How to Tackle Move Out Cleaning - All the Tasks You Need in One Simple List

Moving out can be an exciting milestone, but it also comes with one of the least enjoyable tasks: move out cleaning. Whether you're a tenant wanting to secure your deposit or a homeowner aiming to leave a splendid impression, thorough move out cleaning is essential. To make this process simple, we've created a comprehensive, easy-to-follow move out cleaning checklist covering every area of your space.

Why Move Out Cleaning Is Crucial

Before we get into the step-by-step move out cleaning guide, it's important to understand why it's so essential. Proper end of tenancy cleaning ensures that you:

Increase the likelihood of getting your full security deposit back
Avoid potential cleaning fees imposed by landlords or property managers
Leave the property inviting and ready for the next occupant
Maintain a positive relationship with your landlord or real estate agent

Whether you're cleaning an apartment, condo, or house, following a detailed move out cleaning checklist is the best way to make sure you don't miss anything.

Moving home

The Ultimate Move Out Cleaning Checklist

This comprehensive list breaks down every task room by room so that you don't have to second guess what needs to be done. Move through each room methodically to keep your cleaning efficient and organized.

General Cleaning For All Rooms

Dust and wipe all surfaces: Shelving, ledges, window sills, and baseboards accumulate a surprising amount of dirt.
Clean light switches and outlet covers: Wipe them down with disinfecting wipes or a damp cloth.
Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors: Don't forget corners and underneath furniture.
Remove cobwebs: Ceilings, corners, and behind doors are common spots.
Clean doors and door frames: Pay attention to both sides and all handles and knobs.
Wash windows: Clean the inside of all windows and wipe down the sills. If accessible, clean the outside as well.
Empty trash cans and remove all garbage: Take out every bag--don't leave anything behind.

Kitchen Move Out Cleaning Tasks

Empty all cabinets and drawers: Remove crumbs, food particles, and wipe down all interiors and handles.
Clean appliances thoroughly:
- Refrigerator: Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Scrub, disinfect, and leave the door open to prevent odor.
- Oven and stove: Clean burners, racks, trays, and knobs. Don't forget the oven hood and filters.
- Microwave: Wipe inside and out, including the turntable and external keypad.
- Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with vinegar or a cleaning tablet.
Wipe countertops and backsplash: Use a degreaser if necessary to remove stubborn stains.
Sanitize sink and faucet: Scrub all surfaces, polish fixtures, and check for food residue in the drain.
Sweep and mop the floor: Pay special attention to corners and beneath appliances.

Bathroom Move Out Cleaning

Scrub all toilets, tubs, and showers: Remove soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew from tiles and grout.
Clean sinks and countertops: Don't forget to polish faucets and clean any mirrors with glass cleaner.
Disinfect bathroom fixtures: Wipe down handles, light switches, towel racks, and door knobs.
Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers: Remove all items and wipe thoroughly, including hardware.
Sweep and mop tile floors: Focus on edges and under vanity cabinets.
Replace toiletries and empty bins: Leave bathrooms empty and fresh for new occupants.

Bedroom & Living Space Move Out Cleaning

Dust all surfaces: Including furniture, lamps, built-in shelves, and blinds.
Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hard floors: Address any lingering odors with deodorizing powder.
Clean inside closets: Remove any remaining clothing, wipe down shelves, and vacuum or sweep floors.
Check for stains: Spot clean any visible carpet or wall marks.

Laundry and Utility Room

Wipe down appliances: Clean the outside and inside (including detergents build-up in washing machines and dryer lint traps).
Clean utility sinks: Scrub basins and polish faucets.
Sweep and mop floors: Don't overlook cracks and behind appliances.
Clear out shelves and cabinets: Remove all cleaning products or items stored.

Final Touches for Move Out Cleaning

Patch holes and touch up paint: Cover nail holes or scratches on the walls if required by your lease.
Replace any burnt out light bulbs: Ensure all lights are functional.
Clean air vents and filters: Replace air filters for extra consideration.
Do a final walk-through: Check every room for forgotten items or spots that need an extra wipe.

Tips for Efficient Move Out Cleaning

With so much to do, tackling the cleaning for your move out can feel overwhelming. Here are some expert tips to make the process easier:

Start early: Begin cleaning as you pack instead of saving all tasks for moving day.
Gather supplies in advance: Stock up on multipurpose cleaners, disinfecting wipes, mops, sponges, trash bags, and gloves.
Work from top to bottom: Clean higher surfaces first (shelves, tops of cabinets) so dust and debris fall to the floor, which you'll clean last.
Tackle one room at a time: Finish a room before moving on to the next to feel accomplished and stay motivated.
Use a checklist: Check off tasks as you go, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
Ask for help: Enlist family, friends, or consider hiring a professional move out cleaning service for unbeatable results.

Move Out Cleaning: Frequently Missed Spots

Even thorough cleaners can forget some common move out cleaning tasks. Make sure you don't miss these:

Behind and under appliances: Pull out refrigerators, stoves, and washers to clean dust, crumbs, and debris hiding below.
Window tracks and frames: Use a vacuum crevice tool and wipe with a damp cloth.
Door handles and light switches: High-touch areas can harbor germs and smudges.
Baseboards and vents: Dust easily accumulates in these out-of-sight places.
Pet hair and odors: Use specialized cleaners or deodorizing sprays where pets lived or slept.

Should You Hire a Professional Move Out Cleaning Service?

Depending on your lease agreement and available time, you may want to hire experts to handle your move out cleaning. Advantages of a professional cleaning service include:

Time saved by having the pros do a deep clean
Professionally cleaned carpets, ovens, and windows
Guarantee or proof of service (some property managers require receipts)
Peace of mind knowing every corner is spotless

However, with this all-in-one move out cleaning checklist, many people can achieve great results themselves and save money in the process.

Moving home

Printable Move Out Cleaning Checklist

For your convenience, here is a simple and printable move out cleaning checklist you can check off as you go:

Whole House: Dust, wipe, sweep, mop, vacuum, wash windows, empty trash, clean doors, handles, and outlets.
Kitchen: Clean all appliances (inside and out), cabinets, drawers, countertops, sinks, faucet, floors.
Bathrooms: Scrub all surfaces, toilet, tub, shower, sink, counters, mirrors, cabinets, floor, fixtures.
Bedrooms/Living Areas: Dust, vacuum/sweep/mop, clean closets and shelves, spot clean carpets and walls.
Laundry/Utility: Clean appliances, sinks, floors, remove supplies.
Final Tasks: Patch holes, touch up paint, replace bulbs, clean vents, final walk-through.

Conclusion: Make Move Out Cleaning Simple & Effective

Move out cleaning doesn't need to be complicated. With the right plan and checklist, you can ensure every area of your home is sparkling clean and ready for inspection. Use this list and set of tips to keep your move organized and stress-free. Remember, whether you clean yourself or hire professionals, leaving a fresh, clean space is the best way to close the chapter on your old home--and start a new one in style!

If you found this move out cleaning checklist helpful, share it with others and bookmark it for your next move!