Preparing Your Home To Get Painted (continued)

Closets

If you are painting inside closets, empty them completely. You can put the contents on a bed and cover them with clean plastic. Take out an extra day's clothes in case the painters seal up the closet.

Kitchen

Make sure all tables, counters and appliances are cleared off. If painting inside the cupboards, empty them. With no access to the kitchen, pack lunches and go out for dinner.

Here's a handy checklist to follow when preparing for your interior paint job:

• Remove breakable items from any work areas.

• Painters will cover and protect the furniture and floors, but if there is a delicate piece of furniture, remove it before painters arrive.

• Empty bookcases.

• Remove pictures, paintings, posters and manageable mirrors from the walls.

• Turn off and, if practical, disconnect electronic items such as computers and entertainment centers.

Wendy Mitchell. Learn more painting tips at certapro. When it's time to paint.