diff --git a/spec/controllers/announcements_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/announcements_controller_spec.rb
index c586d6809..cbf25a9ca 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/announcements_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/announcements_controller_spec.rb
@@ -11,9 +11,7 @@
 end
 
 describe AnnouncementsController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config }
 
   describe 'with admin' do
     before do
diff --git a/spec/controllers/app_configs_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/app_configs_controller_spec.rb
index 33fca2376..0ed59ef6f 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/app_configs_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/app_configs_controller_spec.rb
@@ -135,9 +135,6 @@
       end
     end
     context 'app_config does not exist yet' do
-      before(:all) do
-        AppConfig.destroy_all
-      end
       before(:each) do
         sign_in FactoryGirl.create(:user)
         post :update
diff --git a/spec/controllers/blackouts_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/blackouts_controller_spec.rb
index bb58add01..a32b37d48 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/blackouts_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/blackouts_controller_spec.rb
@@ -11,9 +11,7 @@
 end
 
 describe BlackoutsController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config }
 
   describe 'with admin' do
     before do
diff --git a/spec/controllers/categories_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/categories_controller_spec.rb
index ac6c24ded..ebc5ec9c1 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/categories_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/categories_controller_spec.rb
@@ -1,10 +1,8 @@
 require 'spec_helper'
 
 describe CategoriesController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
   before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config
     @category = FactoryGirl.create(:category)
   end
 
@@ -186,7 +184,4 @@
       end
     end
   end
-  after(:all) do
-    @app_config.destroy
-  end
 end
diff --git a/spec/controllers/contact_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/contact_controller_spec.rb
index 93cf2fd4e..324ddc03d 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/contact_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/contact_controller_spec.rb
@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
 require 'spec_helper'
 
 describe ContactController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
   before(:each) do
     @category = FactoryGirl.create(:category)
     sign_in FactoryGirl.create(:user)
+
+    # goes after the above to skip certain user validations
+    @ac = mock_app_config(contact_email: 'contact@email.com',
+                          admin_email: 'admin@email.com',
+                          site_title: 'Reservations Specs')
   end
   describe 'GET new' do
     before(:each) do
@@ -48,8 +50,8 @@
   end
   context 'with contact e-mail set' do
     before do
-      AppConfig.first
-        .update_attributes(contact_link_location: 'contact@example.com')
+      allow(@ac).to receive(:contact_link_location)
+        .and_return('contact@example.com')
       post :create, message: FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:message)
     end
 
@@ -60,7 +62,7 @@
   end
   context 'with contact e-mail not set' do
     before do
-      AppConfig.first.update_attributes(contact_link_location: '')
+      allow(@ac).to receive(:contact_link_location).and_return('')
       post :create, message: FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:message)
     end
 
@@ -69,7 +71,4 @@
         include(AppConfig.first.admin_email)
     end
   end
-  after(:all) do
-    @app_config.destroy
-  end
 end
diff --git a/spec/controllers/equipment_items_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/equipment_items_controller_spec.rb
index 2a4c39fbc..25d2549d0 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/equipment_items_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/equipment_items_controller_spec.rb
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 require 'spec_helper'
 
 describe EquipmentItemsController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) { @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config }
   let!(:item) { FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item) }
   let!(:deactivated_item) { FactoryGirl.create(:deactivated) }
 
@@ -342,6 +342,4 @@
       end
     end
   end
-
-  after(:all) { @app_config.destroy }
 end
diff --git a/spec/controllers/equipment_models_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/equipment_models_controller_spec.rb
index 835eae6c9..c21166f0c 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/equipment_models_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/equipment_models_controller_spec.rb
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@
 end
 
 describe EquipmentModelsController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) { @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config }
   let!(:model) { FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model) }
 
   it_behaves_like 'calendarable', EquipmentModel
@@ -415,6 +415,4 @@
       end
     end
   end
-
-  after(:all) { @app_config.destroy }
 end
diff --git a/spec/controllers/import_users_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/import_users_controller_spec.rb
index 36d556a99..b3d2e5b9e 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/import_users_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/import_users_controller_spec.rb
@@ -15,9 +15,7 @@
 end
 
 describe ImportUsersController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config }
 
   before(:each) do
     sign_in FactoryGirl.create(:admin)
diff --git a/spec/controllers/reports_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/reports_controller_spec.rb
index 132840820..cc0410744 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/reports_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/reports_controller_spec.rb
@@ -2,20 +2,17 @@
 
 describe ReportsController, type: :controller do
   before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
     @user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
     @banned = FactoryGirl.create(:banned)
     @checkout_person = FactoryGirl.create(:checkout_person)
     @admin = FactoryGirl.create(:admin)
   end
 
-  after(:all) do
-    AppConfig.delete_all
-    User.delete_all
-  end
-
   context 'as admin user' do
-    before(:each) { sign_in @admin }
+    before(:each) do
+      mock_app_config
+      sign_in @admin
+    end
 
     describe 'PUT /reports/update' do
       it 'defaults to the past year without a session or params' do
diff --git a/spec/controllers/requirements_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/requirements_controller_spec.rb
index 3c0a4a1d2..4c7d1874f 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/requirements_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/requirements_controller_spec.rb
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 # -- namely, it was necessary to test two contexts for each method: the user
 # being an admin, and not.
 describe RequirementsController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
   before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config
     @requirement = FactoryGirl.create(:requirement, contact_name: 'Adam Bray')
   end
   describe 'GET index' do
@@ -212,7 +210,4 @@
       end
     end
   end
-  after(:all) do
-    @app_config.destroy
-  end
 end
diff --git a/spec/controllers/reservations_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/reservations_controller_spec.rb
index caeab6b01..0b7e96fbe 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/reservations_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/reservations_controller_spec.rb
@@ -6,28 +6,20 @@
   render_views
 
   before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-
     @user = FactoryGirl.create(:user)
     @banned = FactoryGirl.create(:banned)
     @checkout_person = FactoryGirl.create(:checkout_person)
     @admin = FactoryGirl.create(:admin)
   end
 
-  after(:all) do
-    User.delete_all
-    AppConfig.delete_all
-    Reservation.delete_all
-    Category.delete_all
-    EquipmentModel.delete_all
-    EquipmentItem.delete_all
-  end
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(**FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:app_config),
+                          disable_user_emails: false,
+                          override_on_create: false,
+                          override_at_checkout: false,
+                          res_exp_time: false)
     @cart = FactoryGirl.build(:cart, reserver_id: @user.id)
-
     sign_in @user
-
     @reservation = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation, reserver: @user)
   end
 
@@ -91,53 +83,51 @@
     # depending on admin status, default_filter changes
     # depending on admin status, source of reservations (all v. own) changes
 
-    before(:all) do
-      @filters = [:reserved, :checked_out, :overdue, :missed,
-                  :returned, :upcoming, :archived]
-    end
+    FILTERS = [:reserved, :checked_out, :overdue, :missed,
+               :returned, :upcoming, :archived]
 
     context 'when accessed by non-banned user' do
       subject { get :index }
       it { is_expected.to be_success }
       it { is_expected.to render_template(:index) }
 
-      it 'populates @reservations_set with respect to params[filter]' do
-        # Setup
-        @filters.each do |trait|
-          res = FactoryGirl.build(:valid_reservation, trait, reserver: @user)
-          res.save(validate: false)
+      shared_examples 'populates' do |trait|
+        before(:each) do
+          type = case trait
+                 when :reserved
+                   :valid_reservation
+                 when :returned
+                   :checked_in_reservation
+                 else
+                   (trait.to_s + '_reservation').to_sym
+                 end
+          FactoryGirl.create(type, reserver: @user)
         end
 
-        # Assertion and expectation
-        @filters.each do |f|
-          get :index, f => true
+        it 'with the correct set' do
+          get :index, trait => true
           expect(assigns(:reservations_set).uniq.sort).to \
-            eq(Reservation.send(f)
+            eq(Reservation.send(trait)
               .starts_on_days(assigns(:start_date), assigns(:end_date))
               .uniq.sort)
         end
-      end
-      it 'populates with respect to session[:filter] first' do
-        @filters.each do |trait|
-          res = FactoryGirl.build(:valid_reservation, trait, reserver: @user)
-          res.save(validate: false)
-        end
 
-        # Assertion and expectation
-        @filters.each do |f|
-          session[:filter] = f.to_s
-          get :index, @filters.sample => true
+        it 'with respect to session[:filter] first' do
+          session[:filter] = trait.to_s
+          get :index, FILTERS.sample => true
           expect(assigns(:reservations_set).uniq.sort).to \
-            eq(Reservation.send(f)
+            eq(Reservation.send(trait)
               .starts_on_days(assigns(:start_date), assigns(:end_date))
               .uniq.sort)
         end
       end
 
+      FILTERS.each { |t| it_behaves_like 'populates', t }
+
       context 'who is an admin' do
         before(:each) do
           sign_in @admin
-          @filters.each do |trait|
+          FILTERS.each do |trait|
             res = FactoryGirl.build(:valid_reservation, trait,
                                     reserver: [@user, @admin].sample)
             res.save(validate: false)
@@ -153,7 +143,7 @@
       context 'who is not an admin' do
         before(:each) do
           sign_in @user
-          @filters.each do |trait|
+          FILTERS.each do |trait|
             res = FactoryGirl.build(:valid_reservation, trait,
                                     reserver: [@user, @admin].sample)
             res.save(validate: false)
@@ -305,7 +295,7 @@
 
         context 'and user can override errors' do
           before(:each) do
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: true)
+            allow(@ac).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(true)
             sign_in @checkout_person
           end
 
@@ -333,7 +323,7 @@
         context 'and user cannot override errors' do
           # request would be filed
           before(:each) do
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: false)
+            allow(@ac).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
             sign_in @checkout_person
           end
           it 'affects database' do
@@ -403,7 +393,7 @@
         context 'with notify_admin_on_create set' do
           before(:each) do
             ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.clear
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(notify_admin_on_create: true)
+            allow(@ac).to receive(:notify_admin_on_create).and_return(true)
           end
 
           it 'cc-s the admin on the confirmation email' do
@@ -418,7 +408,7 @@
         context 'without notify_admin_on_create set' do
           before(:each) do
             ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.clear
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(notify_admin_on_create: false)
+            allow(@ac).to receive(:notify_admin_on_create).and_return(false)
           end
 
           it 'cc-s the admin on the confirmation email' do
@@ -479,7 +469,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by checkout person disallowed by settings' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @checkout_person
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: false)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(false)
         get 'edit', id: @reservation.id
       end
       include_examples 'cannot access page'
@@ -504,7 +494,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by checkout person allowed by settings' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @checkout_person
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: true)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(true)
         get :edit, id: @reservation.id
       end
       include_examples 'can access edit page'
@@ -513,7 +503,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by admin' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @admin
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: false)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(false)
         get :edit, id: @reservation.id
       end
       include_examples 'can access edit page'
@@ -551,7 +541,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by checkout person disallowed by settings' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @checkout_person
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: false)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(false)
         put 'update',
             id: @reservation.id,
             reservation: FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:reservation)
@@ -720,7 +710,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by checkout person allowed by settings' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @checkout_person
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: true)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(true)
       end
       include_examples 'can access update page'
     end
@@ -728,7 +718,7 @@
     context 'when accessed by admin' do
       before(:each) do
         sign_in @admin
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(checkout_persons_can_edit: false)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:checkout_persons_can_edit).and_return(false)
       end
       include_examples 'can access update page'
     end
@@ -1535,12 +1525,9 @@
 
         context 'when auto-deactivate is enabled' do
           before(:each) do
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: true)
+            allow(@ac).to receive(:autodeactivate_on_archive).and_return(true)
             put :archive, id: @reservation.id, archive_note: 'Because I can'
           end
-          after(:each) do
-            AppConfig.first.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: false)
-          end
 
           it 'should deactivate the equipment item' do
             ei = @reservation.equipment_item.reload
diff --git a/spec/controllers/users_controller_spec.rb b/spec/controllers/users_controller_spec.rb
index 4fd1270e2..b379cd3e1 100644
--- a/spec/controllers/users_controller_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/controllers/users_controller_spec.rb
@@ -11,9 +11,7 @@
 end
 
 describe UsersController, type: :controller do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
+  before(:each) { @ac = mock_app_config }
   let!(:user) { FactoryGirl.create(:user) }
 
   context 'with admin user' do
@@ -126,7 +124,7 @@
 
       context 'when new user registration is disabled' do
         before do
-          AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_new_users: false)
+          allow(@ac).to receive(:enable_new_users).and_return(false)
           get :new
         end
 
@@ -163,7 +161,7 @@
 
       context 'when new user registration is disabled and correct params' do
         before do
-          AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_new_users: false)
+          allow(@ac).to receive(:enable_new_users).and_return(false)
           @user_attributes = FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:user)
           post :create, user: @user_attributes
         end
@@ -334,7 +332,7 @@
 
     describe 'GET new when new user registration is disabled' do
       before do
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_new_users: false)
+        allow(@ac).to receive(:enable_new_users).and_return(false)
         get :new
       end
 
diff --git a/spec/factories/app_configs.rb b/spec/factories/app_configs.rb
index c2824bec7..ca4c9f042 100644
--- a/spec/factories/app_configs.rb
+++ b/spec/factories/app_configs.rb
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
     contact_link_location 'contact@email.com'
     home_link_text 'MyString'
     home_link_location 'MyString'
-    default_per_cat_page 1
+    default_per_cat_page 10
     upcoming_checkin_email_body 'MyText'
     upcoming_checkout_email_body 'MyText'
     overdue_checkin_email_body 'MyText'
diff --git a/spec/features/guest_spec.rb b/spec/features/guest_spec.rb
index 0a653dfcc..a9985107c 100644
--- a/spec/features/guest_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/guest_spec.rb
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@
 
   context 'when enabled' do
     before(:each) do
-      AppConfig.first.update_attribute(:enable_guests, true)
+      allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_guests).and_return(true)
     end
 
     it 'correctly sets the setting' do
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@
 
   context 'when disabled' do
     before(:each) do
-      AppConfig.first.update_attribute(:enable_guests, false)
+      allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_guests).and_return(false)
     end
 
     it 'correctly sets the setting' do
diff --git a/spec/features/reservations_archive_spec.rb b/spec/features/reservations_archive_spec.rb
index d88b6d3e5..484ce0ca4 100644
--- a/spec/features/reservations_archive_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/reservations_archive_spec.rb
@@ -54,10 +54,8 @@
 
       context 'with auto-deactivate enabled' do
         before do
-          @app_config.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: true)
-        end
-        after do
-          @app_config.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: false)
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:autodeactivate_on_archive)
+            .and_return(true)
         end
 
         it 'autodeactivates the equipment item', js: true do
@@ -73,9 +71,9 @@
 
       context 'without auto-deactivate enabled', js: true do
         before do
-          @app_config.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: false)
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:autodeactivate_on_archive)
+            .and_return(false)
         end
-        after { @app_config.update_attributes(autodeactivate_on_archive: true) }
 
         it 'does not autodeactivate the equipment item' do
           visit reservation_path(@res)
diff --git a/spec/features/reservations_spec.rb b/spec/features/reservations_spec.rb
index 14f23a898..249e4ea9e 100644
--- a/spec/features/reservations_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/features/reservations_spec.rb
@@ -129,14 +129,18 @@
       after { sign_out }
 
       context 'without override permissions' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: false) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create valid reservation', @user
         it_behaves_like 'can create reservation request', @user
       end
 
       context 'with override permissions' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: true) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(true)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create failing reservation', @user
       end
@@ -147,14 +151,18 @@
       after { sign_out }
 
       context 'with override disabled' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: false) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create valid reservation', @user
         it_behaves_like 'can create failing reservation', @user
       end
 
       context 'with override enabled' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: true) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(true)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create failing reservation', @user
       end
@@ -165,14 +173,18 @@
       after { sign_out }
 
       context 'with override disabled' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: false) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create valid reservation', @user
         it_behaves_like 'can create failing reservation', @user
       end
 
       context 'with override enabled' do
-        before { AppConfig.first.update_attributes(override_on_create: true) }
+        before do
+          allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(true)
+        end
 
         it_behaves_like 'can create failing reservation', @user
       end
@@ -433,7 +445,7 @@
 
     shared_examples 'can renew reservation when enabled and available' do
       it do
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_renewals: true)
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_renewals).and_return(true)
         visit reservation_path(@res)
         expect(page).to have_content 'You are currently eligible to renew'
         click_link 'Renew Now', href: renew_reservation_path(@res)
@@ -444,7 +456,7 @@
 
     shared_examples 'cannot see renew button when disabled' do
       it do
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_renewals: false)
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_renewals).and_return(false)
         visit reservation_path(@res)
         expect(page).not_to have_link 'Renew Now',
                                       href: renew_reservation_path(@res)
@@ -453,7 +465,7 @@
 
     shared_examples 'cannot renew reservation when unavailable' do
       it do
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_renewals: true)
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_renewals).and_return(true)
         FactoryGirl.create :reservation, equipment_model: @eq_model,
                                          start_date: @res.due_date + 1.day,
                                          due_date: @res.due_date + 2.days
@@ -538,7 +550,7 @@
       it_behaves_like 'cannot renew reservation when unavailable'
 
       it 'can see renew button when disabled' do
-        AppConfig.first.update_attributes(enable_renewals: false)
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:enable_renewals).and_return(false)
         visit reservation_path(@res)
         expect(page).to have_link 'Renew Now',
                                   href: renew_reservation_path(@res)
@@ -549,10 +561,8 @@
   context 'valid items on confirmation page' do
     before(:each) do
       empty_cart
-      select('10', from: 'items_per_page') # show more than 1 item (default)
       find('#items_per_form').submit_form!
       add_item_to_cart(@eq_model)
-      add_item_to_cart(@eq_model2)
       update_cart_start_date(Time.zone.today)
       due_date = Time.zone.today + 1.day
       update_cart_due_date(due_date)
@@ -582,6 +592,7 @@
 
     shared_examples 'will load request page if item is invalid' do |reserver|
       before(:each) do
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
         visit new_reservation_path
       end
       let(:reserver) { reserver }
@@ -592,22 +603,20 @@
         fill_in "quantity_field_#{@eq_model.id}",
                 with: (@eq_model.max_per_user + 1)
         quantity_forms[0].submit_form!
-        fill_in "quantity_field_#{@eq_model2.id}",
-                with: (@eq_model2.max_per_user + 1)
-        quantity_forms[1].submit_form!
         # loading right page
         expect(page).to have_content 'Confirm Reservation Request'
         expect(page).to have_content AppConfig.get(:request_text)
         # changes applied
         expect(page).to \
           have_selector("input[value='#{@eq_model.max_per_user + 1}']")
-        expect(page).to \
-          have_selector("input[value='#{@eq_model2.max_per_user + 1}']")
       end
     end
 
     shared_examples 'can remove a valid item' do |reserver|
       before(:each) do
+        @eq_model2 = FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model, category: @category)
+        FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item, equipment_model: @eq_model2)
+        add_item_to_cart(@eq_model2)
         visit new_reservation_path
       end
       let(:reserver) { reserver }
@@ -625,6 +634,9 @@
 
     shared_examples 'can remove all items' do |reserver|
       before(:each) do
+        @eq_model2 = FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model, category: @category)
+        FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item, equipment_model: @eq_model2)
+        add_item_to_cart(@eq_model2)
         visit new_reservation_path
       end
       let(:reserver) { reserver }
@@ -667,6 +679,7 @@
 
     shared_examples 'will load request if invalid date change' do |reserver|
       before(:each) do
+        allow(@app_config).to receive(:override_on_create).and_return(false)
         visit new_reservation_path
       end
       let(:reserver) { reserver }
@@ -744,9 +757,8 @@
   context 'invalid items on confirm page' do
     before(:each) do
       empty_cart
-      # change items per page from 1 to 10 so second item shows up
-      select('10', from: 'items_per_page')
-      find('#items_per_form').submit_form!
+      @eq_model2 = FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model, category: @category)
+      FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item, equipment_model: @eq_model2)
       add_item_to_cart(@eq_model)
       add_item_to_cart(@eq_model2)
       quantity_forms = page.all('#quantity_form')
diff --git a/spec/lib/csv_export_spec.rb b/spec/lib/csv_export_spec.rb
index a0ceac3b2..ed898e9da 100644
--- a/spec/lib/csv_export_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/csv_export_spec.rb
@@ -2,8 +2,6 @@
 include CsvExport
 
 describe CsvExport do
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   MODELS = [:user, :category, :equipment_model, :equipment_item]
   PROTECTED_COLS = %w(id encrypted_password reset_password_token
                       reset_password_sent_at)
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/delete_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/delete_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
index 467e16eee..9a16351e4 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/delete_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/delete_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,8 @@
 describe 'delete_missed_reservations' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(blank?: false)
     @missed = FactoryGirl.create(:missed_reservation,
                                  start_date: Time.zone.today - 11.days,
                                  due_date: Time.zone.today - 10.days)
@@ -14,20 +13,17 @@
   end
 
   it "doesn't do anything when the res_exp_time parameter isn't set" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(res_exp_time: nil)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.res_exp_time).to be_nil
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:res_exp_time).and_return(nil)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to change { Reservation.count }
   end
 
   it 'deletes reservations older than the threshhold' do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(res_exp_time: 5)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.res_exp_time).to eq(5)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:res_exp_time).and_return(5)
     expect { subject.invoke }.to change { Reservation.count }.by(-1)
   end
 
   it "doesn't delete reservations within threshhold" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(res_exp_time: 15)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.res_exp_time).to eq(15)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:res_exp_time).and_return(15)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to change { Reservation.count }
   end
 end
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/delete_old_blackouts_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/delete_old_blackouts_rake_spec.rb
index 4b6114cea..2aa0c2f9b 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/delete_old_blackouts_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/delete_old_blackouts_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 describe 'delete_old_blackouts' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config
+    allow(AppConfig).to receive(:blank?).and_return(false)
     @old = FactoryGirl.create(:blackout,
                               start_date: Time.zone.today - 11.days,
                               end_date: Time.zone.today - 10.days)
@@ -14,20 +14,17 @@
   end
 
   it "doesn't do anything when the res_exp_time parameter isn't set" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(blackout_exp_time: nil)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.blackout_exp_time).to be_nil
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:blackout_exp_time).and_return(nil)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to change { Blackout.count }
   end
 
   it 'deletes reservations older than the threshhold' do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(blackout_exp_time: 5)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.blackout_exp_time).to eq(5)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:blackout_exp_time).and_return(5)
     expect { subject.invoke }.to change { Blackout.count }.by(-1)
   end
 
   it "doesn't delete reservations within threshhold" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(blackout_exp_time: 15)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.blackout_exp_time).to eq(15)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:blackout_exp_time).and_return(15)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to change { Blackout.count }
   end
 end
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkin_reminder_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkin_reminder_rake_spec.rb
index 07bc83353..fd0300b36 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkin_reminder_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkin_reminder_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 describe 'email_checkin_reminder' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com',
+                          disable_user_emails: false)
     @upcoming = FactoryGirl.create(:checked_out_reservation,
                                    due_date: Time.zone.today)
     @not_upcoming = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation,
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@
   end
 
   it 'sends emails for checked-out reservations that end today' do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(upcoming_checkin_email_active: true)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.upcoming_checkin_email_active).to eq(true)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:upcoming_checkin_email_active?).and_return(true)
     expect { subject.invoke }.to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count }.by(1))
   end
@@ -26,15 +25,13 @@
       FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:valid_reservation,
                                  start_date: Time.zone.today - 1.day,
                                  due_date: Time.zone.today))
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(upcoming_checkin_email_active: true)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.upcoming_checkin_email_active).to eq(true)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:upcoming_checkin_email_active?).and_return(true)
     expect(@upcoming.reserved?).to be_truthy
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count })
   end
   it "doesn't send emails when upcoming_checkin_email_active is false" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(upcoming_checkin_email_active: false)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.upcoming_checkin_email_active).to eq(false)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:upcoming_checkin_email_active?).and_return(false)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count })
   end
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkout_reminder_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkout_reminder_rake_spec.rb
index c4f1b013b..8ae72df43 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkout_reminder_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/email_checkout_reminder_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 describe 'email_checkout_reminder' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com',
+                          disable_user_emails: false)
     @upcoming = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation,
                                    start_date: Time.zone.today,
                                    due_date: Time.zone.today + 1)
@@ -16,15 +16,13 @@
   end
 
   it 'sends emails for reservations that start today' do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(upcoming_checkout_email_active: true)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.upcoming_checkout_email_active).to eq(true)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:upcoming_checkout_email_active?).and_return(true)
     expect { subject.invoke }.to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count }.by(1))
   end
 
   it "doesn't send emails when upcoming_checkout_email_active is false" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(upcoming_checkout_email_active: false)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.upcoming_checkout_email_active).to eq(false)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:upcoming_checkout_email_active?).and_return(false)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count })
   end
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/email_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/email_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
index 7722f8e1f..fecccf47a 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/email_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/email_missed_reservations_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,9 @@
 describe 'email_missed_reservations' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com', disable_user_emails: false,
+                    send_notifications_for_deleted_missed_reservations: true)
     @missed = FactoryGirl.create(:missed_reservation,
                                  start_date: Time.zone.today - 2.days,
                                  due_date: Time.zone.today - 1.day)
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/email_notes_to_admins_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/email_notes_to_admins_rake_spec.rb
index 3a4402677..e6c951f4f 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/email_notes_to_admins_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/email_notes_to_admins_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 describe 'email_notes_to_admins' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
+  before(:each) { mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com') }
 
   STATUSES = [:checked_out_reservation, :checked_in_reservation]
 
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/email_overdue_reminder_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/email_overdue_reminder_rake_spec.rb
index ea27b894b..6ea6920b2 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/email_overdue_reminder_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/email_overdue_reminder_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,24 +4,22 @@
 describe 'email_overdue_reminder' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com',
+                          disable_user_emails: false)
     @overdue = FactoryGirl.build(:overdue_reservation)
     @overdue.save(validate: false)
     @not_overdue = FactoryGirl.create(:checked_out_reservation)
   end
 
   it 'sends emails for reservations that are overdue' do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(overdue_checkin_email_active: true)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.overdue_checkin_email_active).to eq(true)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:overdue_checkin_email_active?).and_return(true)
     expect { subject.invoke }.to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count }.by(1))
   end
 
   it "doesn't send emails when overdue_checkin_email_active is false" do
-    AppConfig.first.update_attributes(overdue_checkin_email_active: false)
-    expect(AppConfig.first.overdue_checkin_email_active).to eq(false)
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:overdue_checkin_email_active?).and_return(false)
     expect { subject.invoke }.not_to(
       change { ActionMailer::Base.deliveries.count })
   end
diff --git a/spec/lib/tasks/flag_rake_spec.rb b/spec/lib/tasks/flag_rake_spec.rb
index 321e02220..2c33cd6e4 100644
--- a/spec/lib/tasks/flag_rake_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/lib/tasks/flag_rake_spec.rb
@@ -4,9 +4,10 @@
 describe 'flag_overdue' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
-  before(:each) { @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation) }
+  before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config
+    @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation)
+  end
 
   it 'flags reservations due yesterday as overdue' do
     @res.update_attributes(
@@ -36,9 +37,10 @@
 describe 'flag_missed' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
-  before(:each) { @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation) }
+  before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config
+    @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation)
+  end
 
   it 'flags missed reservations as missed' do
     @res.update_attributes(start_date: Time.zone.yesterday,
@@ -61,9 +63,10 @@
 describe 'deny_missed_requests' do
   include_context 'rake'
 
-  before(:all) { FactoryGirl.create(:app_config) }
-
-  before(:each) { @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation) }
+  before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config
+    @res = FactoryGirl.create(:valid_reservation)
+  end
 
   it 'flags missed requests as denied and expired' do
     @res.update_attributes(FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:request))
@@ -87,6 +90,8 @@
   end
 
   it 'sends appropriate emails' do
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:admin_email).and_return('admin@email.com')
+    allow(@ac).to receive(:disable_user_emails).and_return(false)
     @res.update_attributes(FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:request))
     @res.update_attributes(start_date: Time.zone.yesterday,
                            due_date: Time.zone.today)
diff --git a/spec/mailers/admin_mailer_spec.rb b/spec/mailers/admin_mailer_spec.rb
index 6e19ff742..8bca4169a 100644
--- a/spec/mailers/admin_mailer_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/mailers/admin_mailer_spec.rb
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 shared_examples_for 'a valid admin email' do
   it 'sends to the admin' do
     expect(@mail.to.size).to eq(1)
-    expect(@mail.to.first).to eq(@app_config.admin_email)
+    expect(@mail.to.first).to eq(AppConfig.first.admin_email)
   end
   it "is from no-reply@#{ActionMailer::Base.default_url_options[:host]}" do
     expect(@mail.from).to \
@@ -15,10 +15,8 @@
 end
 
 describe AdminMailer, type: :mailer do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
   before(:each) do
+    mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com')
     ActionMailer::Base.delivery_method = :test
     ActionMailer::Base.perform_deliveries = true
     ActionMailer::Base.deliveries = []
diff --git a/spec/mailers/user_mailer_spec.rb b/spec/mailers/user_mailer_spec.rb
index 1e71686b6..cfd0b3947 100644
--- a/spec/mailers/user_mailer_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/mailers/user_mailer_spec.rb
@@ -25,10 +25,9 @@
 end
 
 describe UserMailer, type: :mailer do
-  before(:all) do
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
-  end
   before(:each) do
+    @ac = mock_app_config(admin_email: 'admin@email.com',
+                          disable_user_emails: false)
     ActionMailer::Base.delivery_method = :test
     ActionMailer::Base.perform_deliveries = true
     ActionMailer::Base.deliveries = []
@@ -199,7 +198,7 @@
     end
 
     it "doesn't send at all if disable_user_emails is set" do
-      AppConfig.first.update_attributes(disable_user_emails: true)
+      allow(@ac).to receive(:disable_user_emails).and_return(true)
       @mail = UserMailer.reservation_status_update(@res).deliver_now
       expect(@mail).to be_nil
     end
diff --git a/spec/spec_helper.rb b/spec/spec_helper.rb
index 9febd88ec..4b7930bbf 100644
--- a/spec/spec_helper.rb
+++ b/spec/spec_helper.rb
@@ -75,6 +75,11 @@
     DatabaseCleaner.clean
   end
 
+  # Remove when the last of the before(:all) blocks are removed
+  config.after(:all) do
+    DatabaseCleaner.clean_with(:truncation)
+  end
+
   # set up app before all integration specs, wish we didn't have to use :each
   config.before(:each, type: :feature) { app_setup }
 
@@ -86,6 +91,7 @@
   config.include InjectSession, type: :feature
   config.include FeatureHelpers, type: :feature
   config.include EnvHelpers, type: :feature
+  config.include AppConfigHelpers
 end
 
 Shoulda::Matchers.configure do |config|
diff --git a/spec/support/app_config_helpers.rb b/spec/support/app_config_helpers.rb
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..29e0318d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/spec/support/app_config_helpers.rb
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+module AppConfigHelpers
+  def mock_app_config(**attrs)
+    ac = spy('AppConfig', require_phone: false, **attrs)
+    allow(AppConfig).to receive(:first).and_return(ac)
+    ac
+  end
+end
diff --git a/spec/support/feature_helpers.rb b/spec/support/feature_helpers.rb
index 4c9516021..c92a06321 100644
--- a/spec/support/feature_helpers.rb
+++ b/spec/support/feature_helpers.rb
@@ -2,14 +2,11 @@ module FeatureHelpers
   # make sure we have a working app
   def app_setup
     AppConfig.delete_all
-    @app_config = FactoryGirl.create(:app_config)
+    @app_config = mock_app_config(**FactoryGirl.attributes_for(:app_config))
     @category = FactoryGirl.create(:category)
     @eq_model =
       FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model, category: @category)
-    @eq_model2 =
-      FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_model, category: @category)
     @eq_item = FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item, equipment_model: @eq_model)
-    @eq_item2 = FactoryGirl.create(:equipment_item, equipment_model: @eq_model2)
     @admin = FactoryGirl.create(:admin)
     @superuser = FactoryGirl.create(:superuser)
     @checkout_person = FactoryGirl.create(:checkout_person)