Updated April 2026 · 5 min read · By Next Day Painting Murfreesboro
Remove small furniture, decor, lamps, and accessories from the room entirely if possible. For larger pieces like sofas and beds, move them to the centre of the room so painters can access all walls. Cover everything with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
Take down all framed pictures, mirrors, curtains, and curtain rods. Remove switch plate covers and outlet covers (your painters can do this, but it speeds things up if done in advance). Fill any nail holes or anchor screw holes with spackle if you want a flawless finish.
Dust and wipe down walls with a damp cloth, especially in kitchens (grease buildup) and bathrooms (soap scum or mould). Paint adheres poorly to dirty surfaces - your painters will appreciate pre-cleaned walls and you'll get a better result.
If you have hardwood, tile, or carpet you're keeping, let your painting team know in advance. Professional painters bring their own drop cloths, but knowing the floor type helps them come prepared. Move any area rugs out of the space entirely.
Walk through the space and flag any cracks, holes, or water-damaged areas. Professional painters handle minor patching as part of prep work, but it's helpful to point out major issues in advance so they can quote accordingly and bring the right materials.
Open windows if weather permits and ensure the room has cross-ventilation. This helps paint dry faster and keeps the space comfortable for your crew. If you have HVAC vents, covering them with plastic during painting helps keep paint particles out of your ductwork.
Arrange for children and pets to be out of the work area on painting days. Paint fumes, open cans, ladders, and general activity make painting zones unsafe and disruptive. Most interior projects run 1-3 days depending on scope.
Let your painters know the best entrance to use and where they can park their vehicle and trailer. For condo projects, book the freight elevator in advance and notify building management if required.
| Task | Who Does It | When |
|---|---|---|
| Move/cover furniture | Homeowner | Day before |
| Remove wall décor & hardware | Homeowner | Day before |
| Clean walls | Homeowner or crew | Day before / Day of |
| Note repairs needed | Homeowner | During quote walkthrough |
| Arrange kids & pets | Homeowner | Day of |
| Confirm parking & access | Homeowner | Day before |
| Surface patching & priming | Painters | Day of (first) |
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