Moving out can be a stressful experience, but ensuring your former home is left in pristine condition is a crucial step in the process. Whether you’re aiming to get your full security deposit back or preparing the space for the next occupants, a thorough move-out cleaning checklist is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from cleaning bedrooms and bathrooms to tackling the kitchen and living areas. We’ll also touch on the best cleaning tools for moving and provide tips for hiring a professional move-out cleaning company if needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A MOVE-OUT CLEANING?
Before diving into the specific tasks, it’s important to understand what a move out cleaning typically entails. This isn’t just your regular weekly clean-up; it’s a deep, comprehensive cleaning that ensures every nook and cranny is spotless. A move out cleaning checklist covers all areas of the home, from the baseboards to the ceiling fans, and everything in between. The goal is to leave the space looking as good as, if not better than, when you first moved in.
General Areas of Focus:
- Dusting and wiping down surfaces: Every surface, including walls, windowsills, light fixtures, and ceiling fans, needs to be thoroughly dusted and wiped down.
- Floor cleaning: All floors should be vacuumed, swept, and mopped, with particular attention to any stains or damage that may have occurred during your stay.
- Deep cleaning appliances: This includes not only the kitchen appliances but also any built-in units like washers, dryers, and dishwashers.
- Bathroom sanitation: Scrubbing toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs to remove any buildup and ensure they’re sparkling clean.
- Kitchen deep clean: Cleaning inside and out of all cabinets, drawers, and appliances.
- Trash removal: Ensure all trash is removed and the bins are cleaned.
Now, let’s break down the tasks by room to make sure you cover every detail.
CLEANING BEDROOMS FOR A MOVE
Bedrooms can often be the most straightforward rooms to clean, but they still require attention to detail. Moving out of a bedroom involves more than just packing up your belongings; it’s about restoring the room to its original condition—or even better.
BEDROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
- Ceiling and Light Fixtures: Start at the top by dusting and cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures. Don’t forget to check for any cobwebs that might have accumulated in the corners of the ceiling.
- Windows and Sills: Clean the windows thoroughly, both inside and out if possible. Pay attention to the window sills, making sure they’re wiped down and free of dust and grime.
- Walls and Baseboards: Check the walls for any scuffs or marks that can be removed with a magic eraser. Wipe down the baseboards, ensuring they’re free of dust and dirt.
- Closets: Empty out the closets completely. Vacuum or sweep the floors, dust the shelves, and wipe down the walls inside the closet.
- Floors: Depending on the flooring, vacuum the carpet or sweep and mop hardwood or tile floors. Pay extra attention to the edges where dust can accumulate.
- Doors and Handles: Wipe down doors, door frames, and handles. Check for any smudges or fingerprints and clean them off.
MOVE OUT CLEANING FOR BATHROOMS
Bathrooms require special attention due to the moisture and grime that can accumulate over time. Ensuring these spaces are thoroughly cleaned is crucial in your move out cleaning checklist.
BATHROOM CLEANING CHECKLIST
- Shower and Bathtub: Scrub the shower tiles and tub to remove any soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains. Don’t forget to clean the shower doors or curtains.
- Toilets: Clean the toilet inside and out, paying attention to the base and behind the toilet where dust can settle. Use a disinfectant to ensure it’s thoroughly sanitized.
- Sinks and Counters: Wipe down the sinks and countertops, ensuring there are no water spots or toothpaste residue. Polish any fixtures to a shine.
- Mirrors: Clean the mirrors with a glass cleaner, making sure there are no streaks left behind.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Empty and clean out any bathroom cabinets and drawers. Wipe them down inside and out, and make sure they’re free of any dust or residue.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the bathroom floors, paying special attention to the corners where dirt can accumulate.
- Ventilation: Dust and clean the bathroom fan or ventilation system to remove any buildup.
CLEANING THE KITCHEN WHEN MOVING
The kitchen is one of the most critical areas during a move out cleaning in Bellevue. It’s where food particles, grease, and grime tend to accumulate, so it requires a deep clean.
KITCHEN CLEANING CHECKLIST
- Appliances: Deep clean all appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove all food from the fridge and freezer, and scrub the inside shelves and drawers. Clean the oven thoroughly, including the racks and the door. Wipe down the microwave inside and out, and run a cleaning cycle in the dishwasher.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Empty out all cabinets and drawers. Wipe them down inside and out, and ensure there are no crumbs or spills left behind.
- Countertops: Clean and disinfect all countertops, making sure to remove any stains or residue. Pay attention to the edges and corners where grime can hide.
- Sink and Faucet: Scrub the sink and faucet to remove any water spots, food particles, or stains. Polish the faucet to a shine.
- Backsplash and Walls: Wipe down the backsplash and walls to remove any grease splatters or food stains.
- Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floors. Make sure to clean under appliances like the fridge and stove, where dirt and crumbs can accumulate.
MOVE OUT CLEANING TIPS FOR LIVING AREAS
Living areas often see a lot of traffic, so they require detailed cleaning to restore them to their original state. Whether you’re dealing with a living room, dining room, or family room, these areas need careful attention.
LIVING AREA CLEANING CHECKLIST
- Furniture: If you’re leaving any furniture behind, make sure it’s cleaned and free of dust and debris. If you’re taking your furniture with you, vacuum or sweep underneath to remove any hidden dirt.
- Walls and Baseboards: Just like in the bedrooms, check the walls for any scuffs or marks and clean them. Wipe down all the baseboards, making sure they’re dust-free.
- Windows and Blinds: Clean the windows and wipe down the blinds or curtains. Make sure there are no dust or cobwebs in the window tracks.
- Floors: Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors. If the carpet is stained, consider having it professionally cleaned.
- Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Dust and clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans, paying attention to any bugs or dirt that may have collected in the fixtures.
- Doors and Handles: Clean all doors, door frames, and handles. Pay attention to any smudges or fingerprints.
CLEANING TOOLS FOR MOVING
Having the right tools on hand can make a huge difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your move out cleaning. Here’s a list of essential cleaning supplies you’ll need:
- Vacuum Cleaner: A good vacuum cleaner is essential for cleaning floors, carpets, and even walls and ceilings.
- Mop and Bucket: For hard floors, a mop and bucket are a must. Make sure to use the appropriate cleaner for your floor type.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner can be used on most surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and walls.
- Glass Cleaner: For windows and mirrors, a glass cleaner will help you achieve a streak-free shine.
- Scrubbing Pads and Brushes: These are essential for tackling tough grime in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are great for dusting and wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks.
- Disinfectant: Use a disinfectant to sanitize high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handles.
HIRING A Move out CLEANING COMPANY
While you can certainly handle the cleaning yourself, sometimes it makes sense to hire professionals. If you’re short on time or simply want to ensure the job is done right, consider hiring a move out cleaning company. Professional cleaners have the experience and equipment to tackle even the toughest jobs, ensuring your home is spotless.
When searching for a company, look for those that specialize in move-in move out cleaning and offer commercial cleaning services if you’re dealing with a larger property. For those in the area, cleaning services in Redmond or move out cleaning Bellevue can provide specialized local services.
Tips for Hiring the Right Cleaning Service:
- Research and Reviews: Start by researching local companies and reading reviews. Look for companies that have positive feedback specifically for move out cleaning.
- Ask About Their Checklist: Make sure the cleaning service you choose follows a comprehensive move out cleaning checklist. This ensures they will cover all the necessary areas and tasks.
- Get a Quote: Before hiring, get a detailed quote that outlines the services they’ll provide. This helps avoid any unexpected costs.
- Check Their Insurance: Ensure the company is fully insured to protect both their employees and your property during the cleaning process.
By following this guide, you can confidently tackle your move out cleaning or hire the right professionals to do it for you. Whether you’re cleaning your bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, or living areas, this move out cleaning checklist will help you leave your home spotless and ready for the next occupants.