In this real estate article from Redfin, you’ll learn the move-in cleaning checklist for anyone moving out of their house or apartment. So whether you are moving from your home in Albany, NYor your apartment in Birmingham, ALOur cleaning checklist will help you tackle every inch of your old space so it looks as good as new.
Cleaning your move
Before you start your move-in cleaning checklist, a little preparation can save you a lot of time and effort. This first step ensures a clear and efficient workflow.
First, ensure that all your furniture, personal items and rubbish have been completely removed from the property. Trying to clean boxes and items is inefficient and often leads to missing important spots.
Then gather all the necessary cleaning supplies, including all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, glass cleaner, vacuum cleaner, mop, toilet bowl brush, microfiber cloths and a sponge. Check your rental agreement for specific cleaning requirements or items that need professional attention, such as carpets or vents.
Finally, “Use more time than you expect,” says Clean arrival. “You may think that moving house cleaning is easier than regular maintenance cleaning because you’ve already moved all your furniture and belongings and don’t have to work around them anymore. However, you’ve now exposed all the previously hidden surfaces and believe us, walls and ceilings get dirty.”
Kitchen cleaning checklist
The kitchen is usually the most time-consuming room, because this is where most grease and dirt accumulate. If you focus on these areas you can achieve great results.
Devices
- Clean the inside of the oven, including the racks, with a heavy-duty oven cleaner or baking soda paste.
- Wipe the inside and outside of the refrigerator, making sure there are no food scraps or crumbs left behind. Pay special attention to the areas where food is stored.
- Clean the inside and outside of the microwave and dishwasher, including the rubber seals.
Cabinets and surfaces
- Wipe down all cabinet fronts to remove grease buildup. Thoroughly clean the inside of all drawers and cabinets.
- Scrub the sink and faucet until they are free of water stains and residue.
- Disinfect countertops and backsplashes, paying special attention to grout lines.
Bathroom cleaning checklist
In your move-in cleaning checklist, bathrooms require a detailed top-to-bottom approach to remove soap scum and disinfect all surfaces. Start high and work your way up to the floors.
- Wipe down the exhaust fan covers to remove dust buildup.
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces with a streak-free cleaner.
- Scrub the shower and tub, focusing on tile grout, fixtures and the shower door rail.
- Disinfect the toilet completely, including the base and behind the tank.
- Wipe down the vanity, clean the sink and polish the faucet.
General room cleaning checklist
This section of the move-in cleaning checklist covers cleaning tasks for all other areas of the house, including bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. These tasks often require less intensive scrubbing, but are important for a complete clean.
- Walls and woodwork: Remove any stains on the walls. Wipe all baseboards, windowsills and door frames to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Floors: Sweep and mop all hard surfaces, such as tile, wood and laminate.
- Carpets: Vacuum all carpeted areas and use a carpet cleaner if required by your lease.
- Windows and doors: Clean the inside of all windows. Clean the interior doors and pay attention to the doorknobs.
- Fixtures: Dust and wipe down all light fixtures, ceiling fans and ventilation grilles.
If you need extra help, call the professionals
If you want to ensure a clean move, you may need to call professional cleaners to help you. “Hiring professional cleaners for your move-in cleaning service is a thoughtful way to hand over the keys so the new residents can move in easily,” says Jennifer L. Troyer of Seattle Green cleaner. “It takes a lot of work out of you and makes it more likely that you will return the full deposit.”
Leaving your previous home clean, either through your own efforts or by hiring professionals, is a thoughtful way to close that chapter for yourself and welcome the next resident to their new space.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the difference between a standard cleaning and a moving cleaning?
A standard cleaning tackles the cleaning at a surface level, while a move-in cleaning is an in-depth, comprehensive process. This involves cleaning areas that are often neglected, such as the inside of the oven, deep within cupboards and baseboards, to restore the property to its original condition.
Do I need to clean the blinds and curtains?
It is highly recommended. Blinds and curtains collect a large amount of dust. Dusting the blinds and using a light vacuum over any curtains is a necessary detail for a complete clean.
Will I get my deposit back if I don’t clean?
In some rental agreements, a landlord has the right to deduct the cleaning fee from your security deposit if the property is not returned in the same condition you received it, allowing for normal wear and tear. Following a detailed move-in cleaning checklist is the best way to guarantee a full refund.
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