How to Prepare Your Home for Painters: A Checklist for Interior and Exterior Jobs

A little preparation before painting day saves time, protects your belongings and keeps the job on schedule. Here is what to do before an interior or exterior job.

Interior Checklist

• Remove pictures, mirrors, curtains and wall hangings.
• Clear small items, electronics and anything fragile from the rooms.
• Move furniture away from walls if you can; painters move and cover the rest.
• Take valuables and medications out of the work area.
• Decide on final colors and sheens for each room.
• Plan for pets and kids to stay away from wet paint.

Exterior Checklist

• Unlock gates and make outdoor water and power available.
• Move cars away from the house, especially on spray days.
• Move patio furniture, grills and planters away from walls.
• Trim shrubs back from the siding if you can.
• Get HOA approval for any color change.
• Turn off sprinklers for the painting days.

During the Job

Keep windows closed on the side being painted, and agree on how to reach your contact with questions.

The Final Walkthrough

Walk the job in daylight, mark anything you see, and make sure leftover paint is labeled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to empty the room completely?

No. Clear small items and wall hangings; painters move and cover furniture.

Can I stay home during painting?

Yes. Interior work goes room by room.

Should I clean the walls first?

Painters clean as part of prep, but dusting heavy cobwebs helps.

What about pets?

Keep them away from the work area and wet paint.

Ready to Schedule?

See interior painting, exterior painting or contact us.