Whether you’re moving into a new home or preparing to leave your old one behind, a thorough cleaning is essential. A detailed move-in or move-out cleaning ensures the space is fresh, sanitized, and ready for its next occupants or helps secure your security deposit if you’re a renter. This hassle-free checklist will guide you through every step of the process.
Why is this checklist crucial for tenants & landlords?
For tenants, completing a thorough move-out clean increases your chances of receiving your full security deposit back. For landlords and property managers, a move-in ready unit makes a great impression on new renters or buyers.
Benefits of a proper move-in/move-out cleaning include:
- Eliminating odors and allergens
- Removing dust, dirt, and debris left behind
- Making the home truly move-in ready
- Meeting lease or sale agreement conditions
General prep: Empty unit, declutter, unplug appliances
Before diving into the cleaning process:
- Clear all rooms: Remove personal belongings, trash, and leftover furniture.
- Unplug appliances: For safety and easier cleaning behind and inside them.
- Open windows: Improve air circulation during the cleaning process.
- Gather cleaning supplies: Microfiber cloths, vacuum, mop, disinfectants, trash bags.
Kitchen tasks: Cabinets, appliances, floors, sills
- Cabinets & drawers: Empty and wipe inside and out.
- Countertops & backsplash: Disinfect all surfaces.
- Appliances:
- Clean inside and outside of refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
- Don’t forget to pull appliances away from walls to clean underneath and behind.
- Clean inside and outside of refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
- Sink & faucets: Remove hard water stains and disinfect.
- Floors: Sweep and mop thoroughly, paying extra attention to corners.
Bathroom tasks: Tub, shower glass, fixtures, grout
- Toilets: Scrub bowl, seat, base, and surrounding floor area.
- Shower & tub: Remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains from tiles and glass doors.
- Vanity & sink: Clean countertops, faucets, and cabinet fronts.
- Mirrors & fixtures: Use glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.
- Grout lines: Spot treat for mildew or discoloration.
- Floors: Mop and disinfect thoroughly.
Living areas & bedrooms: Windows, baseboards, closets, carpets
- Windows: Clean glass, frames, and sills.
- Baseboards & moldings: Wipe dust and dirt buildup.
- Closets: Vacuum floors, dust shelves, and wipe doors.
- Floors:
- Vacuum carpets and rugs (consider shampooing if needed).
- Mop hard flooring.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs (consider shampooing if needed).
- Ceiling fans & light fixtures: Dust and clean.
Final touches: Remove trash, dust ledges, wipe outlets & knobs
Before finishing:
- Remove all trash and recycling: Dispose of responsibly.
- Dust ledges and door frames: Especially high and low corners.
- Wipe down: Light switches, doorknobs, outlet covers, and doors.
- Inspect: Do a final walkthrough to ensure nothing is missed.
Helpful extras: Replace bulbs, check filters, air out space
To go the extra mile:
- Replace burned-out light bulbs: Bright, clean lighting enhances the space.
- Change HVAC filters: Especially important if the unit sat vacant for a while.
- Air out the home: Open windows and let fresh air circulate.
Don’t have the time or tools for a full move-in or move-out clean? Let Asubra Cleaning Services handle it for you! Contact us today for a fast, professional quote and leave the hard work to our expert team.
