Moving out of an apartment can be a very stressful experience, especially when you have a lot of things to do and consider.
It is very understandable that cleaning your apartment will be the last thing on your mind while packing, planning for transportation, and attending to the final tasks needed.
Cleaning your apartment could be the last thing on your mind.
However, this is one of the most important steps to ensure you get your security deposit back when you are occupied with the house.
It is not only crucial to provide a good impression to the owner but also to meet the conditions of the contract.
Whether you have a small studio or a big apartment, this guide will help you organize the move-out cleaning and show you how to prepare your apartment for the new tenants.
Why Clean Before You Move Out?
It is essential to ensure that you clean your apartment before you move out of it to get back your security deposit.
Additionally, a clean apartment also makes your landlord believe that you have taken good care of their property and have adhered to the conditions of the lease.
It also lets you leave a good impression on the next tenant and ensure the apartment meets the standards required for a final inspection.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
To make the cleaning process more manageable, create a schedule and set aside enough time for each area.
It is also better to divide the task into manageable chunks, such as cleaning the bedrooms on the first day and the kitchen on the second and so on.
You can always outsource cleaning services if you do not have enough time to clean up.
General Cleaning Tips for Move-Out Day
Here are some general cleaning tips that can help you get started before you move to the specifics of each room:
Gather Supplies: Ensure that you have all the required cleaning supplies, materials and other necessities that may be needed in the process. This may include an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a mop, a broom, a vacuum, a sponge, and a garbage bag.
Dust First: Dust the chairs and other furniture first, as it will be easier to clean the other parts of the house free from dust. Do not forget to wipe the vents, the blinds, and the ceiling fans.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas: These include the front door area, the hallway, and the corners of the rooms because these parts collect the most dirt. Make sure these spots get extra attention.
Room-by-Room Apartment Cleaning Checklist
Now that you have a general approach, here’s a detailed checklist for each area of your apartment. Follow this list to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Living Room and Bedrooms
Vacuum or Sweep: First, clean the carpets or shake off the dirt from the floor’s hard surfaces, including dust, dirt, and other particles. It is also essential to vacuum along the edges of the floor, under the furniture, and along the baseboards.
Clean Windows and Mirrors: Wipe down all the windows with a glass cleaner to ensure no stains or spots are left on the glass. There is no harm in washing the mirrors to make them as good as new and provide a perfect reflection.
Dust Furniture: Wipe off the dust on the tables, the shelves, and any other furniture in the house. To ensure that no stains or marks are left on the surface, use a microfiber cloth.
Clean Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: It is important to dust and wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures. This task is usually overlooked, but when done, it makes a lot of difference in how the place looks.
Remove All Personal Items: Make sure all personal items have been taken off and any leftover trash removed from the apartment.
Kitchen
Clean Appliances: The stove, oven, microwave, and fridge should be the first things to be handled in this order. These areas are likely to have a build-up of grease, oil, and other stains on the surface. Clean all the surfaces and the inside of the oven and the fridge where food was stored.
Clean Cabinets and Drawers: It is advisable to use a cloth to wipe the cabinets’ interior and exterior and ensure that there are no particles of food stuck in the drawers.
Countertops and Sink: Remove all the items from the counter and clean them with a cleaner. The sink should at least be scrubbed to remove any dirt, soapy scum, or food particles that may have stuck on it.
Floors: Wipe or sweep the kitchen floor to remove the dust that could have settled in the corners of the floor. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas.
Bathroom
Clean the Toilet: Clean the inside and outside of the toilet, use a disinfectant cleaner, and ensure that the seat and base of the toilet are also cleaned.
Shower or Bathtub: Remove all the soap scum, grime, and mold on the shower or bathtub. The tiles, grout, and the shower’s glass door should also be cleaned to ensure it is spotless.
Sink and Counter: Wash the sink, the faucet, and the countertops. It is also essential to wipe off any mirrors that might be in the bathroom as well.
Floors: Sweep and mop the floor, especially the corners and the area behind the toilet.
Towels and Personal Items: It is also essential to take all the towels, rugs, or other items remaining in the bathroom. This means the space should be left empty for the next tenant.
Additional Tasks
Check for Repairs: Now, you have to do a walk-through of the apartment to check if any damage needs to be repaired. This means any broken furniture, wall gaps, or other damage that may have occurred during your occupation.
Replace Air Filters: This is especially important if the apartment has air conditioning or heating since it is recommended that the filters be changed before the new occupants move in. This ensures the apartment is in good condition as we hand it over to the next tenants.
Remove Trash: It is recommended that all the trash should be taken out and all the trash bags should be removed from the apartment. The property should be left completely free of garbage.
Final Sweep: Now, give a final sweep all over the apartment to ensure you do not miss something. Check the closets, cabinets, and drawers to ensure all the items have been cleaned or removed.
Why Hire a Cleaning Service?
When it comes to cleaning before the move-out, it is advisable to outsource the services of a professional cleaning service like NW Maids.
They know how to clean every nook and cranny of your apartment and ensure it is as clean as possible.
A cleaning service will also relieve you of the burden of cleaning on your own, saving time that you could use to pack or move.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to clean an apartment before moving out if you know what to do.
With this list of tasks divided into rooms, you can work through every area of your apartment and make sure it is spotless.
With the help of the above guidelines, you will not only have impressed your landlord but also have a high chance of getting the security deposit back.
If you need a house cleaning service for the job, then consider NW Maids. Our professional team is well-prepared to provide any move-out cleaning and can assist with making your transfer to your new home smooth and without a hitch.
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- Expert Tips for Post-Holiday Clean Up
