Preparing to Move? Clean Your House Like a Pro

Posted on 02/06/2025

Preparing to Move? Clean Your House Like a Pro

Are you preparing to move soon? Cleaning your house thoroughly prior to a move is one of the most crucial steps for a smooth transition. Whether you're a renter hoping to secure your deposit, or a homeowner in need of a gleaming handover, getting your home spick and span is vital. This comprehensive guide reveals the secrets to cleaning your house like a professional when you're ready to move out. Read on for step-by-step move out cleaning strategies, expert tips, and a complete checklist that guarantees impressive results!

Why Cleaning Your Home Before Moving Matters

Before you box up the last of your belongings and lock the door, it's important to understand why a top-to-bottom cleaning before moving is so essential:

• Security Deposit Return: Most landlords require tenants to leave their rental clean to receive a full deposit refund.
• Home Sale Success: A spotless home creates a better impression on buyers, increasing your chance of a speedy sale at a higher price.
• Civil Courtesy: Leaving your home tidy is a gracious gesture for the next occupants.
• Fresh Start: Cleaning your house before moving lets you declutter and organize ahead of your relocation.

The move out cleaning process isn't just about surface tidying - it's about deep cleaning, attention to detail, and delivering a home that looks and feels welcoming for its next residents.

Essential Supplies for Move Out Cleaning

Before you begin, assemble the cleaning arsenal you'll need for thorough home cleaning:

• Broom, dustpan, and mop
• Vacuum (with attachments for crevices and upholstery)
• Scrubbing sponges and microfiber cloths
• Dusters (extendable for ceiling fans and high corners)
• All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, and disinfectant
• Baking soda and vinegar (for eco-friendly cleaning)
• Bucket, spray bottle, and rubber gloves
• Trash bags and boxes for donations

Tip: It's best to start cleaning once the majority of your belongings have been packed and removed. This ensures you can access every nook and cranny, leaving nothing overlooked.

How to Clean Your House Like a Pro Before Moving

1. Start with Decluttering and Packing

Before any deep cleaning, begin by removing clutter. This step not only makes cleaning easier, but also relieves some of the stress of moving:

• Box up and label items you're taking with you
• Donate, sell, or recycle things you no longer need
• Dispose of expired or unused products

Less clutter means fewer items to clean around and less to transport to your new home.

2. Clean Room by Room: The Ultimate Checklist

Professional cleaners work methodically, tackling one room at a time. Use this detailed room-by-room checklist to ensure you leave nothing untouched while cleaning your house prior to moving:

Kitchen

• Wipe down all cabinets, drawers (inside and out)
• Clean countertops, backsplashes, and sinks
• Appliances: Deep-clean the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Defrost and unplug the fridge if moving it.
• Clean stovetop, burner pans, and exhaust fan filters
• Disinfect handles, switches, and light fixtures
• Empty and sanitize trash bins
• Sweep and mop floors, getting into corners

Special tip: A paste of baking soda and vinegar works wonders on stubborn oven stains and refrigerator shelves!

Bathrooms

• Scrub showers, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets
• Clean mirrors, glass doors, and fixtures
• Wipe down cabinets, shelves, and drawers
• Disinfect light switches and handles
• Remove soap scum, water spots, and mildew
• Empty and clean medicine cabinets
• Sweep and mop the floor with disinfectant

Pro tip: Use a toothbrush for tough-to-reach grout lines and corners!

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Dust and wipe down furniture, baseboards, and molding
• Clean inside closets and shelves
• Remove any lingering nails, hooks, or tape from the walls, and patch holes
• Wash windows inside (and outside if accessible) and clean tracks
• Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, considering professional cleaning for stains
• Mop hardwood, laminate, or tiled floors
• Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, and switch plates

Tip: Finish by airing out the room so it smells fresh and inviting.

Entryways and Hallways

• Dust and wash doors, knobs, and frames
• Clean any closets or cubbies
• Vacuum mats and carpets
• Sweep and mop floors

Remember: First impressions count - a sparkling entry sets the tone for the rest of the house.

Laundry and Utility Rooms

• Wipe down washer, dryer, and any countertops
• Clean utility sinks
• Empty lint traps and wipe out appliances
• Sweep and mop floors, paying special attention to corners

Garage, Basement and Other Spaces

• Remove oil stains, sweep floors, and wipe down surfaces
• Dispose of hazardous materials properly
• Organize and remove rubbish or unwanted items

Deep Cleaning: Going the Extra Mile

When preparing to move house, deep cleaning goes above and beyond routine tidying. Here are areas that often get missed:

• Wipe air vents, fans, and filters
• Spot-clean walls and touch up scuffs or marks
• Clean underneath and behind appliances
• Wipe electrical outlets and switch plates
• Sanitize window sills, frames, and tracks

For carpeted floors, professional steam cleaning may be worth the investment if there are stains or pet odors. Hardwood or tile floors benefit from a deep scrub or polish. Don't forget about the exterior--windows, porch, and outdoor lights help leave a great final impression.

Expert Tips for Move Out Cleaning Success

• Clean from top to bottom. Start with ceiling fixtures and work your way to the floor to avoid dust or debris falling on already cleaned surfaces.
• Save floors for last. After dusting, wiping, and de-cluttering, do a final vacuum or mop when the rest is complete.
• Use natural cleaning solutions. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon can tackle most stains and odors while being eco-friendly and cost-effective.
• Address odors. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit before vacuuming to neutralize lingering smells.
• Don't forget small details. Door handles, light switches, blinds, and closet shelves can make a big difference in perceived cleanliness.
• Inspect as you go. Walk through each room when finished to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Pro Hack: Make a playlist! Listening to energetic music can make move out house cleaning feel less like a chore.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Don't Miss a Spot!

A printable checklist is your best friend when cleaning your house to move out. Here's a concise list to keep you organized:

• All surfaces wiped down
• Carpets vacuumed or steam cleaned
• Floors swept and mopped
• Walls spot-cleaned (and patched if needed)
• Windows cleaned (inside and out where possible)
• Appliances cleaned (inside and out)
• Cupboards and drawers emptied and wiped
• Bathrooms sanitized and deodorized
• Fixtures, handles, switches cleaned and disinfected
• Trash emptied and bins washed

Download or print your checklist to double-check every last detail before you move out!

Should You Hire Professional Move Out Cleaners?

If you're short on time or overwhelmed by the scope of move-out cleaning, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Here are the pros and cons:

• Pros: Save time and energy; guaranteed spotless results; cleaning crews bring their own supplies and know what landlords look for.
• Cons: Higher cost; you'll need to schedule in advance; some companies charge extra for deep stains or larger homes.

Tip: If you choose to hire cleaners, book them for the day after your belongings are moved out to ensure maximum efficiency and thoroughness.

Final Walkthrough: The Last Step in Move Out Cleaning

Once the house is empty and cleaned, take a slow, careful walkthrough:

• Check closets, cabinets, and drawers for forgotten items
• Look for overlooked dust, fingerprints, or stray cobwebs
• Confirm all repairs and patchwork are complete
• Test all lighting, appliances, and locks as a courtesy

If you're renting, take photos or a video of the cleaned home as evidence in case there are any disputes over condition or deposit return.

Enjoy a Smooth Move with Pro-Level House Cleaning!

Cleaning your house before moving out is a significant but rewarding task. With the right approach and a step-by-step plan, you can leave your old home sparkling clean, secure your deposit, and make someone's move-in experience much brighter.

By following this ultimate move out cleaning guide, you'll not only impress the next occupants and any future buyers or landlords, but also set yourself up for a stress-free and organized move. Take pride in handing over a spotless, welcoming home and savor the excitement of your next adventure!

Ready, set, clean - and happy moving!

Looking for More Moving Tips?

Check out our other moving and house cleaning resources to make your transition easy, efficient, and worry-free!