How to prepare a room for painters
Painters quote for painting, not for moving your household. A little preparation keeps the job on schedule, avoids extra charges and protects your belongings.
Safety classification
Safe homeowner task
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Confirm what is included
Check the quote for furniture moving, floor protection, patching and clean-up so you know what you need to do yourself.
- 2
Clear the room
Move small furniture, ornaments, rugs and anything fragile out of the room. Push heavy furniture to the centre if it has to stay.
- 3
Take things off the walls
Remove pictures, mirrors, curtains and wall hooks you want gone. Leave switch and power-point covers for the painter unless they ask otherwise.
- 4
Decide colours and sheen in advance
Have colour codes, brands and sheen levels agreed in writing before the start date. Changes on the day slow the job.
- 5
Plan access and ventilation
Arrange parking, keys, pets and a space for equipment. Keep windows openable and plan to stay out of freshly painted rooms while they dry.
When to stop
- The home was built before 1970 and walls will be sanded
- There is visible mould, damp or water staining
- Plaster is cracked, sagging or crumbling
- You would need a ladder above shoulder height to clear high items
Painting
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
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