fold-in-Half Adjustable Folding Table, 4 Foot Don’t spread your gear on the floor set up a command center. Snacks and tape measures welcome.
💡 Pro Tip from @eclecticdesign.co dedicated “install shoes” to keep the new space pristine.
The Extras That Save the Day
The little things matter—a lot. Here’s what community members swear by for those “uh-oh” moments:
Install Day Custom T-Shirts While it may not be a necessity, behind every beautiful reveal is a team that made it happen. It’s more than just a tee; it’s a badge of honor.
Upholstery Repair Sewing Kit: 47 Pieces Heavy Duty Sewing Kit with Sewing Awl, Seam Ripper, I hope you never need this, but if you do, you’ll be so glad you did.
Hand-held Streamer Winkles be GONE! Don’t forget distilled water for this.
Red Bull Sugarfree You’ll make better choices tomorrow, today we need all the power.
Don't Forget...
- Positive mental attitude
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Snacks and Water
- And according to @oliviawestbrooksinteriors… maybe a shot of tequila 🙃
Ready to Upgrade Your Instal Kit?
We’ve gathered all the essentials in one list to simplify shopping. Save it, share it with your assistant, and get ready to tackle your next install like a pro.
What’s in your kit? Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @interiordesigncommunity using #IDCDesigners. We’d love to feature your tips next!