Move-Out Cleaning Checklist [A Guide to Keep Your Old Home Neat and Spotless]

Moving out can be a real pain, and the last thing you want is to be charged extra fees for leaving your old home in a less-than-favorable condition.

So, we’ll walk you through the move-out cleaning checklist to help you make sure you’re not leaving any important tasks behind. This move-out cleaning checklist guide will make cleaning more organized, efficient, and even a bit more enjoyable!

Keep reading to top off your tasks with ease!

Understanding Move-Out Cleaning

It’s essential to clean your house or apartment thoroughly when moving out. If you’re renting, this can help you get your security deposit back, and if you own the property, it can increase the chances of selling or renting it for a good price.

As you move out of a rented property, you’re usually required to leave it in the same condition as when you moved in. Otherwise, the cost of cleaning and repairs might be deducted from your deposit.

On the other hand, when you sell or rent your property, you want to ensure it’s clean and in top condition to get a better deal.

The Importance of a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Now that you understand why move-out cleaning is essential, let’s discuss how a move-out cleaning checklist can be useful. A move-out cleaning checklist can:

• Ensure that you don’t forget anything. It keeps track of all the tasks that must be done, so you’re not leaving anything behind.
• Ease anxiousness. By breaking down the cleaning process into smaller, manageable tasks, it makes the work feel less daunting and more achievable.
• Increase your chances of getting your security deposit back or selling/renting your property competitively. Cleaning the property to fair standards using a checklist makes it more likely you’ll receive your deposit in full or sell/rent at a favorable rate.
• Communicate expectations with a professional cleaning service. If you hire a professional move-out cleaning service, a checklist ensures nothing is overlooked, whether it’s cleaning blinds, glass, or other critical areas.

Pre-Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Tips

A move-out cleaning checklist wouldn’t be complete without this information:

How Early Should You Begin Cleaning Before Moving

Generally, we recommend starting to declutter and gradually pack your belongings as soon as you have a move-out date. From there, you can begin cleaning and doing minor repairs 1-2 weeks before you leave, following your move-out cleaning checklist.

For busy households that cannot do these tasks right away, starting the process at least two weeks before your move-out date is advisable.

This timeline should give you enough time to get everything done without feeling overwhelmed. However, if you have a lot of furniture or belongings, you may need to start earlier.

Here’s a general timeline you can refer to:

• Two weeks before: Begin by decluttering and packing your items. This will make cleaning easier and save you money on moving costs.
• One week before: Start cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.
• Three days before: Clean bedrooms, closets, and hallways.
• One day before: Take care of any final cleaning and repair tasks, such as patching holes in the walls, repainting, etc.

When hiring a professional cleaning service, it’s best to schedule it at least a week before your move-out date.

Tools and Supplies Needed for a Successful Clean Up

If you don’t have these cleaning tools and supplies, a quick trip to the hardware store will set you right up:

• Baking soda
• Sponges
• Mop
• Vacuum cleaner
• Cloths
• Dish soap
• All-purpose cleaner
• Window cleaner
• Squeegee
• Paint (to touch up any chipping or peeling)

In addition, you may also need specialty supplies depending on your needs. For example, if you have pets, you might need a pet odor remover.

Remember to read the labels carefully. Always wear gloves and eye protection when using harsh chemicals. Also, test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t cause damage to your home’s surfaces or materials.

Primary Areas to Clean Before Moving Out

Before you start with your move-out cleaning checklist, note that these rooms need extra attention:

• Bathrooms: Bathrooms are often the dirtiest, so it’s crucial to thoroughly clean toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
• Kitchen: The kitchen gets used a lot, so it should be cleaned well. Don’t forget to clean the refrigerator, dishwasher, and all surfaces, leaving them spotless.
• Living area: This is likely the first thing your landlord or potential renter will see. Make it as spotless as possible to leave a positive impression.
• Hallways and doors: These areas are often overlooked, but cleaning them can immediately elevate the entire space. Don’t leave them dusty or with chipped paint—give them the attention they need.

The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Refer to this comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything!

Room by Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

Here’s a revised version of your move-out cleaning checklist incorporating words from your list:

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We broke the move-out cleaning checklist down into sections so you’re not overwhelmed when cleaning up:

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

Here is our complete move-out cleaning checklist for bedrooms:

• Cabinets, Shelves, Doors, Mirrors, Light Switches: Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or dust left behind.
• Furniture: Dust all surfaces and vacuum underneath to ensure no dirt is hiding.
• Floors: Vacuum thoroughly and mop to get rid of any remaining dirt.
• Windows: Wash or wipe glass inside and out with a mild cleaner and squeegee to remove streaks and ensure clarity.
• Baseboards: Dust with a feather duster or vacuum attachment to eliminate any settled dirt.
• Mattresses: Vacuum and spot clean to remove any dust or stains.
• Sheets, Pillows, Blankets, Curtains: Wash and dry to leave them fresh and clean.

Living Room Cleaning Checklist

Here is our complete move-out cleaning checklist for common areas like living rooms:

• Shelves, Doors, Door Frames, Light Switches: Dust all surfaces and wipe away spills or fingerprints.
• Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly and spot-clean any stains to ensure no dirt remains.
• Hard Surface Floors: Mop floors with a mild cleaner and dry with a clean towel to leave them spotless.
• Windows: Wash the inside and outside with a mild cleaner and squeegee for a clear finish.
• Baseboards: Dust with a feather duster or vacuum attachment to remove any dust or dirt.
• Appliances: Wipe down with a damp cloth and clean any spills or messes left behind.
• Furniture: Dust all surfaces and vacuum underneath to get rid of hidden dirt.
• Cushions: Vacuum or shake out the cushions to remove any accumulated dirt.
• Curtains: Wash or dry clean to refresh them.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Kitchens are some of the most heavily used rooms in the house. Here’s what you need to clean with our complete move-out cleaning checklist for the kitchen:

• Food: Remove all food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry to avoid leaving any behind.
• Large Appliances: Clean inside and outside of the fridge, oven, dishwasher, and microwave. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner.
• Cabinets: Wipe the interior and exterior of the cabinetry. Remove any items that aren’t yours and put them away.
• Countertops: Clean up spills or messes. Wipe down the countertop with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner.
• Sinks: Scrub the sink with a mild cleaner and a sponge to remove any food particles or grease.
• Floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a mild cleaner to eliminate any dirt.
• Windows: Wash the inside and outside of the windows with a mild cleaner and squeegee.
• Baseboards: Dust the baseboards with a feather duster or vacuum attachment to remove accumulated dust.

NOTE: You can also use this as a reference for your laundry room cleanup list.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms are notoriously tricky to clean! Here’s our definitive move-out cleaning checklist for the bathroom:

• Toilets: Scrub with a toilet brush and a mild cleaner. Remove stains or build-up to ensure cleanliness.
• Sinks: Scrub with a mild cleaner and a sponge to remove soap scum or build-up.
• Shower: Clean with a shower cleaner and a squeegee to remove any grime and ensure a spotless finish.
• Countertops: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Clean up spills or messes left behind.
• Cabinets: Wipe down the inside and outside. Remove any items that aren’t yours and put them away.
• Floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop with a mild cleaner to leave them dirt-free.
• Baseboards: Dust baseboards with a feather duster or vacuum attachment to remove any settled dirt.

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Small Repairs

By following these fixes with our move-out cleaning checklist guide, you’ll increase your chances of getting your full security deposit back when you move out:

• Patch Holes in the Walls: Address any nail holes from hanging pictures by applying spackle or joint compound. Once dry, paint over them to restore a clean look.
• Fix Leaky Faucets: Tighten connections or replace washers to stop any dripping. This will prevent water waste and potential damage.
• Fix Broken Appliances: Check all appliances, including the fridge, oven, microwave, and bathroom fixtures. Repair or replace any broken items to ensure they are in working order.
• Address Stains: Use appropriate cleaners to remove stains and restore the cleanliness of floors, doors, cabinets, countertops, and more. For walls, consider painting over any persistent discoloration.
• Examine Common Areas: Common areas are prone to damage. Carefully inspect these areas for necessary repairs, such as scratched hard surface floors or damaged baseboards.

NOTE: If you are unsure about performing these repairs yourself, consider hiring a professional to ensure everything is fixed properly.

Advanced Cleaning: Deeper Clean for An Extra Shine

If you don’t want to hire a move-out cleaner but still desire a professional-level deep clean, keep reading!

Professional Cleaning Techniques to Use

• Deep Clean the Bathroom: Go beyond just cleaning the sink and toilet. Professionals ensure a thorough clean by tackling grout in tiles, making the entire bathroom look brand new.
• Steam Clean Carpets and Upholstery: Use a steam cleaner to eliminate bacteria and allergens lurking in fibers, ensuring a deeper clean.
• Use Coffee Filters for Furniture: Their fine fibers can pick up dust and dirt from furniture without causing scratches.

When to Consider Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service

Hiring a cleaning service can make your move-out process much easier. Professional cleaners handle:

• Time-Consuming Tasks: Cleaning areas like the bathroom can be time-intensive and require significant effort.
• Advanced Equipment: Experts use specialized tools and techniques to achieve results that are worth the investment.
• Efficient Time Management: They work efficiently to deliver top-notch results.

If you find yourself short on time and willing to invest a bit extra, hiring professionals can be a worthwhile option for ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned.

Cleaning for Landlords and Property Managers

Here’s a quick guide on who’s responsible for what when moving out:

The Landlord’s Cleaning Responsibilities

• Apartment Complexes: In a complex, the landlord typically handles cleaning common areas like hallways and stairwells. Tenants are responsible for cleaning their individual units.
• Detached Houses: For standalone houses, the landlord might be responsible for cleaning the entire property, including the exterior.
• Exclusions: Landlords are not responsible for cleaning tenants’ personal belongings, such as furniture and appliances.
• Post-Tenancy Cleaning: After tenants move out, landlords are responsible for cleaning and repairing the property, especially if it’s left dirty or damaged (e.g., peeling paint). The cost for these services is often deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.

Note: These are general guidelines. Specific responsibilities can vary based on lease agreements and state laws.

The Tenant’s Cleaning Responsibilities

• “Broom Clean” Condition: While there is no standard definition, tenants should generally leave the property in a condition similar to how it was when they moved in, aside from normal wear and tear.
• Cleanup Duties: The property should be free of personal items, trash, and debris. Address any significant damage, such as paint issues, before handing over the keys.
• Additional Tips:
• Focus on areas that are likely to be noticed by the landlord.
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Remove any pet hair or odors.

How a Clean Property Attracts Quality Tenants

A well-maintained property attracts quality renters:

• Positive Impression: A clean interior signals that you, as a landlord, care about your property and the tenant experience.
• Increased Interest: Potential renters are more likely to be drawn to a property that’s clean and well-maintained, making a better first impression.
• Higher Returns: Renters are often willing to pay more for a pleasant and comfortable living environment, potentially increasing your rental income.

Frequently Asked Questions

To complete your move-out cleaning checklist, here’s more helpful information:

Conclusion

In this article, we did a walk-through of a move-out cleaning checklist to make moving less overwhelming, easy and more efficient.

Having a move-out cleaning checklist will make your tasks a lot easier and will guide you into a much more organized, efficient and time saving cleaning techniques.

Remember, it’s more manageable to do the job by rooms and with the move-out cleaning checklist so that everything is cleaned thoroughly. If you can’t dedicate enough time, getting cleaning services from EXPERT CLEANERS is a good option.

Simply follow our ways on how to do a move-out cleaning checklist. For a thorough job or if you prefer not to deal with spots and stains yourself, you can save yourself the hassle of cleaning your home by hiring Onix Cleaning Services. Book online now!