Your Easy Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Planning to move out soon? Whether you’re ending a lease or selling a house, it’s important that you leave your former home in tip-top (or at least, acceptable) condition. This means compiling a move out cleaning checklist for yourself or a cleaner. Renters will likely need to conduct a deep clean in order to get their security deposit back. In fact, many landlords require that tenants return the home to its original condition before moving out. Those selling a home will likely need to give it a good cleaning before handing over the keys to the new owners as well. While a deep clean isn’t necessarily a legal requirement, it’s often customary for sellers to do it anyway when moving out.

What’s on the move out cleaning checklist?

Your move out cleaning checklist will depend on the size of the property and how clean it is already. To help you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive move out cleaning checklist that you can use as a starting point.

Remove any remaining personal property

Vacuum floors

Dust and wipe down surfaces

Clean inside cabinets

Wipe down appliances

Scrub and clean toilets, sinks, showers and bathtubs

Clean out closets

Remove nails and wall anchors screwed into the wall

Fill holes and repair drywall

Touch up scratches and markings with paint

Clean and sanitize the fridge and freezer

Wipe down oven and stovetop

Mop floors

Should you hire a cleaning service?

To clean the home, you have two choices: you can either clean it yourself or you can hire a professional cleaning service to do it. If you’re renting, and your security deposit depends upon it, then it may be worth it to hire a cleaning service to ensure that you get your money back. On the other hand, if you’re hoping to save as much money as possible, then cleaning the property yourself is probably the most practical option. Those with kids and/or a busy job may not have time to clean a large property and should also plan to hire a cleaning service.

When should you do the move out cleaning?

Not sure when to do the deep clean? We recommend cleaning the home after all of your furniture and personal items have been removed. Not only will this ensure that you’re able to clean every nook and cranny, but it will also make cleaning an easier process. After all, you won’t have to worry about vacuuming under rugs and other personal household items. In addition, packing and moving can be a dirty process – especially if you or movers are tracking dirt in the house. Cleaning the floors and surfaces after the movers have left, and your belongings have been taken out of the house, is the smart way to go. Be sure to schedule your move at least two days before your move out deadline. This will give you plenty of time to clean the property before the new residents move in.

Moving soon?

To help make your upcoming move easier, we recommend hiring professionals to handle the heavy lifting. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!