How to Prepare for New Flooring Installation: A Room-by-Room Checklist

So, you’re a homeowner that’s found the perfect carpeting or hardwood flooring, and you’re beyond excited. This new addition could completely transform the look and feel of your home, but you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for this transition. Some proactive measures can help make this process smooth and stress-free for you, your family, and your installers. We’ll break down what your new flooring installation checklist should have to assist you through this invigorating venture. 

General Flooring Prep for Every Room

Before we get into specifics, there are a few steps that apply no matter where the flooring is going:

• Clear the room: The first step is to remove furniture, decor, and any other items that may obstruct the area. If you’re short on space, consider storing items temporarily in a garage or another room to prevent damage to your personal belongings. 
• Unplug and remove electronics: It may be crucial to clear out all your electronics, including TVs, speakers, and computers. 
• Take down wall hangings: Hammering and moving equipment can cause your walls to vibrate, which may end up damaging valuable artwork. In the new installation room, it can be crucial to remove photos, art, or mirrors hanging on adjacent walls.
• Check the doors: New flooring can slightly alter the floor height. That might mean adjustments to the door are needed after installation. Make a note of any tight door clearances before the installation begins. 

Living Room Flooring Prep

If you’re installing new floors in your living room, there may be plenty of furniture and decor to deal with. Here’s a brief checklist for those renovating their living areas: 

• Remove area rugs and furniture: Coffee tables, couches, and shelving units may all need to be moved so you can avoid furniture damage. 
• Cover built-ins: Your beautiful apartment or home may have come with vintage built-ins or fireplace mantels. In these cases, you may want to check with your installer to see if they’ll need to be partially dismantled or protected before installation begins.
• Secure electronics: Your living room may be a critical room for entertainment. If it has plenty of technology, you should label individual wires and plugs before removing them. Then, store them in another room until the installation is complete.

Although it may require effort to move and cover your furniture, it can be a great excuse to declutter or rearrange the space. Once your new floors are in, you’ll have a more organized living room to come back to!

Kitchen Flooring Prep

Installing flooring in the kitchen may take extra planning, especially if there are hefty appliances involved. To prep for this transition, you can:

• Clear the counters and move small appliances: Unplug toasters, mixers, and coffee makers, as they may need to be stored in a separate room before new flooring is installed.
• Move the oversized items (if necessary): Some installers can work around your fridge and stove, but others may require you to temporarily relocate them. Ask your professionals ahead of time to see what should be removed.
• Plan meals: Without access to the kitchen, you might want to prep a few meals ahead of time or plan to eat out for a day or two. Especially if the fridge needs to be unplugged, it can be helpful to arrange your meals before the installation begins.

Bedroom Flooring Prep

If you’re looking to redo your bedroom carpeting or install some sleek laminate planks, here’s how to prep your bedroom:

• Remove bedding, clothes, and personal items: It may be necessary to clear out your dresser drawers, remove bedsheets, and clear your nightstands to make them easier to move.
• Disassemble your bed: If you have a king-sized bed or a lavish bedframe, it may be difficult to move those items out of the room. Taking apart the bedframe may make it easier to move and can help your installers have full access to the floor.
• Relocate temporarily: Depending on how long the install takes, you may need to sleep in another room for a night or two. If you don’t have an extra free bed, consider getting a blow-up mattress to solve the issue temporarily.

Bathroom Flooring Prep

Bathrooms are usually small, but they can be particularly challenging due to the presence of plumbing fixtures. Here’s what you can do to help your installers: 

• Remove rugs, towels, and toiletries: Per usual, it can be necessary to clear the space completely so nothing gets in the way.
• Disconnect the toilet (if needed): Some flooring jobs require temporarily removing the toilet. Although this may seem daunting, your installer will typically handle this process.
• Ventilate if necessary: If you’re installing new tile or using adhesives, good airflow will help speed up the drying process and reduce odors. Cracking a window before and after to ensure adequate ventilation is occurring can be helpful.

Hallways and Entryways Flooring Prep

These high-traffic areas often go unnoticed, but they may be in need of some refurbishment. If you’re installing new carpeting in a hallway, you can:

• Clear the path: Remove runners, shoe racks, and small furniture for better access for your installers.
• Notify the family: It’s easy to avoid living rooms or bedrooms since they can be more isolated than hallways. For rooms that receive high foot traffic, it can be crucial to notify your family and roommates to avoid the area or use other entrances during and right after installation.

If you’re doing entryway floors, it might be a good time to invest in a new doormat. Having an area rug or doormat on top of your recent flooring can help increase its longevity. 

Final To-Dos Before the Installers Arrive

Now that you know what to do to prepare each room, here are a few last-minute steps that may help you:

• Confirm the start time and duration of the new flooring installation
• Make arrangements for pets and kids to stay out of the way.
• Set up a clear entry path for your installer.s
• Ask questions to the professionals before the installation begins

You’re Ready for Installation Time!

Prepping for new flooring may require a little effort, but following a checklist can help improve the installation process and ensure that your furnishings and personal belongings remain undamaged. By clearing space, planning, and asking pertinent questions, you’ll be fully prepared for your upcoming flooring adventure.