Besides putting everything into boxes and moving them around, cleaning is probably one of the most dreaded tasks. A move-out cleaning checklist can be your greatest ally when you’re doing a full on move out clean. A lot is going on when you're moving out, so deep cleaning your old place is stressful and daunting. That’s why many people opt to hire professional cleaners to do the job. Often when you’re moving out, there’s a damage deposit on the line, and you must leave your old space move-in ready.
The last thing you’ll do is likely the cleaning, as you want to get everything out of the house. This will be one of the last things you do, and at this point, you may be quite exhausted by the moving process. You can stay organized and on task with a move-out cleaning checklist, checking things off as you complete them.
What’s Included in a Professional Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
To better grasp what should be included on your move-out cleaning checklist, the professionals can be your guide. Here’s what their checklist looks like:
Bedrooms
When you do cleaning, you want to start from top to bottom. This is especially true when you’re doing dusting. Start on the top floor if you have multiple levels, and work your way down. You’ll also want to dust and clean from top to bottom in each room.
Checklist for Bedrooms
Dust surfaces
Clean the inside and outside of closets
Clean any marks on the wall
Dust and spot clean baseboards
Clean any glass and mirrors
Clean windowsills and window tracks
Dust and spot-check doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
Wipe down light switches
Empty the garbage
Vacuum and mop any hard surface floors
Vacuum and steam clean carpets or area rugs that stay in the home
Bathrooms
It’s easier to clean the bathroom once there’s nothing left in it. This will allow you to see any dust, dirt, and spots. You won’t have to work around all your items, so you can get everything wet for better cleaning.
Checklist for Bathrooms
Clean and sanitize the bathtub/shower, shower walls, and glass doors
Clean and sanitize the sink
Thoroughly clean and sanitize the toilet, including all the crevices inside and out
Clean mirrors with vinegar and water in a spray bottle
Clean the inside and outside of cabinets
Dust and wipe down countertops and shelves
Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
Clean and spot-check doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
Wipe down light switches
Empty the garbage
Dust and wipe down the baseboards
Clean any marks on the walls or baseboards
Vacuum and clean the floor. Either mop or clean by hand
Kitchen
The kitchen is probably one of the most time-consuming jobs as you must clean large appliances. There are likely splatters and stains that you’ll have to try to remove. You may need some help with stronger cleaners to help you with the tough dirt and grime.
Checklist for Kitchen
Clean the inside and outside of major appliances, including the stovetop, oven, refrigerator, range hood, microwave, and dishwasher
Dust and clean countertops, and make sure to get into the corners
Clean the backsplash
Clean the sink
Dust and sanitize all the surfaces
Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
Wipe down and spot clean the baseboards
Use vinegar and water on any glass
Wipe down light switches
Empty out the garbage
Clean under the sink
Vacuum and mop floors
Common Areas
Common areas include the entry, hallways, stairs, and living areas like the dining room and living room. These should all be thoroughly cleaned as well. They are often high-traffic areas, so if it’s carpet, you may need to steam clean them.
Checklist for the Common Areas
Clean mirrors and glass
Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
Dust and spot clean baseboards
Clean doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
Wipe down light switches
Clean off any marks on walls
Vacuum and mop hard surface floors
Steam clean and vacuum carpets when necessary
Thoroughly clean the inside of closets
Tools to Help With Move Out Cleaning Checklist
You want to ensure you plan well when you’re moving out. This will be one of your greatest assets in getting things done efficiently. This means ensuring you have all the cleaning supplies and tools needed to clean the home. If this truly isn’t something you can figure out for yourself, you may want to have a cleaning company come in for the cleaning. They bring all the supplies with them and know exactly what is needed. It reduces the labour time you’re spending so you can focus on other important aspects of moving. However, if you want to do the cleaning yourself, we recommend these tools and supplies be on hand for the job:
HEPA vacuum cleaner
All-Purpose spray cleaners for the kitchen
Bathroom cleaner
Vinegar and water in a spray bottle
Microfiber cloths
Floor cleaner
Mop and bucket
A cleaner that can take care of tough grease
Stain remover
Steam cleaner and cleaning solution
Squeegee
Scrubbing brushes that are different strengths
Garbage bags
Rubber gloves
You can also use natural cleaning products like mixing vinegar and baking soda for a strong soap scum and stain remover. Vinegar and water can clean up a lot and leave no scent. Plenty of other natural ingredients can do what chemical cleaners do.
Whether you do all the work yourself or have a cleaning company come in, a move-out cleaning checklist is a great tool. The reason experts use one is to make sure that they don’t forget anything. You can tick off the boxes as you complete tasks and alleviate confusion. It can make your big move that much smoother.
If you need expert assistance to ensure a spotless transition, check out our move-in and move-out cleaning services. We're here to make your moving experience as seamless as possible.