Is there an easy way to get rid of popcorn ceilings in an old home?

Cover floor with plastic or tarp. Spray water on ceiling. Wait an hour. Scrape off!

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=popcorn%20ceiling

There is no "easy" way to remove popcorn ceilings. Either you spray them with water, scrape the popcorn off, sand and repaint or you cover the ceilings with another material--new sheet rock and paint, wood, tiles, or a dropped ceiling.

you can also attach your scraper to a wet vac hose ! It won’t catch it all but it does get a lot of it!

Here's a tutorial for you! https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/how-to-remove-popcorn-ceiling-23379673?r=2

If your home was built before the 80’s, have the popcorn checked for asbestos before tackling the job. You can actually purchase a kit online. If your ceiling contains asbestos, it’s best to have a professional asbestos removal service handle the job. Better safe than sorry.

Wetting and scraping is the only way to remove it. I attach a 6" drywall knife to a broomstick then a plastic bag to catch the as mush of the scrapings as possible. Her in the U.S prior to 1978 there may be asbestos in it.

Popcorn material containing asbestos was allowed to be used until all stock was gone, so it could be in a home even after the ban was put in place. I would have it tested unless you are 100% certain what was used. And unfortunately there's not really any "easy" way to remove it.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to answer my question. You were super helpful!

I live in Saskatchewan, where you have a limited amount of time to do Reno’s that require you to open windows and vent out the dust and bad air that takes place from jobs such as these. I am also a busy mom of seven. I am new to doing my own repairs, so time and information is critical for me!

I will try to take an “after” pic once I’m done the job. I will also check and make sure that it is safe for me to do the job without the risk of asbestos! Thank you all, once again!

Step 1: Test for Asbestos

If your home was built before 1980, there's a chance that the popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. You should hire a professional to test the ceiling. If it contains asbestos, you'll need a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove it.

Step 2: Prep the Room

1. Cover everything: Remove all furniture or cover it with plastic. Lay down drop cloths or tarps on the floor and tape plastic to the walls to protect them.
2. Turn off the power: If you have light fixtures on the ceiling, turn off the power to the room to avoid any electrical hazards.

Step 3: Wet the Ceiling

1. Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the ceiling, focusing on a small section (about 4x4 feet) at a time. Be careful not to soak it, as too much water can damage the drywall underneath.
2. Let the water soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen the texture.

Step 4: Scrape the Popcorn

1. Use a wide putty knife or drywall taping knife to gently scrape the popcorn texture off. Hold the knife at a slight angle and carefully work across the section.
2. Be patient and work in small sections to avoid gouging the ceiling.

Step 5: Smooth and Sand (Optional)

1. Once the popcorn is removed, you might notice imperfections or small gouges in the ceiling.
2. Sand the ceiling with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out.
3. Patch any gouges with joint compound, let it dry, then sand again for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Prime and Paint

1. After the ceiling is smooth and clean, apply a coat of primer.
2. Once the primer is dry, paint the ceiling with the desired color.