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If things are starting to look a bit dull in your house, it's time to add a fresh coat of paint. Changing the color of your home can give it a completely different look. If the thought of tackling the project as a do-it-yourself event brings on cold sweats, hire a professional painting service instead. They'll take care of all the hard work for you. Here are four steps you can take to get ready for painting day.

Experiment with the Color

Those little paint swatches don't do much to show you how a color will really look on a wall. Don't take chances that you'll be stuck with a color that you just don't like. Before you schedule your paint day, make sure you've chosen the perfect color. Narrow your selection down to two or three choices and purchase a sample can of each color. Apply the various colors to separate sections of the room you're painting. Live with the colors for a few days while you choose the one that suits you best. This will ensure that the color you end up with is the color you want to stick with.

Rent a Storage Unit

It can be difficult to navigate around furniture and décor when your home is being painted. Not only that, but one accidental spill or splatter can ruin a treasured possession. To make the job easier, and reduce the chance of damage, rent a storage unit while your home is being painted. Box up pictures and collectibles that are hanging on the walls and place them in storage. If you have furniture that you don't want to take chances with, place those items in storage, as well. Remember that it's easier to paint an empty room than it is to navigate around clutter.

Arrange for Childcare

If you've got small children, the last thing you want is to have them under-foot while the painters are in your home. To prevent chaos, and keep your kids from getting bored when they can't play with their toys, arrange for childcare on painting day.

Do the Prep Work

If you're going to be paying your painters by the hour, reduce the costs by taking care of the prep work in advance. If you're going to be leaving your furniture in the house, take the time to cover everything up with tarps. It's also a good idea to remove all the outlet covers from the walls. This will reduce the amount of time that the painters need to spend prepping the area.