At Roux MacNeill Studio, we know that a smooth installation day makes all the difference. Katerina, our beloved Install Queen and Studio Manager, has perfected the art of flawless deliveries and installations for furniture, lighting, and accessories in our client homes. Here’s a look at the essential supplies Katerina swears by:

1. Moving Blankets

Protecting new countertops, precious floors, and furniture surfaces from accidental damage is key. Katerina's favorite moving blankets, easily sourced from Amazon (link), offer the perfect solution for safeguarding your newly designed spaces during the busy hustle of installation.

Pro tip: Don't hesitate to buy a couple of the six-packs, because you'll want to protect everything!

2. SprayWay Glass Cleaner

Say goodbye to streaks! Katerina insists on Sprayway Streakless Glass Cleaner for pristine mirrors and glass surfaces (link). Avoid ammonia-based products like standard Windex, which can cause permanent damage to mirrors.

Pro-tip: In lieu of paper towels, Katerina loves using coffee filters for lint-free glass and mirror cleaning.

3. Handheld Swiffer Dusters

These dusters are an absolute lifesaver when it comes to removing fluff, dust, and those stubborn little pieces of Styrofoam left over from packaging. According to Katerina, nothing works better to quickly and effectively tidy up surfaces and decor. (link)

4. Mini Vacuum

A mini vacuum is indispensable for quick cleanup tasks and keeping installation sites neat. Katerina's pick is a reliable, compact, and powerful model such as the Dirt Devil Scorpion Plus Handheld Vacuum Cleaner (link). It’s lightweight, portable, and powerful enough to handle small messes efficiently.

5. Felt Pads for Furniture Legs

Felt pads in a versatile 3/4" round size are essential for preventing scratches on floors. Katerina recommends having an assortment of sizes and shapes, with options to match either furniture legs or flooring surfaces. This set has every shape you could think of to protect your floor and shelves from furniture and accessories (link).

Pro tip: choose pads that blend seamlessly depending on the furniture piece and flooring to maintain a polished look.

6. Katerina’s "Super" Scissors

Heavy-duty scissors are a staple in Katerina's installation toolkit. Her go-to? Westcott’s Titanium-Coated Heavy Duty scissors (link). They’re perfect for effortlessly cutting through thick rug pads, packaging materials, and just about anything else!

7. Goo Gone

Nothing beats Goo Gone (link) for quickly removing annoying stickers and stubborn adhesive residue from furniture and accessories. This magical solvent is always on hand to ensure every piece looks its absolute best.

Pro tip: use a plastic scraper along with Goo Gone to make things quick and easy - the link we provided comes with one!

8. Box Cutter

An absolute must for opening packages efficiently and safely. Katerina emphasizes the importance of having a box cutter with a sharp, replaceable blade to ensure both safety and effectiveness during installations (link).

9. Fabric Steamer

When you're unboxing furniture, making beds, or hanging drapery, wrinkles happen—fast. That’s why Katerina never leaves for an installation without her trusty Conair ExtremeSteam 1200W (link). She loves the fact that it stands upright when she’s not actively steaming. It’s also a secret weapon for giving pillows and upholstered pieces a quick refresh before the client walkthrough.

Pro Tip: Always steam from the underside of delicate fabrics like linen or silk to avoid water spots or shine marks.

10. Insulated Water Bottle

Install days can be long and nonstop, so staying hydrated is a must! Katerina always has a giant insulated water bottle within arm’s reach—usually in a fun color that makes it easy to spot among boxes and packing blankets. Swell is a favorite favorite- with so many fun colors to choose from! (link)

With these tools at her fingertips, Katerina ensures every Roux MacNeill Studio installation is seamless, pristine, and picture-perfect. Trust us—your future self will thank you for stocking up on these essentials!