Preparing for IKEA Kitchen Installation: The Complete Checklist

Preparing for IKEA Kitchen Installation

Proper preparation is the difference between a smooth kitchen installation and a stressful one. Whether you're hiring professionals or tackling it yourself, this checklist will ensure you're ready when installation day arrives.

4 Weeks Before Installation

#### Finalize Your Kitchen Plan

• Double-check your IKEA kitchen plan against your actual kitchen measurements
• Confirm all cabinet sizes, especially corner units and fillers
• Verify that your plan accounts for plumbing locations, electrical outlets, and appliance dimensions
• Print a final copy of your plan with the itemized parts list

#### Place Your IKEA Order

• Order everything on your plan, including all internal organizers, cover panels, and trim pieces
• Add 10% extra for filler strips, cover panels, and trim (these are easy to underorder)
• Consider ordering extra door fronts in case of damage during delivery or installation
• Save your order confirmation and receipt for warranty purposes

#### Schedule Your Team

• Book your installer and confirm the installation dates
• Schedule a plumber for sink and dishwasher connections
• Schedule an electrician if you need new outlets, lighting, or appliance circuits
• If applicable, schedule a countertop templating visit for the day after cabinet installation completes

2 Weeks Before Installation

#### Building Coordination (NYC Apartments)

If you live in a co-op or condo in NYC, you'll likely need to:

• Submit an alteration application to your building's management
• Provide proof of insurance - Your installer should provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Reserve the freight elevator for delivery and removal days
• Notify neighbors of upcoming construction noise
• Review building work hour restrictions - Many NYC buildings limit work to weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM, with no work on holidays

Buildings in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens each have their own rules. Ask your building manager for specifics well in advance.

#### Permits (If Required)

• Most simple cabinet replacements don't require permits
• Plumbing or electrical changes may require permits in NYC or New Jersey
• See our detailed guides on NYC building codes and NJ renovation permits

#### Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

• Designate a space (dining room, spare bedroom) as your temporary kitchen
• Move essentials: microwave, toaster, electric kettle, coffee maker
• Stock up on paper plates, disposable utensils, and cups
• Plan meals that require minimal cooking - this is a great time for meal prep or meal delivery services
• Fill a cooler or mini-fridge with essentials

1 Week Before Installation

#### Clear Your Kitchen Completely

This is critical and often underestimated:

• Remove everything from cabinets and drawers - all dishes, food, cookware, small appliances
• Clear countertops completely
• Remove items from above cabinets if you store anything there
• Take down curtains, blinds, or window treatments that might be in the way
• Remove any wall-mounted items near the work area (clocks, artwork, shelving)
• Clear a path from the entrance to the kitchen for bringing in materials

#### Protect Your Home

• Lay drop cloths or plastic sheeting on floors from the entrance to the kitchen
• Cover doorways to adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting to contain dust
• Remove or cover furniture in adjacent rooms, especially if demolition is involved
• Protect hardwood floors with Masonite or Ram Board in high-traffic paths

#### Check Appliance Readiness

• Confirm delivery dates for any new appliances
• Verify appliance dimensions match your IKEA plan specifications
• For built-in appliances (dishwasher, microwave), confirm compatibility with IKEA cabinet sizes
• Have appliance manuals available for the installer

Delivery Day

#### When Your IKEA Order Arrives

This step is crucial. IKEA orders for a full kitchen can be 40-80 boxes, and errors happen.

• Check every box against your order list
• Look for damage - crushed corners, water stains, or punctures
• Open boxes for high-value items like door fronts and glass doors to inspect for damage
• Count hardware bags - small items like hinges and screws are easy to miss
• Report missing or damaged items immediately to IKEA. Their replacement process can take 1-2 weeks.
• Organize boxes by cabinet number if possible - your installer will thank you

Where to store everything: In a NYC apartment, space is tight. Clear your living room or bedroom to stage IKEA boxes. Stack them carefully, keeping door fronts upright to prevent warping.

Day Before Installation

#### Final Preparations

• Confirm with your installer - time of arrival, parking arrangements, building access
• Disconnect the refrigerator if it needs to be moved (let it settle for 24 hours after moving before restarting)
• Shut off water to the kitchen sink and dishwasher (know where your shutoff valves are)
• Clear the area one final time
• Have your IKEA plan printed and posted on the wall for easy reference

#### Prepare for the Installers

• Ensure adequate lighting in the work area
• Make sure the bathroom is accessible and stocked
• Have water and snacks available (a small gesture that goes a long way)
• Provide WiFi access if available
• Exchange phone numbers with the lead installer for easy communication

During Installation

#### Your Role During the Process

• Be available for questions, especially on Day 1 when decisions about layout come up
• Don't micromanage - professional installers know what they're doing
• Document the process with photos. This is useful for warranty claims and for appreciating the transformation later.
• Raise concerns immediately - if something doesn't look right, speak up sooner rather than later
• Keep children and pets away from the work area

#### Decision Points to Expect

Your installer may ask you about:

• Exact height for the suspension rail (which determines upper cabinet height)
• Filler placement and trim details
• Hardware placement on doors and drawers
• How to handle any unexpected issues with walls, floors, or plumbing

After Installation

#### Final Walkthrough Checklist

• All cabinets are level and plumb
• All doors open and close smoothly with soft-close engaging
• All drawers slide smoothly and close fully
• Hardware is secure and aligned
• Filler strips and trim are clean and tight
• No visible gaps between cabinets and walls
• Under-sink area is properly finished
• Toekicks are secure

Being well-prepared makes the entire installation smoother, faster, and less stressful. If you'd like professional help planning and executing your IKEA kitchen installation, our team serves the entire NYC metro area and New Jersey. Schedule a consultation today.