How to Prep Your House for Residential Painting Services Easily

Did you know a fresh coat of paint can increase your home's value by up to 5%? But before grabbing a brush or calling the pros, some prep work can make the whole process smoother—and faster. If you're choosing Portland residential painting services, there are easy steps you can take to get your house ready the right way.

Let’s break it down so you don’t miss a thing.

1. Understand What to Expect from Portland Residential Painting Services

Before prepping anything, get clear on what your painters will handle. Some may move light furniture. Others may ask you to clear the room. Ask upfront.

Most residential painters will:

• Cover floors with drop cloths
• Tape off baseboards and trim
• Do minor patching or sanding

But they won’t usually clean your walls or declutter your space. That’s your job—and it makes their work easier and faster.

Also, check if they’re bringing their tools and paint. Some painters let you choose the brand, while others bring what they use most.

2. Declutter the Rooms Getting Painted

However, painting around furniture, knick-knacks, or electronics does indeed slow the crew down. Moreover, it increases the likelihood of accidents. To begin with, here’s what you should do:

• Remove small furniture like chairs, lamps, or side tables
• Take artwork, mirrors, and shelves off the walls
• Unplug and store electronics like TVs and speakers
• Clear off countertops, windowsills, and mantels

Leave larger furniture if necessary, but move it away from the walls.

Bonus Tip: Label your cords and hardware from electronics or wall décor. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re putting things back.

3. Clean the Walls and Surfaces

Although your walls may appear clean, it is likely that dust, oils, or grime are still clinging to them. When you paint over dirty surfaces, it can lead to issues such as peeling or poor adhesion of the paint.

There is no need for fancy cleaners. A straightforward combination of water and mild soap will suffice. First, take a sponge and then gently wipe down:

• Walls
• Baseboards
• Doors and trim

Let everything dry completely before painting day. That gives the best surface for the new paint to stick.

4. Protect Floors and Furniture That Stay

Some items can’t be moved—like heavy sofas or built-in cabinets. That’s okay. Just take steps to protect them from paint drips or dust.

Also, if you’re choosing Portland residential painting services, they may appreciate having the big items already covered. It speeds up the setup time.

Use these ideas:

• Cover furniture with plastic or old sheets
• Wrap light fixtures with plastic wrap and painter’s tape
• Lay drop cloths on floors, especially carpeted areas

Even if the crew uses their coverings, adding extra protection never hurts.

5. Take Care of Kids and Pets

Painting day gets noisy and messy. It’s not a good time for little ones or pets to roam free.

Here’s how you can plan:

• Keep pets in a separate room with food, water, and toys
• Arrange playdates or activities for young kids away from the house
• If possible, stay elsewhere during big multi-room jobs

Painters need room to work without tripping toys or stepping over dog bowls. A calm space helps them stay focused and safe.

Also, Portland residential painting services work quickly, so keeping distractions out of the way can lead to faster results.

6. Mark Problem Areas or Wall Damage

See any dents, cracks, or nail holes? Mark them with painter’s tape or make a list. Some painting crews will patch minor flaws but won’t fix big problems unless asked.

Common trouble spots:

• Cracked drywall
• Peeling paint
• Water stains or mold
• Rough or sticky areas

Call these out before the job starts. This helps your painters know what they’re working with and prevents surprise delays.

7. Make a Game Plan for Each Room

Prep isn’t just physical—it’s mental too. Decide how you’ll live around the painting schedule, especially if more than one room’s getting done.

Try these tips:

• Paint bedrooms early in the day so they’re dry by bedtime
• Use your garage or porch as a “home base” if your kitchen is closed off
• Group tasks (like laundry or meals) before work begins

First, talk to the painters about how long each room will take. Then, you can plan accordingly. In that manner, you can effectively plan bathroom use, cooking, or work-from-home needs around it.

If you're choosing Portland residential painting services, walk you through the order of rooms they'll paint. Take notes so you're not caught off guard.

8. Final Checks Before the Painting Begins

The day before the crew arrives, do a final walkthrough. Double-check that:

• Furniture is moved
• Walls are dry and clean
• Items are off the walls
• Pets and kids have safe spaces
• Floors are protected

Furthermore, consider turning on fans or opening windows if possible. Moreover, ventilation aids in drying while simultaneously keeping paint fumes at bay. Although low-VOC paints are designed to minimize odors, they still emit a scent that may be bothersome to some individuals.

Once you’ve followed all these steps, you’re ready. Your painters can promptly begin their work, ensuring there are no delays or messes.

Conclusion: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Prepping your house doesn’t need to be hard. With just a little planning, you’ll help your painters do their best work and finish faster. You’ll also protect your things and make cleanup easier.

So, Portland residential painting services, saves everyone time and money. Want a team that shows up on time, works fast, and cleans up right? Trust All About Painting PDX to do the job with care and speed.

Your house is ready. Now let the painting begin!