Move Out Cleaning Checklist: A Room-by-Room Guide
Moving out of a home can be both exciting and stressful. One of the biggest tasks you can’t avoid is cleaning. Following a move-out cleaning checklist ensures that your space is spotless and ready for the next occupant, which could help you get your deposit back or leave a positive impression. With a detailed, printable move-out cleaning checklist, you’ll be able to tackle each room efficiently and avoid missing any key areas.
This isn’t just for move-outs! If you’re moving into a new place, use this checklist to make sure it’s squeaky clean before you unpack. Let’s dive in!
Essential Supplies for Move-Out Cleaning
Before you get started, gather up everything you need. Having the right supplies at arm’s reach can save you from running around mid-cleaning!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Microfiber cloths: For dusting and wiping without streaks.
- All-purpose cleaner: Ideal for countertops and appliances.
- Glass cleaner: For mirrors and windows.
- Broom, mop, and vacuum: To sweep, mop, and vacuum all floor types.
- Scrub brushes & sponges: To tackle sinks, showers, and tough stains.
- Toilet cleaner: A must-have for the bathroom.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from chemicals and grime.
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is probably where the toughest messes live—grease, food splatters, crumbs. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Wipe Down Countertops and Surfaces
- Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down countertops, backsplash, and surfaces.
- Clean Appliances
- Refrigerator: Remove shelves, clean inside, and defrost the freezer if necessary.
- Oven: Scrub away baked-on grease with oven cleaner.
- Microwave: Wipe inside and out, focusing on food splatters.
- Scrub the Sink
- Clean with a non-abrasive solution and polish the faucet.
- Clean Cabinets and Drawers
- Wipe down insides and outsides, paying attention to handles.
- Sweep and Mop the Floor
- Sweep up crumbs and dirt, then mop the floor for a clean finish.
Living Room & Common Areas Cleaning Checklist
Your living room is one of the most visible spaces, so make sure it looks good before you say goodbye!
- Dust Everything
- Dust furniture, shelves, light fixtures, and ceiling fans.
- Clean Windows
- Wipe windows and windowsills, and clean blinds or wash curtains.
- Vacuum or Mop the Floors
- Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors.
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms can get messy, but we’ll tackle it one step at a time!
- Scrub the Shower and Tub
- Use a tile cleaner to scrub tiles, grout, and remove soap scum.
- Clean the Toilet
- Scrub the bowl and disinfect the seat, handle, and base.
- Clean the Sink and Mirror
- Scrub the sink, polish the faucet, and use glass cleaner for a streak-free mirror.
- Wipe Cabinets and Drawers
- Wipe down both the insides and outsides of cabinets and drawers.
- Sweep and Mop the Floors
- Sweep up dirt and hair, then mop the floor for a fresh finish.
Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
Bedrooms may not get as messy as kitchens or bathrooms, but they still need a good scrub before you move out. Here’s how to handle the bedroom:
- Dust All Surfaces
- Dust furniture, shelves, light fixtures, and baseboards.
- Clean Windows
- Wipe down windows, windowsills, and clean blinds or wash curtains.
- Vacuum or Mop the Floors
- Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors.
- Clean Out the Closet
- Empty it, wipe shelves and rods, and clean the closet floor.
Floors and Carpets
No one wants to move into a home with dirty floors or stained carpets, so let’s make sure those are spotless.
- Hardwood/Laminate Floors
- Sweep and mop the floors, paying attention to corners and under furniture.
- If the floor looks dull, use a hardwood cleaner for extra shine.
- Carpets
- Vacuum thoroughly, focusing on high-traffic spots.
- Use a spot cleaner for stains, or hire professionals for steam cleaning.
Move-Out Cleaning for Apartments
Cleaning an apartment before moving out isn’t much different from a house, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s what to focus on:
- Balcony/Outdoor Spaces
- Sweep the area and wipe down railings or outdoor furniture.
- Common Areas
- Clean your part of shared spaces like hallways or staircases.
- Follow Building Regulations
- Check your lease or ask your landlord about any specific cleaning rules to avoid fees.
When to Hire a Professional Move-Out Cleaning Service
Sometimes life gets too busy, or maybe you’re just not a fan of deep cleaning. That’s when calling in the pros can save you time and hassle. When you should consider hiring a move out cleaning company:
- If you’re short on time or have a lot of space to clean.
- For hard-to-clean areas like carpets, upholstery, or stubborn stains that won’t budge.
- When you want peace of mind that you’ll get your security deposit back!
Hiring a professional move-out cleaning service ensures the home is spotless, meets the landlord’s requirements, and saves you a ton of stress.
FAQs: Move Out Cleaning Checklist
What should be included in a move-out cleaning checklist?
A good move-out cleaning checklist covers all rooms—kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living areas—and includes tasks like cleaning appliances, wiping surfaces, scrubbing floors, and dusting.
What’s the difference between move-in and move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning focuses on leaving the property spotless for the next occupant or inspection, while move-in cleaning ensures everything is sanitized and fresh before you unpack.
How long does a move-out cleaning usually take?
It depends on the size of the home and how dirty it is, but expect it to take anywhere from 4-8 hours for a thorough clean.
Should I hire a cleaning service for move-out cleaning?
If you’re pressed for time or want the guarantee of a professional clean, hiring a cleaning service is a great idea. They can handle the tough jobs and make sure nothing is missed.
Do I need different supplies for move-in cleaning?
You’ll use similar supplies, but for move-in cleaning, you may want to focus more on disinfecting surfaces and sanitizing areas like the bathroom and kitchen before you start unpacking.
Conclusion
Moving out can be a whirlwind, but with this move-out cleaning checklist, you’ll leave your home in pristine condition and increase your chances of getting that security deposit back. Following these room-by-room steps ensures that you won’t miss any key areas, making the cleaning process more efficient and stress-free.
Want to make it even easier? Let professionals handle the hard work, contact XYZ Cleaning Services for a hassle-free, top-to-bottom move-out clean. We’ll make sure your home is sparkling and ready for its next occupants, so you can focus on your exciting new chapter.
