Moving can be one of life’s most stressful experiences, but thorough cleaning doesn’t have to add to that stress. Whether you’re preparing to leave a rental property and want your security deposit back, or you’re settling into a new home and want a fresh start, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about move-in and move-out cleaning.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters
Cleaning your home well before moving out can help you get your full security deposit back. Beyond the financial benefits, leaving your property clean is an important part of the move, whether you’re renting and need to get your security deposit back, or selling your home and want to make it spotless for the new owners.
Benefits of Proper Move Cleaning
- Protect Your Deposit: Landlords can deduct cleaning costs from security deposits for properties left in poor condition
- Leave a Good Impression: Professional cleaning demonstrates respect for the property and the next occupants
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve fulfilled your obligations allows you to focus on your new beginning
- Easier Transitions: A thoroughly cleaned space makes moving furniture and unpacking simpler
Essential Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather all necessary cleaning materials. Making sure you have all the required cleaning products is the first step in a comprehensive move-out cleaning, and you’ll stay focused and complete the work as quickly as possible if you have everything in their respective areas.
Must-Have Cleaning Supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass/window cleaner
- Disinfectant spray
- Microfiber cloths and sponges
- Broom, vacuum, and mop
- Scrub brushes and scouring pads
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
- Baking soda and white vinegar (natural cleaning alternatives)
The Best Approach: Top to Bottom Strategy
The most efficient approach to cleaning is to work your way through tasks from top to bottom, whether you’re cleaning a single room or cleaning your entire home. This prevents dust and debris from falling onto freshly cleaned surfaces.
General Cleaning Strategy
- Empty the space first: The home should be empty, as cleaning will be much easier and more efficient if there are no boxes or furniture to clean around.
- Work room by room: Focus on one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed
- Start high, end low: Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures first, floors last
- Multi-story homes: Begin on the upper floors and work your way down
Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen requires special attention as it tends to accumulate grease, grime, and food residue.
Kitchen Tasks:
- Clean inside and outside of all appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher)
- Degrease stovetop and range hood
- Wipe down and sanitize countertops and backsplashes
- Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Scrub sink and clean garbage disposal
- Wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fan
- Clean windows, sills, and tracks
- Sweep and mop floors thoroughly
Bathroom Deep Clean
The bathroom can get quite grimy if not cleaned thoroughly, as bacteria thrive in bathrooms because of their particularly damp and humid environment, thereby encouraging the development of black mold and other fungi, which is why it’s important to give the bathroom a thorough scrub down.
Bathroom Tasks:
- Scrub and sanitize toilet (inside and out)
- Clean bathtub, shower walls, and glass doors
- Scrub tile, grout, and remove any mildew
- Clean and sanitize sink and faucets
- Polish mirrors
- Wipe cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Clean exhaust fan
- Wash floors and baseboards
Bedrooms and Living Areas
General Room Tasks:
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, and ceiling fans
- Clean closet interiors and exteriors
- Wipe down baseboards and trim
- Remove marks from walls (use mild soap or baking soda paste)
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe doorknobs, light switches, and door frames
- Clean interior windowsills and tracks
- Vacuum carpets or vacuum and mop hard floors
Don’t Forget These Often-Overlooked Areas
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Window tracks and sills
- Baseboards and molding
- Door frames and handles
- Air vents and filters
- Garage, storage areas, and outdoor spaces
Move-In Cleaning: Starting Fresh
Cleaning your new home before you move is a great way to get a truly fresh start, and cleaning a house before moving in will likely be the most thorough cleaning it will get for a while.
Priority Areas for Move-In Cleaning
- Replace Air Filters: Install new HVAC filters to remove allergens and odors from previous occupants
- Deep Clean Kitchen: Sanitize all surfaces before storing food
- Disinfect Bathrooms: Thoroughly sanitize all fixtures and surfaces
- Clean Floors: Professional floor cleaning is an incredible opportunity when the home is empty, as carpets especially will hide so much dirt, dust, bacteria, and allergens that it is best to have a super deep floor cleaning done by a professional.
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Clean all countertops, shelves, and built-in fixtures
Tips for Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Armed with a handy rental move-out cleaning checklist, you’ll have the best chance of not only getting your security deposit back but also avoiding getting slapped with surprise fees.
Deposit Protection Tips:
- Review your lease agreement for specific cleaning requirements
- Take photos before and after cleaning as documentation
- Schedule a walk-through inspection with your landlord
- Address any minor repairs (fill nail holes, touch up paint)
- Provide a forwarding address for deposit return
- Keep cleaning receipts if hiring professionals
When to Hire Professional Cleaners
If you feel overwhelmed by your move-out cleaning checklist and you’re not on a tight budget, you can always hire cleaners instead.
Professional cleaning services typically cost between $90 and $500, depending on the size of your home and the level of cleaning required. Consider hiring professionals if:
- You’re short on time
- The property requires extensive deep cleaning
- You want to ensure maximum deposit return
- You’re managing multiple properties or a long-distance move
Final Inspection Checklist
Before handing over the keys, complete a final walk-through:
- Open windows for fresh air
- Check all rooms for missed spots
- Ensure all trash is removed
- Verify all personal belongings are gone
- Test that all lights and fixtures are working
- Leave keys, garage openers, and manuals as instructed
Conclusion
Whether you’re moving in or moving out, thorough cleaning is essential for a smooth transition. Most places will require you to do some type of move-out cleaning in your old home or apartment after you’ve moved out, and we always recommend cleaning your new home before you move in—there’s no better time to clean a place than when it’s empty.
By following this comprehensive guide and staying organized with a room-by-room approach, you’ll ensure your old property is left in excellent condition and your new home is fresh and welcoming. The effort you put into move cleaning will pay dividends in peace of mind, financial returns, and a positive start in your new space.
References
- AspenClean. “The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist.” https://aspenclean.com/blogs/checklists-schedules/move-out-cleaning-checklist
- PODS Blog. “Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Getting Your Deposit Back.” https://www.pods.com/blog/move-out-cleaning-checklist
- Pro Housekeepers. “How To Do a Moving Cleaning Just Right (A Detailed Guide).” https://prohousekeepers.com/blog/how-to-do-a-moving-cleaning-just-right/
- Molly Maid. “Move-in Cleaning Checklist.” https://www.mollymaid.com/cleaning-tips/move-in/move-in-cleaning-checklist/
- No More Chores. “The Ultimate Move Out Clean Checklist for Every Room in the House.” https://nomorechores.com/the-ultimate-move-out-clean-checklist-for-every-room-in-the-house/
