Behind the Scenes: Our Staging day Install Toolkit
The practical tools we use to install and setup a staged home.
Staging day in Wilmington, NC involves far more than placing furniture and styling accessories. Behind the scenes, we rely on a core set of tools to hang artwork, install lighting, move furniture efficiently, make quick adjustments, and leave the home clean and polished when we’re done.
This is a simplified look at the tools we use during staging installs—everything linked below for easy reference.
Hanging + InstallATION
The tools we use to install artwork, mirrors and curtains.
Gorilla Hooks / Hercules Hooks
Our go-to for quickly hanging artwork in drywall with minimal damage. They only require a tiny hole to hang art and can hold up to 100lbs!Drywall Anchors - TOGGLER SnapSkru SPM Mini Self Drilling Drywall Anchor
Nothing worse than getting a call that a mirror in one of our staged homes has fallen off the wall and shattered! Ruins the mirror and can damage the home! These are the best wall anchors out there!
Pro Tip: Skip the anchors that come with artwork or mirrors—they’re often unreliable and can lead to damage over time.Cordless Drill Driver Kit | DEWALT 20V
Reliable, lightweight drill used for artwork, hardware, and on-site adjustments. Make sure to charge the battery. :-)Screwdriver Bit Set (45-Piece)
Versatile set for wood, drywall, and general installs.Hardware Nails + Hammer Kit (Assorted Sizes)
A simple, all-in-one kit for hanging artwork and quick on-site adjustments.Laser Level (BLACK+DECKER)
Projects a straight guideline for hanging artwork and mirrors—helps ensure everything is level and aligned without measuring multiple times (but we still measure multiples times :-)).
TRANSPORT + Protection
These items help us move quickly and protect the home.
Furniture Sliders (X-Protector)
Move and slide heavy furniture easily without damaging floors.Felt Furniture Pads (300 Pack)
We add these to the chair feet and bottoms of tables to prevent scraping floors.Shoulder Dolly Appliance & Furniture Moving Straps
These straps are magical! We can move large, bulky furniture in and out of homes using these straps. No back pain required!Clear Storage Bins with Lids (Stackable)
Used to pack and transport small decor and textiles, while also storing larger cleaning supplies on staging day. Durable, stackable, and easy to see into for quick access on site.
SMOOTHING + Finishing TOUCHES
The tools to handle the all important details.
Warm LED Light Bulbs (2700K)
Creates a warm, consistent glow throughout the home.Handheld Garment Steamer (HiLIFE)
Used to quickly steam bedding, slipcovers, and curtains—an easy way to smooth wrinkles and elevate the overall look without pulling out an iron.Wrinkle Release Spray (Downy)
Quickly smooths bedding, curtains, and textiles when steaming isn’t an option (or the area is relatively small).Dusting Cloths (Pre-Treated)
Perfect for quickly wiping down dressers, coffee table and dining tabletops after installation.Extension Cord (Flat Plug, 10 ft)
Used to power lamps at installs—especially when outlets aren’t ideally placed
Cleanup + Touch-Ups
What we use to leave the home clean and ready for photos or showings.
3M Small Hole Repair (All-in-One Applicator)
An easy, all-in-one solution for patching nail holes and small wall damage—perfect for quick touch-ups (or secondary holes from the occasional unlevel piece of art..always blame the art and not the hanger)Magic Eraser Cleaning Pads (Mr. Clean)
Used to remove scuffs, marks, and buildup from walls, trim, and surfaces—an easy way to clean up small imperfections and leave a space looking like new!Handheld Vacuum (Fanttik Slim V8 APEX)
Used for quick cleanup during and after installation.Wood Repair Crayons (16 Colors)
Quick wood touch-ups for minor furniture scuffs or scratches before leaving.Hand Soap (Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day)
Hand Soap Refill (Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day)
A gentle, everyday hand soap we use on staging day to keep hands clean without drying them out. The refill makes it easy to restock between projects and keep everything consistent on site. Plus the smell is AMAZING.
on-site staging essentials
These are the small, often-overlooked items that make staging days run smoother—especially on longer or vacant home installs.
Trash bags - Heavy-duty kitchen sized bags for quick cleanup during installs—perfect for packaging waste, unpacking debris, and keeping the space tidy as you work.Paper towels - A staging day essential for quick wipes, spills, and last-minute touch-ups on surfaces before photos.
Glass cleaner - Keeps mirrors, glass, and artwork streak-free and polished—because nothing ruins a finished space faster than smudges or fingerprints.
Toilet paper you’ll thank us when you get to a brand new vacant house and the builder didn’t think to add any and the Port-A-John is gone.
Plastic utensils - weird one, yes, but imagine being on a long distance jobsite and realizing you can’t eat the takeout you picked up because they forgot to include utensils in the to-go bag.
Staging days in Wilmington, NC are fast paced (you’ll definitely get your steps in), and having the right tools on hand makes all the difference—not just in efficiency, but in the final result.
We’ve shared the products we rely on to create polished, show-ready homes that photograph beautifully and help properties stand out.
If you're setting up your own staging toolkit (or just love a good behind-the-scenes look), this list is a great place to start.