Our Install Necessities

Written By: Hannah Holbrook

Ahhh, your install date has arrived and you are ready to crush it. But wait - do you have all the supplies you need? Being prepared for installations is critical to being efficient, and it helps make the process more enjoyable.

Your install list will vary depending on the size and scope of the project. We are about to begin a 400,000 sq. ft. installation for a senior living campus that consists of three buildings (ranging from 1 to 5 stories), so this install guide may be longer than yours needs to be.

However, there are three primary categories of items that you will need to have stocked and ready to go for the projected install date - supplies, equipment, and most importantly, FOOD.

SUPPLIES:

Again, depending on the size of your install and what kind of help you have, the type and amount of supplies you need will vary.

We always like to have a small bag on us, like our custom Abbey Hall Interiors fanny packs. Inside these, we like to have the items that we need the most so they’re easily accessible. These include painters tape for marking items that need to be moved or for placing on the wall where art needs to be hung; a small measuring tape; scissors; door stop; hand sanitizer; Advil (in case a headache creeps in); and chap-stick (because no one likes chapped lips).

Oh, and toilet paper! How could we forget toilet paper. If you are on a commercial site - hoard it, stock it, and store it - or it will be stolen. Charmin is like gold on construction sites.

EQUIPMENT:

Even if you have a moving crew, it’s still good to have a few items for your team to use. We like to make sure that we each have a dolly, a cart for art and lamps, and a tool box full of any and every tool we potentially need.

FOOD:

Mmmm…. foooood. You’re going to be on your feet for over 8 hours and you’re going to need some replenishment! Sometimes you won’t have time to break for lunch, so make sure you have a backup. We like to have a landing spot where we store waters, small snacks like some power bars or nuts, and some energy or coffee drinks. To us, this is the most important factor to keep us going!

No matter how big or how small your install is, being prepared with these items ensures you’re ready to go on your install date. Most importantly, make sure all your furniture, fixtures, and accessories are tagged and accounted for in an inventory spreadsheet and above that, remember to support one another and have fun!