Hiring professional painters can make an interior painting project much easier. However, homeowners can also take a few simple steps before the crew arrives.

Good preparation helps painters access the surfaces they need to work on. It can also protect personal belongings and reduce unnecessary delays.

So, how should you prepare your home for professional painters?

You usually do not need to empty the entire house. The goal is to remove smaller items, provide clear access to walls, secure valuable belongings, and discuss furniture or special concerns with the painting company in advance.

For homeowners in Wheaton, Naperville, Elgin, Geneva, Addison, Hanover Park, and surrounding western suburbs of Illinois, preparing before painting day can help the project begin more efficiently.

What Should You Do Before Professional Painters Arrive?

Start by reviewing the rooms included in the project.

Walk through each area and identify objects that could interfere with painting.

Before painters arrive, homeowners may want to:

• Remove pictures and wall decorations
• Store small decorative objects
• Move fragile belongings
• Clear shelves when necessary
• Remove curtains when requested
• Secure electronics
• Provide access to walls
• Confirm paint colors
• Make arrangements for pets
• Discuss large furniture with the contractor

The exact preparation will depend on the project.

Ask your painting company what they expect you to handle before the scheduled start date.

Remove Pictures and Decorations From the Walls

Wall decorations should generally be removed before interior painting begins.

This includes items such as:

• Pictures
• Mirrors
• Artwork
• Clocks
• Decorative signs
• Removable shelves
• Wall-mounted decorations

Removing these items gives painters clear access to the wall.

It also provides an opportunity to decide whether you want to place everything in the same location after painting.

If certain nail holes will no longer be used, tell the painter so they can be evaluated during surface preparation.

What Should You Do With Furniture?

You may not need to remove every piece of furniture from the room.

Small furniture can often be moved to another area.

Larger pieces may be moved away from the walls or positioned where they can be properly protected.

However, painting companies have different policies regarding furniture.

Ask before moving very heavy items.

The goal is to provide enough working space around walls, windows, doors, and trim without creating unnecessary work or safety problems.

Remove Small and Fragile Items

Small objects can easily get in the way during painting.

Remove decorative pieces from tables, shelves, window areas, and furniture near the work zone.

Fragile items deserve particular attention.

Glass decorations, collectibles, electronics, lamps, and valuable objects should be moved to a secure location.

Even when surfaces are carefully protected, reducing clutter makes the room easier to work in.

Should You Remove Curtains and Window Treatments?

It depends on what is being painted.

If painters need access to window trim or nearby walls, curtains may need to be removed.

Blinds and other window treatments may also affect access.

Ask the painting contractor what needs to be removed before the project begins.

Do not automatically disassemble complicated window treatments unless necessary.

Clean Up Excessive Clutter

Professional painters prepare surfaces before painting, but that does not mean homeowners should leave unnecessary clutter in the work area.

Clear floors and pathways.

Move toys, shoes, boxes, bags, and other loose objects away from rooms being painted.

This gives painters easier access and reduces the risk of items being damaged or creating obstacles.

Clear pathways are especially important when painters need to carry ladders, equipment, and supplies through the house.

Do You Need to Clean the Walls Before Painters Arrive?

Ask your painting company first.

Professional surface preparation may include cleaning certain areas as required.

However, homeowners can still remove obvious clutter and address unusual conditions in advance.

Kitchen walls, for example, can accumulate grease and residue.

Bathrooms may have different surface concerns.

If there is anything unusual about a wall, mention it during the estimate or before work begins.

This allows the painter to determine the appropriate preparation.

Identify Wall Damage Before Painting

Take a close look at your walls.

You may notice damage that is easy to overlook during everyday life.

Common issues include:

• Nail holes
• Dents
• Cracks
• Scratches
• Loose paint
• Stains
• Previous patches
• Damaged corners

Point out areas that concern you.

Professional painters should also evaluate the surfaces, but discussing known problems helps establish expectations.

More extensive repairs may fall outside normal painting preparation, so these should be identified before work starts.

Confirm Your Paint Colors Before Painting Day

Waiting until painters arrive to begin choosing colors can delay a project.

Whenever possible, finalize your color choices beforehand.

Consider the room’s:

• Natural light
• Artificial lighting
• Flooring
• Furniture
• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Existing trim

Paint samples can help homeowners evaluate colors in the actual room.

Look at potential colors at different times of day before making the final decision.

Confirm the Paint Finish Too

Color is only one decision.

You should also understand which paint finish will be used on each surface.

Walls, ceilings, doors, and trim may use different finishes.

For example, homeowners may select a lower-sheen finish for certain walls and a more durable finish for doors or trim.

Kitchens and bathrooms can also have different requirements from bedrooms.

Confirming these decisions before the project begins can prevent confusion.

Make a Plan for Children and Pets

Painting projects introduce open paint containers, ladders, tools, drop cloths, and active work areas.

Children and pets should be kept away from these spaces.

Pets can be especially challenging because they may walk across protected areas or brush against freshly painted surfaces.

A curious dog or cat can also interfere with workers carrying equipment.

Consider keeping pets in a separate secure area during active painting.

For larger projects, another location may be more practical.

Make Sure Painters Can Access the Property

This sounds obvious, but access problems can delay a project before it begins.

If you will not be home, discuss access arrangements beforehand.

Painters may also need access to specific rooms, entrances, or other areas.

Make sure locked spaces included in the project are accessible.

Homeowners in condos, townhomes, or communities with special parking or entry rules should discuss those requirements in advance.

What About Closets?

If the inside of a closet is being painted, it usually needs to be cleared.

Clothing, boxes, shoes, and stored belongings can prevent access to the walls.

If only the exterior closet door is being painted, complete removal of the contents may not be necessary.

Clarify exactly which surfaces are included.

This prevents homeowners from doing unnecessary preparation.

Prepare for Some Temporary Disruption

Painting an occupied home will cause some temporary changes to normal routines.

Furniture may be moved.

Certain rooms may have limited access.

Freshly painted surfaces need time to dry.

Large projects can affect several areas of the house.

Discuss the expected painting sequence with your contractor.

Knowing which rooms will be worked on first can help you plan around the project.

Preparing an Empty Home for Move-In Painting

An empty property is usually easier to prepare.

There is little or no furniture to move, and painters have direct access to most surfaces.

This makes the period before moving in an excellent opportunity for interior painting.

Homeowners purchasing properties in Naperville, Wheaton, Geneva, Elgin, Addison, or Hanover Park may want to complete painting before furniture arrives.

It can simplify both the painting and moving processes.

Preparing a Rental Property for Painting

Landlords and property managers should remove abandoned belongings before painting begins.

The property should also be inspected for wall damage.

Nail holes, scratches, stains, and previous repairs can affect the amount of preparation required.

Identifying these conditions before scheduling the project can help establish a more accurate scope of work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Professional Painters

Do I need to move all furniture before painters arrive?

Not necessarily. Smaller items can usually be removed, while larger furniture may be moved away from walls or protected. Ask your painting contractor what they require before the project begins.

Should I remove pictures from the walls?

Yes, wall decorations should generally be removed from areas being painted. This provides access to the wall and allows unused nail holes to be addressed when appropriate.

Do I need to clean my walls before professional painters arrive?

This depends on the project and contractor. Painters may handle necessary surface preparation, but unusual dirt, grease, stains, or other conditions should be discussed beforehand.

Should I remove curtains before painting?

Possibly. Curtains and window treatments may need to be removed if painters require access to nearby walls or window trim. Confirm this before painting day.

What should I do with my pets during painting?

Keep pets away from active work areas. Ladders, tools, paint, and freshly painted surfaces can create problems for both pets and painters.

Should I choose paint colors before the painters arrive?

Yes. Finalizing colors and finishes before the project starts can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Do I need to empty closets before painting?

Only if the interior of the closet is being painted or painters otherwise need access. Confirm the exact surfaces included before removing everything.

Can I stay home while painters are working?

Often, yes. It depends on the size of the project and which areas are being painted. Larger projects may require more planning around room access.

Does Crestora Home Services provide professional interior painting in Illinois?

Crestora Home Services provides residential painting services throughout Wheaton, Naperville, Elgin, Geneva, Addison, Hanover Park, and surrounding western suburbs of Illinois.

Get Your Home Ready for Painting Day

Preparing for professional painters does not have to be complicated.

Focus on making the work areas accessible.

Remove small and fragile belongings. Clear wall decorations. Make arrangements for pets. Confirm your colors and finishes. Discuss large furniture and special surfaces with the painting company beforehand.

A little preparation can help the project start smoothly and reduce avoidable delays.

Crestora Home Services provides professional residential painting throughout the western suburbs of Illinois.

If you are planning an interior painting project, request a free painting quote based on your home’s rooms, surfaces, and specific painting needs.