The Only Move-Out Cleaning List You’ll Need

Moving out of a home can be pretty overwhelming.

Packing, organizing, and even saying goodbye can all seem like tasks in themselves, but people often forget that there is one task that needs to be done: cleaning.

But it is crucial to return a property in good condition, whether you want to get your security deposit back or open the house for new tenants.

This guide will help you accomplish all the cleaning tasks without much struggle, which is why it is a complete move-out cleaning checklist.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Start with Decluttering

First, ensure that all the items that belong to you have been put into the box or thrown away. Cleaning around clutter is relatively unproductive and, on top of that, could be more engaging. Look at the following steps:

Sort and Pack: All should be packed into boxes and labeled correctly.

Dispose of Unwanted Items: Donate, recycle, or throw away any item that you no longer need.

Remove Large Items: Furniture or large items such as sofas, cabinets, or beds should be moved or sold before cleaning.

Once the space is clear, it will be easier to clean the whole house.

Focus on the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most critical areas that need cleaning. Stains or grease buildup may cause an issue with your deposit; therefore, it is essential to ensure they are well-cleaned. Here’s what to tackle:

Appliances: The interior and exterior of the refrigerator, the oven, the microwave, and the dishwasher should be cleaned. They should also be pulled out from the walls to ensure that the back and below are cleaned.

Counters and Cabinets: Clean the external surface of the counters, backsplash, and cabinets interior. Avoid using strong chemicals, as they can harm the countertop’s surface.

Sink and Faucets: Wash the sink, dry the faucets, and check for leftover food in the drain.

Floors: Clean the kitchen floor by sweeping and then mopping, especially the corners and area near the cabinets.

Deep Clean Bathrooms

Cleaning a bathroom is not a very difficult task but it is very important to deep clean them since they tend to collect dirt and dirt stains. Here is what you should do to make them shine:

Shower and Bathtub: Scrub soap scum, mold, and other stains on tiles and on the inside of the glass doors.

Toilet: Wash the inside of the bowl, the outside of the base, and the exterior of the tank. If possible, change the toilet seat.

Sink and Mirror: Wipe the mirrors, clean the sink and polish the handles of the faucet.

Floor and Grout: Clean the floor from the dirt, and then use a grout cleaner to wash the hard-to-clean places.

Ventilation Fan: To clean the fan cover, wipe off the dust and then use a damp cloth to clean the surface.

Make Bedrooms Look Brand New

A thorough job will leave a lasting impression even if the bedrooms seem clean. Address the following tasks:

Closets: Empty all closets, then wipe down shelves and rods with a damp cloth. Dust and vacuum inside the closet.

Walls and Baseboards: Wipe off the stains, marks, and scratches on the wall using a damp cloth. If you have small holes left by nails, fill them with putty.

Carpets and Floors: Vacuum the carpets, and if there are stains, use a carpet cleaner. Sweep and mop hardwood or laminate floors.

Remove dust from the blades of ceiling fans and wipe light fixtures to remove webs.

Living Room and Common Areas

Areas such as the living room are also essential and need some attention to detail. Here’s how to ensure these areas shine:

Windows: If the back of the window is easy to reach, wash it as well. It is also essential to wipe the window sills and tracks, where dirt can quickly accumulate.

Furniture: If furniture is being left behind, ensure that you vacuum and clean it to remove dirt or stains.

Walls and Decor: Wipe off dust from picture frames, clean the walls, and wipe off any sticky residue from tapes.

Flooring: Clean all the floors using a vacuum cleaner or a mop, especially in the high-traffic areas most likely to be affected.

Don’t Forget the Laundry Room

The laundry areas are usually left with little or no attention during the move-out cleaning. Make sure this area is as clean as the other rooms of the house:

Washer and Dryer: Clean the lint trap, wipe the outside of the washer and dryer, and, if possible, run a gentle cleaning cycle with water.

Shelves: Wipe down shelving units and remove any leftover detergent or cleaning supplies.

Floor: All the floor areas should be cleaned by sweeping and mopping to ensure that all the dirt and lint are removed from the floor.

Outdoor Spaces Matter, Too

If the property has outdoor areas, spend some time and ensure that these areas are also cleaned:

Porches and Patios: Sweep and wash the surface of the porches and patios to make them free from dirt and dirt particles.

Yard Maintenance: Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and remove any other items or garbage from the yard.

Garage: Sweep the floor of the garage and if it is necessary, use a pressure cleaner.

Final Touches Before You Leave

Before you close the door for the final time, complete these final steps:

Trash Removal: Empty all the trash cans and ensure that no trash bags are left in the house.

Air Freshening: Open the windows to let some fresh air into the house or use a neutral-scented air freshener.

Walkthrough: Go through every room in the house to ensure no item has been overlooked.

Tips for Efficient Move-Out Cleaning

To make the cleaning process more manageable, consider the following strategies:

Work Top to Bottom: When cleaning, always start from the top down to ensure you do not ruin other parts you have already cleaned.

Use the Right Tools: Some essentials include microfiber clothes, sponges, and non-toxic cleaners to ensure that one does not harm the environment.

Create a Schedule: If there is enough time, break the cleaning into more than one stage over several days using this schedule.

Hire Professional Help for Stress-Free Cleaning

It is essential to clean an entire property, but sometimes, you don’t have the time or the energy to do so. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the services of a professional cleaner.

You will find that professionals from NW Maids will clean to the highest standards and ensure that your house is as good as new before you move out.

Conclusion

If you are searching for a house cleaning service, consider NW Maids.

Our professional cleaners will help you meet all move-out requirements while ensuring your home is clean and fresh.

We can be contacted to make your move easier and more comfortable, thus saving you the stress of cleaning the house before and after the move.

This move-out cleaning checklist will help you ensure that your old home is as clean as possible before you leave.

Whether you decide to clean the house yourself or contract professional cleaners to do it for you, it is essential that the property is left clean for either the new owners or your new landlords.

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