What’s in my Bag? Complete Toolkit for Consultations & Site Visits
Have you ever shown up to a client consultation and realized you forgot one little thing that totally threw off your experience?
Are there tools you could add to your bag that would not only make your job easier, but also make you look like the total design boss that you are?
Today I’m giving you a sneak peek into my bag that goes with me to every single home visit, whether it’s an initial consultation, Designer-for-a-Day, or a Site Survey, this bag is always packed and ready to go.
It wasn’t always like this. I once forgot my laptop charger while at a Designer-for-a-Day that was 2 hours away; so there was no calling an associate to bring it to me. I was SO embarrassed. Fortunately, there was a Best Buy just a few minutes away and before long I was back in action. But I could have prevented the whole snafu with one simple checklist before I left.
BEING WELL PREPARED AT YOUR
CONSULTATION IS IMPERATIVE.
Your clients are paying you good money to be there and expect you to be prepared. What if you hired a plumber who showed up without a wrench? Ya with me?
While I might not use every single tool at every home visit, getting caught without the right tools just doesn’t look good. So go through this list, decide what you might need and get your bag packed and ready well BEFORE your next consultation.
THE BAGS
Let’s start with the bag I use for all my supplies. I’ve been using the Multiway Travel Bag from Mochi things for some time now, and I’m very pleased. It has a place for everything and it’s held up well over the last few years.
My other go-to bag is the Cratte Mini Backpack which holds my personal items and laptop.
THE TOOLS
Client & Project Notes: If it’s an initial visit, I print out their questionnaire and notes from the Discovery Call. If they are an established client, I bring their Project Binder.
Blog Post - How to Organize your Interior Design Project Binders
Consultation Worksheet: A handy worksheet I use for keeping notes organized during the initial consultation. This is used to help me either A) Prepare a project proposal or B) provide my client with notes from their consultation.
Clipboard: This is very important to help you walk and take notes. It also helps keep papers organized. I always keep a few Consultation Worksheets ready to go on this before I arrive.
Welcome Package: This is what I present to clients at the end of an initial Consultation should it seem like we are a good fit and they have requested a proposal. Pssst! Snag the Template here!
New Client Binder: This has an assortment of documents that help me illustrate how we work. I’ve got a whole blog post linked here for you with more details.
Blog Post: The 3 Binder System - How I Organize My Business to be More Efficient and Profitable
Grid Paper: For sketching room drawings. I prefer this perforated tablet
Trace Paper Sheets: These allow us to sketch ideas for renovations over existing conditions or new furniture arrangements. I like the no-tear sheets like these.
Assortment of Writing Tools: I’m obsessed with these Sharpie Pens and more recently with these more colorful versions.
Expanding File Folder: You’ll want one of these to organize Worksheets such as the printable Client Inventory Worksheet & Window Measurements Worksheet. I love this one
Favorite Paint Colors: Keep full-size sheets (8x11) stored in an expanding file folder with all your favorite go-to colors. This helps reduce the overwhelm that often comes from looking at every color under the sun on paint decks. You can get full-size sheets from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Willians through their trade website or Material Bank.
Heavy-Duty Tape Measure: I can’t stress enough the importance of a heavy-duty tape measure that is at least 25’ long. Showing up with a dinky tape measure looks so amateur. Also, there is a little skill involved in using a tape measure properly, so make sure you practice. You want to look like a seasoned pro in front of your clients! This one is my go-to
Laser Measure: This helps make your very long overall measurements quickly and accurately (reserve use of your tape measure for smaller incremental measurements). It’s especially helpful if you are going solo and don’t have someone to help you with the tape measure. I really like the Bosch 65’ laser, and I always keep a set of AAA batteries on hand.
Blog Post: How to Measure & Draw a Room (the right way!)
Painter’s Tape: This is helpful if you need to tape off a plan to help the client/contractor visualize where something will be in the plan. The delicate surface paint tape is usually a safe choice.
Laptop (or iPad) & Power Cord: Whichever device you prefer, don’t forget your charger! You may even want to keep a spare in your bag for emergencies.
Extension Cord: This has been super helpful when I’m doing a Designer-for-a-Day. We usually sit at a dining table and my cord often doesn’t reach the nearest outlet. Obviously, it needs to be good looking. ;)
Travel Mouse: This is a priority if I’m using SketchUp - only for Designer for a Day sessions. I love this one.
Charged Phone: If you’ll be using your phone at all for the project, make sure it’s fully charged before you arrive. I use this App for documenting windows and furniture measurements, so I always make sure my phone is ready to go.
Dog Treats: Always ask first, but having a few treats on hand and befriending your client’s dog is never a bad idea. These are so fun!
Personal Pouch: In here you’ll want hand sanitizer, tissues, lip gloss, mints, mini mirror, etc. Think - small comforts you might need in a pinch. These come in so many sophisticated colors.
This is quite the list, I know, but I promise you it’s worth the prep. You’ll arrive at each client appointment totally prepared and ready to wow them (which is exactly what you want, by the way 😉).
Get the Client Consultation Worksheet
