A new decor project can be challenging at the best of times - but if you’re planning on getting started with an out-of-town project, the logistics get even more tricky.
There are lots of reasons that property owners aren’t able to be onsite during a major decor or renovation project. The most common of these is where the owners are currently residing in another property and need to complete work on the new home before moving in. Alternatively, the second property could have been bought to rent it out - after it’s been given some substantial TLC.
Whatever the reason you’re considering an out-of-town new decor project, proper prior planning is the 3 Ps to bear in mind to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Image credit: Vaughan Design and Development
Get Organized
Planning is key when it comes to organizing a new interior decor project from out of town. This will avoid minimizing journeys to and from the property and help everything run more efficiently. Plan out exactly what steps are needed to complete each part of the project, the timeframes, and the supplies, tools, and materials needed.
As you’ll be arranging this project from a distance, work out exactly who you need to hire to get the job done, remembering to take into account any inspection work you may need to have completed before starting work.
Make sure that you have renters insurance with a personal liability element before allowing anyone to start work. This is an important way of ensuring you’re protected, just in case anyone on your property suffers an accident or injury. You can purchase renters insurance online, and the process is a quick and easy one.
Consider Hiring an Interior Designer
Having a local interior designer take the reins of your home decor project could be a great way of ensuring your vision is brought to reality - even when you can’t be there to monitor things yourself.
There are lots of benefits to bringing an interior designer on board, including their professional expertise, access to suppliers, and the customized experience they can provide. Plus, they can help you with ideas and planning and advise on realistic timelines.
While hiring an interior designer involves a potentially significant outlay, their services can mean the avoidance of costly mistakes.

Image credit: Vaughan Design and Development
Be Prepared for Lots of Questions
Whether you plan to use the services of an interior designer or will have an on-site contractor overseeing the work on your property, it’s important to be prepared for lots of questions - and even more important to be prepared with the answers!
This could be on anything from the type of tiles you’d like in the kitchen to the color of the curtains in the living room or the stain preferred for the wood flooring.
As we mentioned, being prepared is key, so undertake as much research as possible before the interior design project begins. As well as thinking about aesthetic considerations, you should also weigh up the practical elements, such as ease of cleaning, durability, and warranties.
Schedule Site Visits
Even if the property is in another state, it’s important to visit the site on at least three occasions. The first of these should be to meet a potential contract before hiring, and the second to walk through the relevant parts of the property to discuss the work to be done and get an idea of stages and timeframes.
It’s also a good idea to visit just before the project is complete to be sure that you’re satisfied with the results.

Image credit: Vaughan Design and Development. Find more here.
Get a Great Communication System in Place
You’ll also want to make sure that, from the very get-go, great communication is maintained with your contractor. If an issue comes up, you want to know about it straight away.
Discuss with your contractor ahead of time the best way to communicate and the frequency of these interactions. Is a quick daily catch-up email best, or would you prefer a weekly Zoom call to more fully discuss progress?
Making sure that you’re both on the same page regarding communication can help avoid misunderstandings further down the road.
Final Thoughts: Proper Planning for a Perfect Out-of-Town Decor Project
When it comes to undertaking a remote decor project, take the time you need to conduct as much research as possible and find the right team of people for the task.
Whether you opt for the services of an interior designer or an on-site contractor will take the lead, be sure to carefully check these individuals’ experience, qualifications, and references before confirming a hire.
Meeting with those you’re considering working with is also highly recommended to check you’re on the same page and have a natural rapport.
Undertaking a remote decor project can be a challenge, but proper planning means the work will run like a dream - rather than turning into a logistical nightmare.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.