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Too old to decorate

(17 Posts)
ExD Mon 03-May-21 11:42:39

We have always done our own indoor painting and decorating, but are now in out 80s and just too frail to do this any more. Our house is getting decidedly scruffy and 'tired'.
How much furniture moving will professionals do?
We have a piano, a display cabinet and a massive bookcase in our living room. I can empty the bookcase and cabinet but the piano weighs a ton.
(I daren't think about the dust and cobwebs behind the piano(!)
What about putting it all back again?
Need information please.

Esspee Mon 03-May-21 11:49:39

I was wondering if carpet fitters would help move furniture as part of the job so like you ExD, I will be watching this thread.

cornishpatsy Mon 03-May-21 12:15:05

When you book decorators or any tradesmen for a job tell them what you want them to do regarding moving furniture and they can include it in the price.

Nonogran Mon 03-May-21 12:22:29

Ask around your neighborhood/post office card in window for help. You might find someone locally who will assist. However, take care to find out as much as you can about the person, where they live, contact details, other work done in your area & put all valuables away when they visit.
Alternatively, your decorator possibly has help he can call on? Discuss with him or her.
Around me a decorators daily rate is about £90 pet day plus materials, if it helps to know.

MissChateline Mon 03-May-21 12:28:30

We are having our living room decorated at the moment. All small items were boxed up and taken upstairs. The larger items have been pushed into the middle of the room and book cases, TV etc lifted onto a sofa (by myself) and dust sheeted up. The decorator is working around this pile. He is also working around plumbers who are replacing a radiator.

ExD Mon 03-May-21 12:55:06

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Lyndylou Mon 03-May-21 12:56:26

Just a little warning I have just had a quote for decorating a bedroom but the earliest he can do it is August. Decorators, plumbers etc are in great demand around my way, so it might be worth checking that out before starting and living with chaos until it can be finished. smile

Ellianne Mon 03-May-21 13:01:43

It's not really their job to do that but some might be amenable to help out. I would mention it to them and say you are willing to pay the extra as it is a bit inconvenient for them and time consuming.
I hope you like what they do and that the piano has pride of place. It's not a grand piano is it, you will need a team of movers?!

Littleannie Mon 03-May-21 13:11:11

Espee- the carpet fitting firm who did ours advertised that they moved furniture as part of the job.

Esspee Mon 03-May-21 13:36:16

Thank you Littleannie. I was worried that it might seem cheeky asking.

Nonogran Mon 03-May-21 13:48:26

I am so sorry you two are not well and a bit fragile. I'm sure you'll find the help you need & it'll be lovely to have your surroundings all freshened up. Please let us know how you get on. Paint charts are available from B&Q or other such outlets. Some decorators carry them in their vans too. Make sure to get a price for the entire job & not by the hour! A slow worker might spin a job out.

Kim19 Mon 03-May-21 13:58:59

I moved everything into the middle of the room slowly but surely. I do all my own painting and the decorator simply throws dust sheets over the furniture. As long as he has ladder space for the wallpapering and somewhere for his pasting table (one time the hall) he's happy. I use a one man business but be sure to get three estimates. Helps if your friends or neighbours can recommend anyone.

silverlining48 Mon 03-May-21 14:07:45

Might be worth contacting Age UK who will know of local trustworthy people to do the job. Otherwise try to get recommendations from neighbours etc and two or three estimates to compare. Don’t pay it up front, and get a price fir the whole job not an hourly or daily rate. It will be lovely when it’s done.

ExD Mon 03-May-21 14:23:16

I always did the decorating, and enjoyed it, but I broke my back a couple of years ago and although mobile again I cannot stand up for long. I am 82 and have only just returned to my only means of exercise (swimming) and have lost a lot of muscle power.
I can do most things but I cannot move furniture - full stop!

luluaugust Mon 03-May-21 15:04:49

Our local U3A keeps a list of member's recommendations and I have an idea that Councils sometimes have lists of trades people. Good luck

loopyloo Mon 03-May-21 15:28:36

With regard to the piano, you could ask a piano company to see if they could look after it until the decorating is finished. Expensive but would make life easier.
Something I have thought of doing is one wall at a time.

Jaxjacky Mon 03-May-21 15:29:36

I use Local Treasures (check online if there’s one in your area) they are fully checked out retirees of all ages, you pay LT direct at an agreed rate.