What Should You Do Before a Decorator Arrives?

A little planning before the first day makes decorating quicker, tidier and less stressful for everyone. You do not need to do anything dramatic, but a few simple steps help the work start on time and let your decorator concentrate on the finish rather than on logistics. This checklist reflects what usually matters most in occupied family homes.

Key takeaways

• Clear what you can, and agree in advance who moves heavy furniture.
• Remove or secure valuables, and plan for pets.
• Decide colours and finishes before the work begins.
• Make sure access, parking and heating are sorted.

Clearing the space

Take small items, ornaments, pictures, curtains and books out of the rooms to be decorated. Empty shelves and the tops of units, and clear the areas around radiators and skirting boards. Heavy furniture can usually be moved to the middle of the room and covered, but it is worth agreeing this beforehand, as some items are best left to you or need two people. Clearing wardrobes and cupboards is important if the inside is being painted.

Floors, fittings and fixtures

Floors and furniture are protected with dust sheets and masking, but removing curtain poles, blinds and light fittings where you can saves time. If you are unsure whether something should come down, ask in advance.

Valuables, pets and children

Put valuables, documents, jewellery and anything fragile or sentimental somewhere safe, preferably in a room that is not being decorated. Paint, solvents and tools also need to be kept away from children and pets, so let your decorator know about both. Cats and dogs are usually better out of the house or in a closed room during the day, and open doors and windows create escape routes. Mention anyone with allergies or sensitivities, because it may affect the choice of paint.

Access, parking and utilities

Think about how we get in and out with equipment:

1. Agree how the property will be accessed each day, and who will be at home.
2. Make sure there is somewhere to park, or tell us about any restrictions on the street.
3. Show us where the water supply, electricity and a toilet can be used.
4. Clear the route from the front door to the rooms being decorated.
5. For exterior work, cut back plants near the walls and move garden furniture, bins and cars away from the house.

Heating and ventilation

Paint and filler dry best in a steady, moderate temperature with some ventilation. In colder months, keep the heating on at a normal level during and after work, and do not turn it up to speed up drying, as this can harm the finish. Damp or cold rooms dry more slowly and can affect how well coats bond, so tell us about any rooms that are prone to condensation.

Colour decisions

Changing your mind halfway through is one of the most common reasons for delay. Choose your colours and finishes before work begins, and test them on the wall in your own light. If you are unsure, read our guide on choosing colours for a north-facing room. Write down which colour goes where, including ceilings, woodwork and doors, so nothing is left to guesswork.

Agree the plan

A short conversation before the start date should cover the order of rooms, the working hours, how much furniture moving is needed, and what is included in the quotation. Our how it works page explains how we normally plan a job. If something changes in your household, tell us as early as you can, and we will adjust.

On the first day

Expect some disruption. Rooms being prepared will be dusty for a short time, and there may be the smell of paint for a day or two. Sanding, filling and masking are the quiet part of a job, and the result depends on them. If you have any questions, the best time to ask them is at the start.

Ready to talk it through?

If you are planning interior work, see our interior painting and decorating page, or simply request a quotation and tell us about the rooms, your timescale and anything you think we should know about the house. We will get back to you to discuss it.