Cleaning

The Essential Move-Out Cleaning Guide for a Stress-Free Departure

Tackling the chore of house cleaning during a move can seem daunting, especially when a security deposit hangs in the balance.

Amidst the chaos of packing, strategizing, and sorting through paperwork, it’s common for cleaning to slip to the bottom of your to-do list. However, we’ve crafted a downloadable, easy-to-follow checklist (jump to download) to streamline the cleaning process in an unoccupied home during your move.

Pro tip: Ensure the property is vacant before cleaning. This simplifies the process significantly, as you won’t have to navigate around boxes or furnishings.

WHAT DOES A MOVE-OUT CLEAN INVOLVE?
Understanding the scope of cleaning required for a move-out is crucial, regardless of whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional cleaning service.

Your starting point should be the lease or sale agreement. Real estate agents often have specific cleaning standards that must be met. If these aren’t outlined in your agreement, it’s wise to inquire, preventing the need for repeat cleaning or risking a portion of your deposit. Our comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist serves as an excellent starting point.

CLEANING BEDROOMS DURING A MOVE
The most effective cleaning method is to tackle tasks from top to bottom. This principle holds true whether you’re sprucing up a single room or the entire house. Start from the upper floor if you have a multilevel home, and methodically clean each room from the ceiling to the floor.

BEDROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
✔ Dust all surfaces
✔ Clean closet exteriors and interiors
✔ Remove marks from walls and baseboards
✔ Polish mirrors
✔ Clean interior windowsills and window tracks
✔ Dust and/or wipe baseboards
✔ Clean doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
✔ Wipe light switches
✔ Empty trash
✔ Vacuum and mop hard surface floors
✔ Vacuum carpets and area rugs

MOVE-OUT CLEANING FOR BATHROOMS
An empty bathroom simplifies the cleaning process, freeing you from the need to maneuver around personal items and linens. Start by laying old towels at the entrance, allowing for a thorough wet cleaning.

Apply cleaning products to any heavily soiled areas first, letting them sit while you tackle other tasks.

BATHROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
✔ Clean and sanitize the bathtub, shower walls, and glass doors
✔ Sanitize the sink
✔ Clean and sanitize the toilet, inside and out
✔ Polish mirrors
✔ Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors
✔ Dust and wipe countertops and shelves
✔ Dust all surfaces
✔ Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
✔ Wipe doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
✔ Clean light switches
✔ Empty trash
✔ Dust and wipe baseboards
✔ Remove marks from walls and baseboards
✔ Vacuum and wash the floor

KITCHEN CLEANING DURING A MOVE
Kitchens can present a challenge, particularly in older homes, where lingering odors and stains are common. Start by applying cleaning agents to tough spots, like the oven, early on, so you can clean other areas while the solution works.

KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST
✔ Clean appliance interiors and exteriors (stovetop, oven, range hood, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
✔ Wipe down small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker)
✔ Dust and wipe countertops and shelves
✔ Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors
✔ Wash sinks and backsplash
✔ Wash dishes
✔ Dust all surfaces
✔ Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
✔ Dust and wipe baseboards
✔ Wipe doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
✔ Clean light switches
✔ Remove marks from walls and baseboards
✔ Empty trash
✔ Vacuum and wash the floor

MOVE-OUT CLEANING FOR COMMON AREAS
Ensure all shared spaces, including entryways, hallways, stairs, dining rooms, and living rooms, are cleaned thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas previously obscured by furniture and high-traffic zones that may have been overlooked.

LIVING AREA CLEANING CHECKLIST
✔ Dust all surfaces
✔ Polish mirrors
✔ Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
✔ Dust and wipe baseboards
✔ Clean doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
✔ Wipe light switches
✔ Remove marks from walls and baseboards
✔ Vacuum and mop hard surface floors
✔ Empty trash
✔ Vacuum carpets and area rugs
✔ Clean closet fronts and insides

MOVE CLEANING SUPPLIES
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth move, including preparing for your move-out clean. Avoid the frustration of pausing your cleaning to replenish supplies by ensuring you have all necessary products on hand.

This includes a vacuum cleaner, varied cleaning sprays for the kitchen, bathroom, and general surfaces; a scouring agent or concentrated cleaner for tough grime; floor cleaner; numerous microfiber cloths; a microfiber mop; brushes; a squeegee; garbage bags; and protective gear like gloves. Consider investing in a complete house cleaning kit for convenience.

To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, opt for natural cleaning products. High-quality natural cleaners are safer for your health and as effective as traditional cleaners.

CONSIDERING A PROFESSIONAL MOVE-OUT CLEANING SERVICE
If you prefer expert assistance, avoid waiting until the last minute to book a move-out cleaning service. High demand during peak moving seasons can lead to fully booked services. To secure your preferred date, contact a residential cleaning company well in advance, scheduling the service for after your move.