If you do have to remove old wall covering, here are some things that may help. Assume that it will just peel right off. Go up to a corner and pick at it. You may find that it strips right off . . . but probably not.

If not, water or steam will soften up the old paste. Use very hot water to which you’ve added a cap of liquid detergent, and apply this to the surface with a paint roller. If the paper is vinyl, the water will not soak through. There is a tool called a Paper Tiger which, when rolled across the surface, uses a series of needle points to poke holes in the paper. Now the water can get to the paste. You can rent a steamer, and after poking the holes, the hot steam will soften up the adhesive.

Be sure to shut off the electrical current to switches and wall outlets during this part of the job.

Even after the paste becomes soft, you’ll probably have to scrape the old paper off in tiny pieces. This is a tedious and messy project at best!