Move-Out Cleaning: 13 Essential Chores

13 Chores to Have In Your Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

There’s no better feeling than moving out of your old home or lease. It lets you gain independence, start a new life, and explore a new place. Relocating can also be the perfect opportunity to learn valuable life skills.

However, before you kiss your former space goodbye, you must ensure your former residence is in good condition to respect the new residents or help regain your security deposit. Whatever your situation, it’s always handy to have a move-out cleaning checklist. This list of tasks may help you finish the cleaning jobs efficiently and effectively. 

This article will enumerate 13 crucial chores everyone must have in their move-out cleaning checklist.

1. Remove All Remaining Personal Belongings

Before ticking off the other chores on your move-out cleaning checklist, remove all your furniture, clothing, decorations, or other personal things. Ensure to clear out any belongings you want to keep because you could damage or lose them when relocating. 

2. Clean inside the Cabinets

Clean the inside of all cupboards in your residence to remove food crumbs, residue, and dirt accumulated over time. You should also wipe down the shelves, drawers, and other surfaces inside the cupboards to ensure they’re clean from food or other debris. 

3. Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces

You can clean hard surfaces using a cleaning solution and a cloth or paper towel. Wipe down kitchen counters, bathroom countertops, bookshelves, windowpanes, fireplace mantles, and other flat surfaces to eliminate dirt and dust.

4. Wipe the Appliances

You should not miss this part in your move-out cleaning checklist because it helps your devices look new and shiny. Regularly wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and use an all-purpose cleaner to remove any stubborn stains. Don’t forget to clean the fridge and microwave!

5. Vacuum the Floors

You can remove the dirt and grime on your floors by vacuuming them. Ensure to reach into the corners and other hard-to-reach spots.

6. Clean the Closets

Once you’ve emptied them of your belongings and clothes, you must wipe down the shelves and rods with a damp cloth and vacuum the closet floor. You should also check that you haven’t forgotten any personal items. 

7. Give the Bathroom a Good Clean

You can leave a clean bathroom by wiping the surfaces with a cloth and cleaning solution. To remove dirt, grime, or stains, scrub all toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs with a brush and cleaning agent. Before finishing, you should also eliminate all traces of mold, mildew, and rust. 

8. Clean and Sanitize the Refrigerator

Begin by removing all contents from the fridge and freezer. Next, use a disinfectant spray to wipe down all surfaces of the cooling appliance. Don’t forget to remove food particles or crumbs you previously left behind.

9. Wipe the Oven and Stovetops

Start by removing the range’s top part and clean underneath all burners to remove food residue. You can then combine water, baking soda, and vinegar to create a paste that you can apply to the oven to break up the food residue and make it easier to clean.

10. Remove Nails and Wall Anchors

Remove nails, hooks, and wall anchors before moving out unless the landlord or buyer has asked you to leave them.

11. Fill the Holes and Repair the Drywall

Next, patch the holes and ask a professional to repair any drywall damage.

12. Paint over the Scratches and Markings

Use store-bought paint to cover the scratches and markings on your walls. 

13. Mop the Floors

End your move-out cleaning day by mopping the floors with vinegar and warm water solution, a Swiffer sweeper, and a wet cloth.

A Clean Slate

Leaving a spotless property allows you to regain your security deposit and respect the incoming residents. Creating a move-out cleaning checklist or hiring a professional cleaning company can ensure a successful cleaning day. 

Queen Bee Cleaning Services offers the best move-out cleaning services in Seattle, Washington. Book us now to schedule your cleaning appointment!