Moving to a new home is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most daunting tasks is cleaning your current residence before you hand over the keys. Whether you’re a renter hoping to get your security deposit back or a homeowner aiming to leave a spotless house for the new occupants, a thorough move-out clean is essential.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand the stress of moving, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you efficiently clean your home before moving out.
Looking for advice for your next local move? Check out our top tips for local moves here.
Why a Thorough Move-Out Clean Matters
Before we dive into the cleaning checklist, let’s discuss why a deep clean is so important:
- Security Deposit: For renters, a spotless home increases your chances of getting your full security deposit returned.
- Smooth Home Sale: If you’re selling your home, a clean house makes a better impression on buyers and can facilitate a smoother closing process.
- Professional Courtesy: Leaving a clean home for the next occupants is simply good manners and helps create positive karma for your new living space.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’ve left your old home in excellent condition allows you to focus on settling into your new place without lingering worries.
Time-Saving Techniques for an Efficient Move-Out Clean
Before we get into the room-by-room checklist, here are some general tips to make your cleaning process more efficient:
- Start Early: Begin cleaning at least a week before your move-out date. This allows you to tackle tasks gradually and avoid last-minute stress.
- Declutter First: Sort through your belongings and dispose of or donate items you no longer need. This makes cleaning easier and reduces what you need to pack.
- Clean as You Pack: As you empty each room, clean it thoroughly. This approach prevents you from having to clean the entire house at once.
- Use the Right Tools: Invest in quality cleaning supplies and tools. Microfiber cloths, a good vacuum cleaner, and effective cleaning solutions can make a big difference.
- Work Top to Bottom: In each room, start cleaning from the ceiling and work your way down. This prevents dust and debris from falling on already cleaned surfaces.
- Multitask: While waiting for cleaning solutions to work their magic in one area, start on tasks in another room.
Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Now, let’s break down the cleaning process room by room:
Your Kitchen
Appliances:
- Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator, oven, and microwave
- Wipe down the stovetop, hood, and small appliances
- Run the dishwasher empty with a cleaning solution
Cabinets and Drawers:
- Empty all cabinets and drawers
- Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces
- Clean and disinfect handles and knobs
Countertops and Backsplash:
- Deep clean all surfaces, paying attention to grout lines and corners
Sink and Faucet:
- Scrub the sink basin and polish the faucet
- Clean the garbage disposal and drain
Floor:
- Sweep and mop, paying extra attention to corners and under appliances
Your Bathrooms
Toilet:
- Clean inside and outside thoroughly
- Don’t forget to clean behind and around the base
Shower/Bathtub:
- Scrub tiles, grout, and fixtures
- Clean shower doors or curtains
- Remove any mold or mildew
Sink and Vanity:
- Clean the sink, faucet, and countertop
- Wipe down the mirror
- Empty and clean drawers and cabinets
Floor:
- Sweep and mop, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet
Your Living Room and Bedrooms
Walls and Ceilings:
- Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Wipe down walls, paying attention to scuff marks and cobwebs
Windows and Window Treatments:
- Clean windows inside and out
- Vacuum or launder curtains and blinds
Closets:
- Empty completely and vacuum or sweep
- Wipe down shelves and rods
Carpets and Floors:
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly (especially if you have pets!)
- Consider professional carpet cleaning for stubborn stains
- Sweep and mop hard floors
Baseboards and Vents:
- Dust and wipe all baseboards
- Clean air vents and replace filters if necessary
Your Laundry Room
Washer and Dryer:
- Clean inside and outside of both appliances
- Remove lint from the dryer vent and hose
Sink and Countertop:
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces
Floor:
- Sweep and mop, paying attention to corners and under appliances
Garage and Outdoor Areas
Garage:
- Sweep floor and remove any oil stains
- Clean garage door and opener
Patio or Deck:
- Sweep and power wash if necessary
- Clean outdoor furniture
Yard:
- Mow the lawn and trim hedges
- Remove any debris or personal items
Don’t Forget These Often Overlooked Areas:
- Light switches and doorknobs
- Inside of trash cans
- Window tracks and sills
- Under large appliances
- Behind the toilet
- Inside the dishwasher filter
- Tops of doors and cabinets
- Baseboards and crown molding
As you near the end of your move-out cleaning process, it’s time to focus on those small but significant final touches that can make a big difference. Start by replacing any burnt-out light bulbs throughout the house, ensuring each room is well-lit and welcoming. If permitted, consider touching up paint on walls where scuffs or marks are noticeable – this small effort can dramatically improve the overall appearance of a room.
Next, carefully remove all nails and picture hangers from the walls, taking care to patch any holes left behind. This not only improves the aesthetic but also prevents potential deductions from your security deposit.
Finally, do a thorough check to ensure you’ve gathered all keys, garage door openers, and access cards associated with the property. These items are often overlooked in the hustle of moving but are crucial to return to the landlord or new owners.
By attending to these final details, you’ll leave your old home in impeccable condition, setting a positive tone for your move and potentially saving yourself from additional charges or complications.
When to Consider Professional Cleaning Services
While a DIY approach can save money, sometimes hiring professional cleaners is worth considering:
- Time Constraints: If you’re on a tight schedule, professional cleaners can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- Stubborn Stains or Damage: Professionals have specialized equipment and products to tackle tough cleaning challenges.
- Large Homes: If you have a big house, the task might be overwhelming to handle alone.
- Lease Requirements: Some landlords require professional cleaning as part of the move-out terms.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we understand that cleaning is just one part of the moving process. That’s why we offer comprehensive moving services to make your transition as smooth as possible. From packing and transportation to storage solutions, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Cleaning Supplies Checklist
To ensure you have everything you need for an efficient move-out clean, here’s a quick checklist of essential supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Kitchen degreaser
- Floor cleaner appropriate for your surfaces
- Microfiber cloths and sponges
- Scrub brushes
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Rubber gloves
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Magic erasers for scuff marks
- Toilet brush
- Extension duster for high surfaces
4 Tips for Eco-Friendly Cleaning
If you’re environmentally conscious, consider these eco-friendly cleaning tips:
- Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda
- Opt for reusable microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes
- Choose biodegradable cleaning products
- Use a steam cleaner for chemical-free disinfecting
Your Fresh Start Begins with a Clean Slate
Cleaning your home before moving out doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. With proper planning, the right tools, and an efficient room-by-room approach, you can leave your old home spotless and move on to your new adventure with peace of mind.
Remember, a thorough move-out clean is not just about potentially getting your security deposit back or impressing new buyers – it’s about closing one chapter of your life with care and respect, setting a positive tone for the next phase of your journey.
At BMS Moving & Storage, we’re committed to making your entire moving process as stress-free as possible. From packing and transportation to storage solutions, we offer a range of services to suit your needs. And while we can’t do the cleaning for you, we hope this guide helps make that part of your move a little easier.
Ready to start planning your move? Give us a call at 1.877.462.0213 or visit our website to get a free quote. Let BMS Moving & Storage help you Get Moved to your new home with ease and efficiency!
