Hiring a professional painter and decorator is a great way to refresh your space with expert results. But even the best decorators will do their best work when the environment is clean, clear, and well-prepared.

Proper preparation can help you avoid delays, reduce the chance of damage to your furniture, and ensure that your walls or ceilings get the flawless finish they deserve.

Here are the key steps you should take before your painting and decorating team arrives.

1. Clear the Space as Much as Possible

Before any work begins, take time to remove as much furniture and personal items as you can from the room. This makes the workspace safer, gives your decorator room to move freely, and prevents accidental splashes or damage.

If you can’t remove large furniture like wardrobes or sofas, pull them into the centre of the room and cover them with dust sheets or plastic sheeting.

Checklist:

• Remove side tables, lamps, cushions and decor
• Take down wall art, mirrors and shelves
• Move electronics and fragile items to a safe room
• Cover anything that can’t be removed

2. Take Down Curtains, Blinds & Fixtures

Window dressings, light fittings, and ceiling fixtures can get in the way of painting and may collect dust during the prep stage.

Take down curtains, blinds and anything attached to the walls or ceilings. If there are light switches or sockets near areas to be painted, your decorator will usually mask them—but clearing the area around them helps speed things up.

Top Tip: Label screws or curtain poles and store them in a bag so you can easily reinstall later.

3. Repair Wall Damage in Advance

Minor imperfections like small cracks or holes can usually be handled by your decorator, especially if you’ve agreed it as part of the job. But if there’s major wall damage, it’s best to take care of it before decorating begins.

Check for:

• Deep cracks or holes in plaster
• Damp patches or staining
• Peeling or bubbling paint

Not sure what needs repairing? A site visit from our expert plastering and decorating team can help you understand whether any prep work is needed first.

4. Give the Walls a Quick Clean

Dust, grease and fingerprints can affect how paint adheres to your walls. Giving everything a quick clean the day before painting can help your decorator get straight to work.

Use a damp cloth or sugar soap solution on:

• Walls, especially near light switches and radiators
• Skirting boards and door frames
• Areas behind furniture that don’t get cleaned often

Avoid soaking the walls—just a light wipe is enough.

5. Make Arrangements for Pets or Children

Paint fumes and disruption can be stressful for pets and young children. If possible, arrange for them to be out of the house while the work is carried out.

This keeps them safe, prevents accidents, and allows the decorator to work without interruptions.

Ideas:

• Book a day out or sleepover at a relative’s
• Set up a safe zone in another part of the house
• Ask your decorator about expected drying times and ventilation

6. Discuss Colours, Finishes & Timelines in Advance

Before your decorator starts, confirm:

• What colours and finishes you want
• Whether the decorator is supplying materials or you are
• The schedule and estimated drying times

Good communication at the start prevents confusion later. It also allows your decorator to come fully prepared, which can save time and make sure the project stays on track.

If you’re unsure which colours work best in your space, ask for guidance. Professional painters and decorators have seen it all and can offer helpful insight.

7. Ask About Additional Preparation or Priming

Some surfaces may need sanding, priming or special treatments before the paint goes on. For example:

• Glossy walls may need deglossing
• Stained walls may need stain-blocking primer
• Fresh plaster needs a mist coat

Discuss these ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard. An experienced team like LWM Plastering will explain what your walls need and handle it as part of the job.

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to painting and decorating. By clearing the space, making necessary repairs, and staying in touch with your decorator, you set the stage for a smoother experience and a high-quality finish.

Looking for expert decorators you can trust? Call us today for a free quote or explore our full Painting & Decorating Services to learn more.