House Cleaning Checklist: What You Need to Tick Before Moving

Basically speaking, all new tenants and homeowners would want and expect that their new home or apartment will be clean and habitable when they move into it. It’s safe to say that the old owners and tenants had just engaged in cleaning their old place. So, they wouldn’t be happy if they came to their new place and found that they now had to engage in another cleaning task. There are rules involving a house cleaning checklist. However, these may be different in some cases and vague in other cases.

Suffice it to say the apartment or home should at least be in the condition it was in when they were accepted.

Rules for Apartment Housecleaning

• You should remove all personal property from the premises.
• Also, you should clear all walls of pictures and other hanging objects.
• The floors need vacuuming or at the very least a broom clean.

When moving from an apartment, tenants must keep in mind that if they paid any kind of security deposit and they leave their apartment in a filthy state of disarray, they’re in jeopardy of losing part or all of their security deposit. This could definitely be an incentive to clean the apartment properly and efficiently!

Rules for Home House Cleaning

With a few differences, the house cleaning checklist rules for a home are similar to the rules of an apartment. Also bear in mind that the facts in this article pertain to homes being sold by a seller to a buyer, not purchases of bank-owned homes. Most bank-owned homes are sold in an as is condition. Therefore, sellers to buyers have to leave their homes in an acceptable state which includes following the rules regarding cleanliness.

• All personal property must be removed from the premises and all walls must be cleared of pictures and other hanging objects.
• Additionally, all appliances that were present the day of the signing of leases and other contracts should be there in the same condition when the buyers arrive at their new home.
• Floors should go through vacuuming or at the very least a broom clean.

However, to know the extent and specifics of cleaning required, owners should refer to their purchasing contracts.

The Actual Cleaning Process

When it comes to the house cleaning checklist, many tenants and sellers aren’t going to go on a huge cleaning spree. But there are notable areas to focus on. If done, it will establish good will and show a reasonable effort of doing the best for the next owner:

• Clean household appliances, mainly the refrigerator and oven, washers/dryers and dishwashers.
• Clean bathrooms completely and all sinks in the home.
• Besides vacuuming or sweeping carpets, wash all linoleum and tiled flooring.
• If there’s a garage, dispose of all toxic chemicals and clean the floors.
• Also, if there’s useful household materials leftover, such as paint, roofing or flooring materials, find out if the new owners can use these items. If they can, stack them neatly in the garage. Otherwise, take the items with you or dispose of them.

Below are specifics on how to clean each room in the home or apartment so that your cleaning will pass any critical inspection by landlords and buyers. There are detailed instructions on how to accomplish the deeds on your house cleaning checklist. However in this article,  we give you a summarized description of what you should do.

1. The Kitchen

The house cleaning checklist for the kitchen should include the following:

• Cleaning all appliances: Use what you consider to be the best cleaning solutions (liquid, powder and/or abrasive soap pads). Go over all major appliances until you feel they’re sufficiently clean.
• Make sure to get rid of any food in the refrigerator leaving it completely empty.
• When cleaning the dishwasher, first turn it on after scrubbing the interior with the cleaning products. Then to get rid of leftover soap and grime, run it a second time. Use hot water both times.
• Clean out cabinets and wash all counter tops.
• Scrub the sinks and mop the floors.

2. The Bathroom

No one wants to come upon the dirt and grime that can build up in a bathroom. So, you want to be careful to accomplish the following part of this house cleaning checklist:

• Spread scouring powder over all the surfaces within the bathtub and sink. Then, then spray a good liquid bathroom cleaner over the powder. Let both sit for about 15 – 30 minutes.
• Pour a deodorized liquid cleaner into the toilet to help sanitize it before cleaning. Let it sit for 15 – 30 minutes as well.
• Starting with the bathtub and using a brush, scrub until it’s free of all the rings and dirt. After rinsing, pour some of the deodorized liquid cleaner onto a sponge and wipe down the tub. Also, don’t forget to clean both the inside and outside. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat the same process with the sink.
• Using a toilet brush, clean the inside and outsides of the toilet. Use scouring powder on the toilet seat if necessary. After cleaning, rinse off the surfaces and then wipe down with a paper towel or dry rag.
• Clean the mirror until it’s sparkling clear. Then, make sure all knobs and handles have been wiped down to a glistening shine as well.
• Finally, mop the bathroom floor with a deodorizing cleaner.

3. Living Room and Bedrooms

Once all personal items are removed there isn’t much else to do in these rooms. Thus, you might have to wait until the day of moving when all furniture, clothing and other items have been removed. Then, simply vacuum, sweep and mop all the floors.

Of course you should prepare by setting aside a certain amount of time to get this chore on your house cleaning checklist done. Perhaps it can be worked out as each room clears out. Next, you can proceed to vacuum and mop as quickly and as best you can.

4. If Moving from a Home, There’s the Outside

If you’re moving from a home, you’re responsible for the upkeep of the property surrounding your home too. Therefore:

• If you have a front and backyard and both have grass: One of the jobs that you have to do is cutting the grass and pulling up weeds.
• If the patio, porch and balcony areas need cleaning: Start by sweeping away dirt, pebbles and leaves. Then either hose down or mop these areas to get rid of any other stains or dirt.
• Take down all items you may have hanging outside. Then, remove all furniture, toys and the like from the premises.

Final Thoughts

This article contains a significant house cleaning checklist to go by. Quite honestly, it probably contains only the things a person will be able to do considering it’ll be done in addition to moving. If you’re feeling adventurous and want more ideas as to what else can be done, refer to our other articles and check out tips and facts for your specific needs.

Are you preparing to move? Share your story with us!

Images: depositphotos.com.