Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Check out our move out cleaning checklist to make sure you leave your old place looking like brand new. We know, the last thing you want to do is scrub the floors of a home you’re not going to live in anymore. However, it has to be done. So why not do a good job at it? We hope this moving out cleaning checklist will help you get everything done as quickly as possible. With a systematic approach, this whole experience can actually turn out to be not as unpleasant as you think.

Moving out, whether from a house or an apartment, is both stressful and time-consuming. You can’t just move and leave everything behind as it was. It’s your moral duty to leave the place ready for the new owners or renters. Furthermore, cleaning will allow you to get your entire security deposit back. You can’t say you don’t need the money. Not only this, but the law demands you to leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in.

A move out cleaning checklist makes everything easier. It helps you organize your tasks and ensures you won’t forget anything. We have arranged our list by room and area of the house. Each space requires a specific approach, and you will find that the bathroom and kitchen will demand more hard work. Once completed, cross each task off the list.

What Do I Need?

Hit the stores and buy the necessary cleaning items. One way to save money is to try your luck at dollar stores. There’s a real change you might find some of these objects for as little as $1 a piece.

Here’s what you need: vacuum cleaner, vacuum bags, broom, mop, bucket, toilet brush, rubber gloves, rags, paper towels, sponges, and other items that you usually use when cleaning. Now let’s move on to the cleansers: appliance, floor, and window cleansers, oven cleaner, non-abrasive products, and all-purpose cleansers.

For the entire home

Remove all belongings.
Repair minor damages, either yourself or by hiring a professional.
Wash the walls, the light socket covers, the baseboards, and the heater vents. You can use a mixture made of dish detergent and warm water.
Wash the windows, both inside and on the out.
Dust and wipe the blinds and sills.
Wipe the shelves.
Dust the cobwebs.
Vacuum the floors.
Wash the light fixtures.
Replace burned out light bulbs.
Clean the fireplace(s) of all debris.
Vacuum and/or wash the vents.
Fill the holes in the walls with spackle.
Paint damaged walls if needed.
Vacuum the drapes.
Dust the ceiling fixtures.
Clean the doors and the knobs.
Dust the ledges.
Take the nails out of the walls and cover the holes.

Bathroom

Scrub the sink, shower or tub with a disinfectant.
Scrub the toilet inside and out with a disinfectant.
Put the shower curtains in the washing machine with detergent and vinegar. Replace them if needed.
Remove the dirt from the drain and make sure it’s not clogged.
Clean the mirror.
Wipe the bathroom furniture with a mild cleanser both inside and out.
Scrub wall tiles with bleach.
Vacuum the exhaust fan.
Vacuum the floor.
Mop the floor with cleanser.

Kitchen

Clean the range completely; include the broiler pans.
Clean the stovetop.
Remove the drip pans to clean the underneath surface.
Clean the drip pans. Replace them if needed.
Mop under and behind the stop.
Clean under and behind the fridge.
Remove all other appliances and clean under and behind them.
Clean the dishwasher. Empty the filter, then run a cycle with only a cleaning solution to remove all the residues.
Clean the sink and faucet. Polish them if needed.
Remove all the food from the refrigerator.
Clean the refrigerator with a disinfectant cleanser, both inside and out.
Defrost the freezer.
Clean the vent filter.
Clean the microwave both inside and out if you leave it behind.
Dust and clean all cabinets and drawers both inside and out.
Wipe off the electrical covers.
Mop the floor.
Wipe down the baseboards.
Clean doors and frames.

Bedroom

Vacuum the carpet.
Clean the electrical outlet covers.
Wipe down the baseboards.
Clean out the closet and wipe down the shelves.

Yard

Weed the flower beds.
Mow and edge the lawn.
Remove all person items.
Sweep and clean the patio.
Replace any burned outside light bulbs by the front and back doors, patios, etc.

Garage

Remove the trash.
Take out your belongings.
Clean the oil stains from any surface using a special cleaner.
Sweep the floor.

A Note to Renters

It would be best to move out a few days earlier to effectively clean your old place. You may not have enough time to do all the work in just one or two days, even if aided by friends and family. Try to clean the house/apartment yourself, as it’s less expensive. Nonetheless, your landlord can help with this by hiring a professional, then charging you accordingly.

Our move out cleaning checklist does not include larger cleanings. Check with your landlord on this, because each one has its own specific requirements. Make sure you follow the rules thoroughly in order to get your deposit back.

While you are not required to paint your rental, if you have caused damages to the walls you are obliged to do it. Make sure you fill any holes left by nails accordingly. It’s best to ask your landlord how to handle them.

You are not responsible for repairing the normal wear and tear. However, this is very subjective. Your obligations when it comes to larger cleaning and repairs depend on the length of your tenancy.

Print our move out cleaning checklist and start delegating responsibilities to anyone willing to help. Don’t be afraid to turn to your loved ones for extra hands. Try to remain organized, going over each step. It’s very easy to forget a few things in the process, but as long as you keep this useful moving out list next to you, crossing off each task as you go, you should be just fine. Let us know how it worked out, and share a few tips of your own.

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Move Out Cleaning Checklist – How to Stay Organized

What Do I Need?