Our Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Moving can be such an exciting time, but we all know it can also be a little stressful. Okay, maybe a lot stressful. First you have to box everything up. Secure those valuables. Perhaps hire a moving company. The truck gets loaded up, driven to your new home and then you just have unpack and rearrange everything to start your next adventure. Not so bad…

Move Out Clean

But wait, that’s not all! Once your home is all packed up and cleared out, then you have to complete a move out clean. Your apartment or home must look as good as it did when you moved in. Because we know you’ll want to get that deposit back that your rental company has held hostage for who knows how long. Or perhaps you are selling and want to provide a good first impression to the new home buyer.

You may want to consider hiring a cleaning company. You certainly have enough on your plate, cleaning is probably the last thing you want to do. Why not hand the dirty work over to the professionals? Below is a move-out cleaning checklist to ensure every detail will is taken care of.

move out clean kitchen

The Kitchen is often one of the first places your landlord or new tenant will see. Everyone wants a clean place to prepare and eat their meals – it’s very important to leave this area completely spotless.

  • Make sure any appliances left behind are empty and spotless. The inside and outside of the microwave and refrigerator will need to be cleaned. If there is a hood vent over the stove that will need to be cleaned and polished. Any stove burners, top, front and control panels on the stove will need to be cleaned. Also, the inside of the stove will need to be wiped out.
  • All surfaces will need to be wiped down and shining. This would include the kitchen countertops, backsplash, all the cabinets and handles, door knobs and light switches. 
  • Commonly missed areas are the inside of the cabinets. Vacuum and clean out these areas to mitigate against bugs.
  • The kitchen sinks will need to be scrubbed and dried out.
  • To finish off the kitchen floors will need to be swept and mopped.

move out clean bathroom

The Bathroom can be one of the most intimidating places to clean, but this is also an area of your home that you will want to leave spotless and shining.

  • For the shower, tub and floors, all tile and grout will need to be scrubbed with an appropriate cleaner, one that contains bleach. Soap scum is no joke.
  • Walls, bathroom counters and ceilings will all need to be wiped down and dried.
  • For medicine cabinets and vanities, make sure that those are cleared and wiped out. A simple window cleaner will work for any windows and mirrors.
  • The inside and outside of the toilet will need to be scrubbed. Rubber gloves are a must.
  • A gentle disinfectant will work great on the bathroom sinks.
  • The bathroom floors will need to be mopped.

move out clean bedroom

The Bedrooms and Living Room require similar things when it comes to cleaning, but are just as important as the kitchen and living room.

  • All ceiling fans, furniture and walls must be detailed. This includes getting on hands and knees and scrubbing baseboards. The best tool for this job is a handy-dandy Magic Eraser. It is important to be careful around painted walls, as to not chip or damage any paint.
  • Use a window cleaner to wipe down window sills and blinds. 
  • Any type of air conditioner vents should always be wiped down.
  • Floors should be mopped, vacuumed, or hand cleaned.

move out cleaning

Hiring a trusted local cleaning company will help you with a stress-free move. With Eloise’s Cleaning Services, we guarantee your move-out clean will leave your property looking as good as new. You will feel confident handing in those keys and getting that security deposit back. It is time to enjoy your new home and next adventure!

Thank you to our friends at Clean Home Club for helping to compile this move-out checklist.