How to Prep for Cabinet Delivery Day (Without Stress)

Cabinet delivery day can set the tone for your entire remodel. A smoothly executed delivery means no delays, safer installs, and on-time project completion. But if paths are blocked, appliances are still in place, or there’s no safe spot to unload, what should have been seamless often becomes chaotic, and costly.

Here’s the secret: most delivery day disasters happen not due to lack of skill, but due to a lack of preparation. Skip these prep steps, and you’re asking for delays, damaged finishes, and stressed installers. Speaking from experience with hundreds of installs, a little upfront work ensures your cabinets arrive, and fit, in perfect condition.

1. Clear a Path From Entry to Kitchen 

Remove Obstacles

• Furniture, rugs, décor, and even pet supplies can get in the way. Clear every hallway and doorway leading to the kitchen.
• Measure hallways and entryways compared to cabinet box dimensions. If a box is 24” wide and your hallway is 30”, that’s just enough, but once wrapped or on dollies, it becomes tight.

Keep the Path Clean & Safe

• Sweep, vacuum, and light up the route. Even tiny debris, gravel or drywall dust, can tear cabinet finishes.
• Lay down temporary floor protector or ram board if installers will walk through with tools or dollies.

Ensure Accessibility

• Lock doors or hide kids and pets away from the path. You want the entire route free from surprise traffic.

2. Remove Old Cabinets & Appliances Early

Disconnect Utilities

• Schedule days before delivery to disconnect sinks, dishwashers, fridges. Avoid last-minute unplugging messes.

Label and Bag Items

• Group plumbing fixtures and hardware in labeled bags (“sink plumbing,” “cabinet screws”) to keep track during install and cleanup.

Pre-Delivery Clean-Up

• Cabinets install smoother on a clean surface, no nails or sawdust. Sweep and vacuum thoroughly to protect new finishes.

Instruct Disposal or Storage

• Ensure installers know what to do with old materials. A cluttered workspace slows progress and increases risk.

3. Designate a Clean, Dry Staging Area

Choose the Right Spot

• Ideally, choose a dry, clean area adjacent to the kitchen (garage, mudroom).
• Make sure it’s at least a foot wider than the largest cabinet box.

Prep the Zone

• Lay down floor protection (e.g., Ram Board, double cardboard), tape seams, and ensure the area is unobstructed.

Protect Cabinets Once Delivered

• Stack boxes no more than two high to avoid tipping.
• Keep pallets or boards underneath to avoid moisture damage.
• If cabinets sit over multiple days, ensure climate control, no dampness.

4. Confirm Delivery Logistics in Advance

Timing and Access

• Confirm delivery window 24–48 hours prior. Ask whether they need dock access, curb space, or ramp.
• Notify neighbors if delivery trucks will block driveways to avoid unexpected traffic jams.

Inspect Upon Arrival

• Assign someone at delivery to open boxes and check contents immediately. Delays in reporting damage can void warranties.

Signing and Planning for Retention

• Ask the delivery team where to stage each group of cabinets. Pre-assign “zones” to streamline install.

5. Coordinate With Your Installer

Share the Blueprint

• Provide installers a layout showing path, staging area, and entry route. Send measurements ahead of time.

Confirm Install Timing

Make sure installers are on-site when cabinets arrive. Opening and placing boxes before bodies are there can damage contents or cause misplacement.

Add Contacts and Contingencies

• Leave installer-on-site and delivery-driver contact info so issues can be solved on the spot.

What Could Go Wrong, and How Prep Fixes It

Real-Life Examples

Client “The Washer Surprise”

A client didn’t disconnect their washer, thinking it wouldn’t matter. But the truck couldn’t enter through the utility room, and cabinets ended up stacked outside, exposed to weather and debris before installs were delayed.

The Fix: They removed the washer next day, created a flat staging space, and deliveries resumed smoothly.

Condo Delivery with Surprise Steps

In a downtown condo, a small curb and two steps blocked the path. The delivery team was caught without dollies. Cabinets were left on carts in the hall for 24 hours, creating delays and risking damage.

The Fix: The client provided a rental ramp and informed installers 48 hours ahead. Delivery and install occurred same-day without issues.

2-Day Prep Timeline

Day Before Delivery:

• Remove appliances, old cabinets
• Thoroughly clean path and staging area
• Lay down floor protectors (hallways & staging zone)
• Confirm measurements and box dimensions
• Reconfirm delivery window and access details

Morning of Delivery:

• Clear entry, seal off pets/children
• Ensure staging area is empty & concealed from weather
• Brief delivery driver & installer on staging zones
• Open boxes as delivered, inspect, and label

After Delivery:

• Verify cabinet counts and report any damage
• Let installers sort boxes into zones for sequencing
• Ensure cabinets stay dry and safe until install begins

Pro Tips From the Field

• Toolkit on standby: Keep screwdrivers, extra screws, adhesives, and cleaning cloths on-site for minor fixes.
• Label everything: Use painter’s tape/marker to number boxes by location (e.g., “A1 = Island Left Base”).
• Photo documentation: Snap pics of the path and final placements, handy for future remodeling projects.
• Protect to the end: Remind delivery teams to pull floor protectors back before finishing touches starts.

Scaling Up: Multi-Day or Delayed Installs

If your installer isn’t starting the same day as delivery:

• Cover cabinets fully: Use plastic wrapping to protect from dust and moisture.
  
• Climate control is essential: Heating in winter, dehumidifiers in high humidity.
  

Check cabinet functionality daily, keep eyelashes clear and mark any damage early.