Hiring professional painters is supposed to take the work off your plate. And it does — almost all of it. But a little preparation on your end before the crew arrives makes a real difference: the project moves faster, the results are better, and you're not caught off guard when a team of painters shows up at 8am. Here's what to do before your interior painting project begins.
What Vasy Painting Handles
First, let's be clear about what the crew takes care of so you don't over-prepare. We handle all surface prep (patching, sanding, cleaning walls), masking and protecting trim, covering floors with drop cloths, applying primer where needed, all paint application, and full cleanup afterward. You don't need to touch a wall or move every piece of furniture — but there are a few things that go more smoothly when you've done them in advance.
Clear the Walls
Remove all wall art, mirrors, clocks, and anything mounted or hanging. This is the most overlooked step. Painters can work around some things, but art and frames need to come down to properly cut in edges and avoid accidental damage. Take this opportunity to patch any picture-hook holes you're not reusing — or let us know and we'll patch them as part of the prep.
Move Small and Fragile Items
We'll move and cover large furniture, but we ask that you move small decorative items, lamps, and anything fragile or irreplaceable out of the rooms being painted. Shelving contents, small figurines, books, and electronics should be relocated to a room that's not being painted. This protects your belongings and lets the crew work without hesitation.
Address Your Pets
Paint fumes, open doors, and unfamiliar people in the home can stress pets and create complications. If possible, arrange for pets to be out of the home or in a secure, unpainted room during the project. Let us know when you book so we can plan around any constraints.
Plan for Ventilation and Drying Time
Interior painting requires good airflow. Plan to have windows operable and be comfortable with some ventilation during the project. Modern low-VOC paints have significantly reduced odor compared to older formulas, but airflow still matters for dry times and air quality. Rooms typically need 24–48 hours to fully cure before placing furniture back against walls.
The Day-Before Checklist
The evening before your project starts, take 15 minutes to: remove all wall art, clear countertops and shelving in rooms being painted, move small valuables and fragile items out of the work area, ensure pets have a plan, and confirm you have a point of contact for the crew. That's it. Everything else is on us.
We've been doing this since 2003, and the projects that go most smoothly are the ones where homeowners feel informed and prepared. Have questions before your project begins? Reach out anytime — we're always happy to walk you through what to expect.
