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Do Painters Move Furniture? What to Expect & How to Prepare

  • Writer: Jed Roper
    Jed Roper
  • Feb 5
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 30

Do Painters Move Furniture? What to Know Before Your Painting Project with 3 Ropes Painting


At 3 Ropes Painting in St. George, UT, a common question we hear is, “Do painters move furniture before a paint job?” Typically, professional painters, including our team, do not move furniture as part of standard services, and if we do, it incurs an additional fee. Our expertise lies in delivering high-quality paint finishes, not moving services, and our insurance does not cover your personal belongings. We recommend moving furniture yourself, hiring professional movers, or discussing options with us in advance. For valuable or fragile items, handle them personally to ensure their safety.


Key Takeaways

  • Moving furniture typically isn’t included in standard painting services.

  • Leaving bulky furniture in the room can increase labor time and costs.

  • Clear communication with your painting company ensures a smooth entire process.


Do Painters Typically Move Furniture?

Couple sitting on hardwood floor, surrounded by labeled boxes.

Most professional painters expect a room to be prepped when they arrive. That means wall hangings down and furniture moved—ideally out of the space or to the center of the room. At 3 Ropes Painting, we can shift furniture for an additional fee, but we’re not movers. If you’re worried about damage to delicate items, take charge of moving them yourself. This keeps your home’s interior safe and ensures everything ends up back in the same spot you want.


Costs of Leaving Furniture in the Room


Keeping furniture in place slows down the painting process. Our painters arrive ready to work efficiently, but navigating around bulky furniture adds complexity and time—potentially hiking labor costs by 30-50%. To save money on your painting project, clear the space beforehand. Handling furniture yourself avoids extra charges and keeps the focus on a high-quality paint job.


Preparing Your Room for Interior Painting

A well-prepared room with drop cloths laid out for painting.

For the best results, here’s how to get ready:

  • Move furniture out of the room if possible. Clear the room or push items to the center of the room and cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.

  • Remove decor, outlet covers, and small items.  Take down wall hangings, outlet covers, and small items to protect them and simplify the painting process.

  • Address wall imperfections. Patch cracks or nail holes on interior walls ahead of time—we usually handle it as part of your bid.

  • Keep pets and children out of the area. Keep pets and kids away for safety and an uninterrupted paint job.


Protective Coverings for Furniture & Floors


If furniture stays, we recommend shielding it with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. We bring our own protective gear, but securing coverings yourself ensures they stay in place. This protects your personal belongings from paint fumes, splatters, and dust during interior painting.


Storage Solutions During Painting


No room to relocate furniture? Consider short-term storage units or portable containers. Boxing up small items also frees space and keeps your home’s interior safe throughout the entire process.


Ensuring Proper Ventilation


Good airflow is essential for indoor painting projects:

  • Open windows and use fans to reduce paint fumes.

  • Opt for low-VOC or no-VOC paints for cleaner air.

  • Plan to stay elsewhere if using oil-based paints with stronger odors.


Planning Around the Painting Schedule

A calendar marking the painting schedule and planning around it.

Clear scheduling prevents disruptions. Tell us about furniture, pets, or ventilation needs upfront. If paint fumes are a concern, schedule the paint job when you’re away for a seamless experience.


Final Prep Before Painters Arrive

Final preparations being made before painters arrive.

Before our professional painters get started:


  • Move remaining small items or valuables.

  • Secure pets elsewhere in the home.

  • Clear access to outlets for power tools.

  • Share any last-minute updates to the painting project.


Summary


The key to a successful paint job is preparation. While we can move furniture for a fee, it’s smarter—and often cheaper—to do it yourself or hire movers. By clearing the space, using drop cloths, and communicating with your painting contractors, you’ll enjoy a fast, high-quality interior painting experience with 3 Ropes Painting. Questions? We’re here to help—reach out anytime!


Frequently Asked Questions


How should I move furniture when painting?

Use sliders for heavy pieces, shift them to the center of the room, or remove them entirely. Cover with plastic sheeting to guard against splatter during the painting process.


Do I have to remove furniture to paint a room?

Yes, for the smoothest paint job, clear it out. If space is tight, centralize and cover furniture to protect your home’s interior.


Will 3 Ropes Painting move my furniture?

We can, but it’s an extra charge, and we’re not movers. Handle fragile items yourself—we’re not comfortable taking liability for breakage. Discuss options with us before the painters arrive.


Prep is Key for a Successful Painting Project

Proper preparation ensures a high-quality paint job. Before our professional painters at 3 Ropes Painting begin, clear interior walls, ceilings, and floors of small items, artwork, and electronics in your St. George, Cedar City, or Washington County home. Use drop cloths and painter’s tape to protect furniture and surfaces from splatters. Whether it’s interior or exterior painting across Southern Utah, thorough planning saves time and delivers durable, polished results. Need guidance on color selection or preparation? Contact 3 Ropes Painting at 435-277-0834 or visit 3ropespainting.com—we’re your trusted painting experts in Southern Utah!

 
 
 

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