Move-out Cleaning Guide

So you’re done moving out all your furniture and are ready to get on the road. Now what? The next step is to clean the house and leave it as immaculate as you found it when you moved in. A move-out cleaning checklist guide is what you need to help you start the process.

Why do you need to do move-out cleaning? 

This is a simple question to answer. Think about the people who are getting ready to move into the home. Think about how you found the house when you moved in, right? That is precisely why you should always leave it clean before you move out.

Moving into a new home should not be hard work for future residents. Also, this will give the upcoming residents’ one less thing to worry about. In other instances, you may have to pay a cleaning fee if you leave the house dirty, so to avoid that, clean the house before you move out.

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Key things to have on your checklist are:

Bathrooms

A crucial part of the house to leave clean is the bathroom for obvious reasons. Ensure to cover all areas of the bathroom and not just the toilet. Scrub down everything and sanitize. Remove the shower head, scrub and sanitize it. Take down the toilet seat and clean it properly. Mop all floors too.

Bathroom checklist:

• Bathtub
• Shower head (can collect dirt)
• Shower glass
• Shower curtain( best take this down)
• Toilet seat and cover
• Sink and taps
• Cabinets
• Mirrors
• Floors
  

Kitchen Appliances

These appliances tend to collect dust and oil. Stoves, ovens, and a fridge are probably the ones that require the most cleaning. That is because these are the most used items in the kitchen. An oven collects grease. Whether or not you have the correct cleaning supplies. The dirty oil will remain in it if left uncleaned.

It would be best to clean the oven every time you use it. The same goes for the fridge, microwave, and stove to avoid dirt buildup and difficult cleanup.

Clean all the sinks and taps. Put drain cleaner in the sink to clear dirt off the drain pipes.

Kitchen Checklist:

• Fridge
• Dishwasher
• Oven
• Stove
• Sink
• Taps
• Windows
• Blinds (if any)
  

Floor/carpet 

Once you’ve moved out all the furniture and have cleaned all the appliances and countertops, floors are the last thing you should clean. If you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned, or rent a carpet cleaning machine and do it yourself.

For wooden floors, buy a wood cleaner and wax for the type of wood in your home. If you aren’t sure about this, ask for help from the homeware store assistant or hire professional cleaners to do it for you.

Tiles are the easiest to clean as they don't require too much work. If any repairs need to be done. Don’t wait till the last minute to fix that. Have them fixed weeks before you move out. They should be ready and dry by the time you move out.

Cabinets

The cabinet space should be left clean. It can collect dust and residue from spices and other foods. Use the right cleaning tools for this to leave it spotless. Clean out the pantry too. Take everything out and leave it empty and clean. 

Check the handle screws and replace them if needed.

Closet

Once all clothes have been packed, take off the hangers. You can either take them with you or give them away. Do not leave your clothes hangers in the closet.

Wipe down hanger holders and both the inside and doors of the closet. Wipe down the top of the wardrobe. If there are any damages, note those and inform your landlord when doing the last walk-through. 

If it is your responsibility to fix any damages, fix that before moving day.

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Kitchen

Having cleaned the kitchen appliances. Now it’s time to wipe down the countertops and clean the floors and cutlery drawers. Also, wipe down the exterior of the fridge and cabinets. Wipe down handles and the trash can.

Sweep and mop the floors as the last thing in the kitchen.

Kitchen checklist:

• Sink
• Wipe down taps
• Countertops
• Floor 

Repaint

Check the whole house to see what needs to be repaired and what needs to be painted. You should know this information when moving into your home by reading your lease and making sure you abide by it. The same goes for if you’re selling a house that you own. Leave it clean and painted.

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This is especially applicable if you were renting and had changed the paint from the original color you found when you moved in. 

Get a professional painter, or do it yourself if you can.

Outdoor cleaning

Most people tend to forget about cleaning out their outdoor space. This is also part of the house, so it should be left clean. Clear out all outdoor furniture and hose the patio or mop it. This also depends on the type of floor you have on your patio.

Clean the Bbq stand and area, empty all trash cans and replace bin liners. This goes for the balcony as well.

Summary

Moving in and out of a home requires patience because it is considerable work. You will have to clean the house and leave it impeccably clean. Do not forget to clean the outdoor area too. As we said; if you aren’t sure about the cleaning requirements. Ask your landlord or refer back to your lease.

Once all cleaning is done, do a last-minute check to ensure you have covered the whole house, and you haven’t forgotten any essential items. Check off your cleaning list once you’re done. Follow this move-out cleaning guide and enjoy the process.

Capital City Movers is ready to help you move. Call us at (718) 619 4881 for a FREE QUOTE, and visit our website for more information on our services. Happy Moving!