How to Prepare Your Home for Interior Painting: A Simple Checklist

A little preparation before the painters arrive makes the job faster, tidier and less stressful for everyone. Your painting team will handle the technical prep — filling, sanding and protecting surfaces — but there are a few things you can do beforehand that make a real difference.

1. Decide on colours and finishes early

Changing your mind halfway through is the most common cause of delays. Try sample pots on the actual walls and look at them in the morning, the afternoon and under your evening lighting. Think about the finish too: a low-sheen or matt finish hides small wall imperfections, while semi-gloss is easier to wipe down in kitchens, bathrooms, doors and trims.

2. Clear the room as much as you can

Move small furniture, lamps, rugs and anything fragile out of the room if possible. Larger pieces can usually stay — they’ll be pushed to the middle of the room and covered. The more open space around the walls, the quicker and neater the work.

3. Take things off the walls

• Pictures, mirrors and clocks
• Curtains, blinds and curtain rods (if they’re being painted around)
• Shelves and wall-mounted TVs — or let your painter know so they can plan around them
• Hooks and nails you no longer need — mention them so the holes can be filled

4. Protect your valuables and personal items

Pack away ornaments, photo frames and anything sentimental. Even with drop sheets and careful work, it’s simply easier when personal items aren’t in the way. Empty bookshelves and cabinets that need to be moved.

5. Plan around kids, pets and daily life

Work out which rooms you’ll be living in while others are being painted, and keep pets away from wet paint and work areas. Ask your painter which rooms they’ll start with so you can plan your week. Good ventilation helps paint dry and keeps the smell down, so expect windows to be open where possible.

6. Point out any problem areas

Cracks, water stains, peeling paint or mould marks need proper treatment before painting, not just a new coat over the top. Point them out during the quote visit so they’re included in the price — that way there are no surprises later.

7. Agree on access and timing

Confirm start times, where the team can park, which bathroom they can use and how you’d like to be kept updated if you’re at work. Clear communication up front keeps the job running smoothly.

What your painters should take care of

A professional team should cover floors and furniture, fill and sand surfaces, cut in neatly around ceilings and trims, and clean up at the end of every day. You can see how we approach this on our interior painting page.