Your Ultimate Move-In/Out Cleaning Checklist

Moving can be a stressful process, and cleaning is a crucial part of it. Whether you’re moving into a new home or moving out of an old one, a thorough cleaning ensures that the space is welcoming and hygienic. For those moving out, it’s often a requirement to receive your full security deposit back. For those moving in, it provides peace of mind knowing your new home is clean and sanitized. Here’s your ultimate move-in/out cleaning checklist to ensure every area of the home is addressed.

General Move-In/Out Cleaning Tips

• Start from the Top: Always start cleaning from the top of a room and work your way down. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls while cleaning higher surfaces is captured when you clean the floors.
• Room-by-Room Approach: Tackle one room at a time for efficiency and effectiveness. This helps you stay organized and ensures no area is overlooked.
• Use Quality Cleaning Supplies: Invest in good quality cleaning products and tools for a more efficient and thorough clean.

Cleaning Checklist for Every Room

1. Dust Ceilings and Light Fixtures: Remove cobwebs and dust from ceilings, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
2. Clean Windows: Clean the inside (and outside, where accessible) of windows, including the sills and tracks.
3. Wipe Down Walls and Baseboards: Clean walls, baseboards, and any permanent fixtures.
4. Clean Flooring: Vacuum carpets and mop hard surface floors. Consider professional carpet cleaning if necessary.
5. Sanitize Switches and Handles: Wipe down light switches, door handles, and cabinet pulls.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

1. Appliances: Clean the refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and any other appliances inside and out. Don’t forget to clean under and behind them.
2. Cabinets and Drawers: Clean all cabinets and drawers, inside and out. Remove all liners if necessary.
3. Countertops and Backsplash: Wipe down and sanitize all countertops and backsplash areas.
4. Sink and Faucets: Deep clean the sink and polish the faucet.
5. Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor, paying special attention to corners and under appliances.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

1. Toilet: Thoroughly clean and sanitize the toilet, including the base and behind.
2. Shower and Tub: Deep clean the shower, bathtub, and any glass doors or enclosures.
3. Sink and Countertops: Clean and sanitize the sink, countertops, and any fixtures.
4. Mirrors: Clean all mirrors to a streak-free shine.
5. Cabinets and Drawers: Clean inside and out, including the handles.
6. Floors: Sweep and mop, focusing on corners and behind the toilet.

Bedroom and Living Area Checklist

1. Closets: Clean all shelving and floor space inside closets.
2. Carpets and Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
3. Walls and Baseboards: Wipe down walls and clean baseboards.

Additional Areas

• Laundry Area: Clean the washer and dryer, including lint traps. Wipe down all surfaces.
• Garage and Storage Areas: Sweep floors and remove any cobwebs or debris.
• Outdoor Spaces: Sweep patios, balconies, and front steps.

Final Touches

• Odor Elimination: Neutralize any lingering odors, particularly in areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
• Replace Any Burned-Out Light Bulbs: Ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs.
• Final Inspection: Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing has been missed.

Conclusion

A comprehensive move-in/out cleaning is vital for both incoming and outgoing tenants. It ensures that the space is not only visually appealing but also sanitary and welcoming. By following this checklist, you can make sure every area of the home is meticulously cleaned and ready for its new occupants. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire professional cleaners, this checklist will help you cover all the essential cleaning tasks for a successful move.