How to Get Rid of Carpet

Insert a wide putty knife between the wall and the lower trim and gently pull the trim away from the wall. Number the trim sections on their backs to make replacing the boards easier. Place the trim pieces in a safe place while the carpet is being torn out. Do not remove the trim if the carpet is not underneath.

Pull the carpet away from the wall by starting in a corner and pulling back 4 feet of carpet. The carpet is attached to the floor with a tacking strip. Go to the opposite wall and pull that edge of the carpet 4 feet from the wall. Use a sharp utility knife to cut through the carpet, extending the cut from the first wall to the opposite wall. Cutting the carpet in 4-foot strips will allow for easy handling and rolling up.

Pull the carpet away from the adjoining wall. The carpet strip is now unattached; roll it and secure it with box tape or rope.

Remove the tacking strip with a flat-head screwdriver or putty knife. Pull out any remaining staples with needle-nose pliers.

Cut the padding into manageable strips and dispose of them in the same way you did the carpet. Check the flooring for any staples that may have secured the padding, and remove with needle-nose pliers.

Call your trash removal company and ask if there are requirements for complying with pickup of large amounts of refuse.

Sweep the floor of all debris before laying new carpet.