Custom Closet Installation Checklist

To help ensure everything goes smoothly, we’ve created this simple checklist to prepare your space before our installation team arrives.

Before Installation Day

✓ Provide Access Information

Please let your designer or our office staff know if there are any special arrangements needed to access your home, including:

• Gate or entry codes
• Parking instructions or permits
• Service elevator access
• Building restrictions or approved work hours
• Any community or HOA requirements

Providing this information in advance helps our installers arrive prepared and stay on schedule.

✓ Completely Empty the Closet

For the best installation experience, your closet should be completely cleared out before our team arrives.

Please remove:

• Clothing
• Shoes
• Handbags and accessories
• Jewelry and valuables
• Storage bins and baskets
• Personal items and keepsakes
• Freestanding dressers and poufs

If possible, remove any movable furniture near the installation area as well.

✓ Clear the Surrounding Area

Our installers need room to safely move materials and equipment throughout your home.

Please remove:

• Pictures and mirrors
• Decorative items and wall décor
• Fragile items and collectibles
• Furniture that may obstruct access

If artwork, mirrors, or decorative pieces are hanging on walls adjacent to the closet, we recommend removing those as well. In addition, please remove any pictures or wall décor located in narrow hallways, stairways, or other access routes leading to the installation area. Our installers often carry large closet panels and oversized components through these spaces, and removing wall hangings beforehand helps prevent accidental damage to both your belongings and the materials being installed. Minor vibrations during installation can also occasionally cause items to shift or fall.

✓ Secure Valuables

While our installers take great care in your home, we recommend storing valuable items in a safe location before installation begins.

If noted on your project paperwork, our team can remove existing:

• Shelving
• Clothes rods
• Cleats
• Baseboards

We will also perform light spackling to repair minor holes as needed.

If you would like to keep any materials that are removed, please let us know before installation day so it can be noted on the paperwork.

Please note that work outside the scope of your installation may incur additional charges.

Pets and Children

Your family’s safety is important to us.

During installation, our team will be carrying large materials and using professional tools, nails, screws, and power equipment. To safely move materials into and out of your home, exterior doors may need to remain open for periods during the installation.

For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that:

• Children remain away from the work area during installation.
• Indoor pets are secured in a separate room or area of the home before the installation begins.
• Pets remain safely contained throughout the installation process, as open doors can create an opportunity for them to accidentally escape.

Taking these precautions helps protect your family, your pets, and our installation team while allowing the project to proceed efficiently and safely.

Designate a Work Area

Because every closet system is custom-built, some materials may need to be cut and adjusted during installation.

If possible, identify an outdoor workspace for the installer’s use. If an outdoor area is not available, a nearby indoor area may work as long as:

• There is access to an electrical outlet
• There is adequate space to work safely
• Nearby furniture and belongings are covered to protect them from dust

Let Us Know About Special Circumstances

Please notify us in advance if:

• Other contractors will be working in your home
• You have recently installed flooring
• Protective coverings or shoe covers are required
• There are special access considerations we should know about

The more information we have beforehand, the smoother your installation day will be.

Painting

If you plan to paint the closet, we recommend completing all painting at least two days before installation. This allows sufficient time for the paint to fully dry before your custom system is installed.

If you’re planning to repaint the entire closet, be sure to remove any existing shelving, cleats, clothes rods, and other built-in components before painting begins. This allows you to properly patch, sand, and finish the walls, ensuring your time and investment in painting delivers the best possible result.

Painting around existing closet components often leaves visible lines, holes, and unfinished areas that may still be noticeable after your new closet system is installed. A little extra preparation up front can help create a cleaner, more polished finish for your new custom closet.

Flooring

If you are replacing hard-surface flooring such as wood, laminate, luxury vinyl, or tile, it’s generally best to complete that work before your closet installation.

If you are installing new carpet, many homeowners choose to wait until after the closet system has been installed.

Your designer can help you determine the best approach for your specific project.

Lighting

Thinking about adding a chandelier or upgrading your existing closet lighting?

In most cases, it’s best to wait until after your closet system has been installed before adding new fixtures. This helps ensure your lighting placement complements the final design and doesn’t interfere with the closet layout.

Get Ready to Enjoy Your New Closet

While your belongings are out of the closet, it’s the perfect opportunity to organize and declutter.

Consider:

• Sorting clothing by season
• Organizing by color or category
• Cleaning shoes and handbags
• Dry cleaning special occasion clothing
• Donating items you no longer wear

Taking a little extra time to organize before moving back in will help you get the most from your new custom closet. A quick and easy way to get rid of unwanted items is to request a ThredUp Clean-Out Kit from your Closet Factory Designer.