Setting Up Your Home Before Body Contouring: A Room-by-Room Checklist

Journal · Recovery Prep

Medically reviewed by Michael Clerveus, MD, board-certified general surgeon · Last reviewed October 7, 2026

Before your procedure, take a quick walk through your home. This room-by-room checklist helps you spot what to move, set up and plan.

Here’s an exercise we love suggesting: a few days before your procedure, walk through your home like you’re a guest seeing it for the first time.

Where would you sit? What would you need to reach? What would be annoying to deal with if you were moving slowly?

That walk-through can save you a lot of hassle later. Here’s how to do it, room by room. (Medical instructions always come from your surgeon. This is about your space, not your treatment.)

The entryway

Start where you’ll walk in after your procedure.

• Clear the path from the door to where you’ll rest
• Move rugs that slide or curl at the edges
• Put a chair or bench near the door, just in case
• Keep a small bag with your essentials ready to grab

If you live upstairs or in a building with stairs, think about how you’ll get in. Mention it at your consult if it’s a concern.

The living room

This is usually home base.

• Pick one main seat and make it your spot
• Bring pillows to that seat ahead of time
• Put a small table right beside it
• Keep the remote, charger, water and snacks within reach
• Clear clutter on the floor so nothing trips you up

You’re trying to reduce the number of times you need to get up for something small.

The bedroom

• Put the things you use most on the nightstand
• Consider sheets that are easy to change
• Move any heavy items off high shelves
• Lay out your loose, easy clothes ahead of time

If you share a bed with a partner, kids or a pet, think about whether you want a little extra space for a while.

The bathroom

• Add a non-slip mat inside and outside the tub or shower
• Move toiletries to counter height so you’re not bending
• Keep a towel and robe close by
• Think about a handheld shower head

Your surgeon will tell you when and how to shower. Follow that, not a blog post (even this one).

The kitchen

• Move everyday items to the middle shelves
• Stock up on easy food and drinks
• Prep a few meals or line up delivery options
• Keep a water bottle filled and ready

The “people” part of your home

Your space isn’t just furniture. It’s who’s in it.

Partner or roommate. Talk ahead of time about what help you may need.

Kids. Plan who can handle school runs, meals and bedtime. Little ones may not understand why they can’t climb on you.

Pets. Dogs who jump and cats who walk across your lap can be a surprise. Plan a little distance or a sitter for a while.

Florida home extras

A couple of local things worth thinking about:

• AC working well? Get it checked before your procedure, not after.
• Hurricane season? Have a backup plan for power and supplies.
• Pool in the backyard? Ask your surgeon when it’s okay for you to swim.

Your paperwork corner

Put these in one place:

• Your surgeon’s written instructions
• Your appointment times
• Our phone numbers
• Any forms you need to bring back

Our patient info page and pre- and post-op instructions are good places to start.

One honest note

A well-prepared home can make your recovery more comfortable, but it doesn’t change medical outcomes. Results vary, and everyone heals at their own pace. The most important thing is following your surgeon’s guidance.

Curious what recovery generally looks like? Read our Lipo 360 recovery page, then bring the details to your free consultation.

This article is general education, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. A consultation with Michael Clerveus, MD, is required to determine whether any procedure is right for you. For a medical emergency, call 911.