A smooth party day starts before the first guest arrives, and a big part of that is getting your home ready for delivery. Our three key tips: clear the area, secure pets, and keep a path from the door. At The Soft Play Social, we deliver, set up and sanitize soft play for toddler and preschool parties, and a little preparation on your end helps us get everything in place quickly and safely so you can focus on the celebration.
Step One: Clear the Area
Soft play needs open floor space. Before we arrive, clear the room or area where the setup will go. That gives us room to work and ensures the play space is safe once toddlers climb in.
What to move:
- Furniture: coffee tables, ottomans, side tables and chairs
- Rugs: thick or loose rugs can make the setup uneven; ask us whether to leave or roll them
- Breakables: lamps, vases, frames and decor at toddler height
- Plants: potted plants, especially any that might be harmful if a curious toddler takes a bite
- Toys and clutter: anything left on the floor that could become a tripping hazard
- Cords: tuck away or secure loose electrical cords
Leave a little buffer around the edges of the setup as well. A clear zone around the soft play gives parents room to sit and watch and keeps kids from bumping into walls or furniture as they climb out.
Measure Ahead of Time
Measuring the space before you book helps us recommend the right setup. Note the length and width of the clear floor area, any low ceilings, and anything that cannot be moved, like a fireplace hearth or a built-in shelf. If you are planning to use a garage, basement or backyard, measure there too.
Step Two: Secure Pets
We love pets, but delivery day is not their day. Doors open and close often during setup, equipment is carried in and out and strangers are moving around the house. Even calm, friendly animals can get stressed, underfoot or out the door unexpectedly.
Before we arrive:
- Put pets in a closed room with water, a bed and a favorite toy, away from the setup area and the front door.
- Consider a crate for dogs who are comfortable in one.
- Let us know if there are pets in the home so our team knows to watch doors.
- Plan for party time, too. A room full of excited toddlers can be a lot for a pet. Many families keep pets in a quiet room for the whole party, or arrange for them to stay with a friend.
- Clean up pet hair in the setup area. A quick vacuum before delivery keeps fur out of the soft play.
Step Three: Keep a Path From the Door
Soft play pieces need to travel from our vehicle to your setup space. A clear, safe path makes delivery faster and protects your walls, floors and belongings.
Check the route:
- Driveway and walkway: Move cars, bikes, toys and trash cans that could block the way. Let us know where we can park.
- Entry: Clear shoes, coats, strollers and anything else sitting near the door.
- Hallways and stairs: Pick up anything on the floor along the way. If the setup is upstairs or in a basement, tell us ahead of time.
- Gates and doors: Unlock side gates for backyard setups, and prop open interior doors if that helps.
- Lighting: For early morning or evening deliveries, turn on outside lights.
Apartment or condo? Let us know about elevators, stairs, building access, loading areas and any rules about deliveries. A quick heads-up to your building manager can help, too.
Outdoor Setups: A Few Extra Steps
Backyard parties are wonderful, especially in mild weather. To prepare an outdoor space:
- Choose a flat, level area of grass or patio.
- Mow the lawn a day or two ahead if needed, and clear sticks, rocks, pinecones and pet waste.
- Avoid sprinkler heads, low branches and areas that stay wet.
- Think about shade for warm days.
- Check the forecast and have an indoor backup plan.
What to Have Ready on Delivery Day
- An adult at home to greet us and confirm the setup spot
- Your phone nearby in case we need to reach you on the way
- The setup area cleared, measured and clean
- Pets secured
- A clear path from the door
- Your decorations nearby (but not in the setup area) so you can decorate once the soft play is in place
Common Delivery-Day Mistakes
- Decorating first. Balloons and banners in the setup space can get in the way. Decorate around the soft play once it is set up.
- Forgetting about parking. Make sure we can get close to your door.
- Leaving pets loose. It is the most common surprise during setup.
- Not mentioning stairs or tight spaces. A quick note lets us plan.
- Cutting the timing too close. Allow enough time for setup before guests arrive.
What to Do This Week
- Pick and measure your setup space.
- Walk the path from the curb to the setup area and note any obstacles.
- Make a plan for your pets on delivery and party day.
- Share any building access details with us.
Clear the area, secure pets and keep a path from the door, and your delivery will go smoothly. The Soft Play Social delivers, sets up and sanitizes soft play for toddler and preschool parties. Ask us about dates.
