Moving to a new home is exciting, but the process of leaving your old place can be overwhelming—especially when it comes to move out cleaning. Once the furniture is gone, you’re often faced with areas that haven’t seen the light of day in years! To help make this part of your move easier, here are some practical tips for tackling a thorough move out cleaning and leaving your old space spotless for the next occupants.
1. Start With a Plan
Before diving in, create a checklist of everything that needs to be cleaned. This ensures you don’t miss any spots and helps you stay organized during the process. Break it down by room and include specific tasks, like cleaning behind appliances, wiping baseboards, and washing windows—all crucial parts of move out cleaning.
2. Address Areas Previously Covered or Blocked
When furniture and appliances are removed, areas that were once hidden will likely need extra attention. Here are some key spots to focus on for a complete move out cleaning:
- Behind the Couch or Bed: Dust, cobwebs, and even lost items often accumulate in these spaces. Use a vacuum or duster to clean thoroughly.
- Behind and Under the Refrigerator: Carefully move the fridge to vacuum and mop underneath. Clean the wall behind it and wipe down the coils, which might be dusty.
- Behind and Around the Oven: Grease and crumbs tend to gather in these areas. Pull the oven out, clean behind and under it, and give the sides a good scrub.
- Behind Bookshelves or Cabinets: Dust and cobwebs often collect here. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down walls and shelves.
- Under Furniture: If you had rugs or heavy furniture, vacuum or sweep these areas to remove dust and dirt.
3. Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used areas of the house and often requires the most attention during a move out cleaning.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Empty out every cabinet and drawer, vacuum out crumbs, and wipe them down with a damp cloth.
- Oven and Stovetop: Use an oven cleaner to remove baked-on grease and grime. Don’t forget to clean the stovetop burners and under the range hood.
- Refrigerator: Empty and defrost the fridge if needed. Clean all the shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces with a disinfectant.
- Sink and Countertops: Scrub the sink with a gentle abrasive cleaner to remove stains. Polish any fixtures and make sure countertops are free of stains or sticky residue.
4. Pay Attention to Bathrooms
Bathrooms can be another challenging area to clean thoroughly. Here’s what to tackle during your move out cleaning:
- Tub, Shower, and Tiles: Scrub away soap scum, mold, and mildew from tiles and glass doors. Grout lines should be cleaned with a grout cleaner to brighten them up.
- Toilet: Clean both the inside and outside of the toilet, including the base.
- Sink and Vanity: Wipe down all surfaces, clean the mirror, and empty and clean inside any cabinets.
5. Refresh the Floors
Once the furniture is out, you’ll have full access to your flooring for a proper move out cleaning:
- Hardwood and Tile: Sweep, mop, and polish to remove dust and scuffs.
- Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly and consider steam-cleaning if needed to remove stains or odors.
- Corners and Baseboards: Dust and dirt tend to gather in corners and along baseboards. Use a damp cloth or vacuum attachment to clean these areas.
6. Don’t Forget the Walls and Windows
- Walls: Remove scuffs, marks, and stains from walls. If needed, touch up paint or use a magic eraser for stubborn spots.
- Windows: Wash windows inside and out. Don’t forget to clean the sills, tracks, and blinds. Including this step ensures your move out cleaning is complete.
7. Inspect and Final Touches
Once the major cleaning is done, do a final walk-through to catch anything you may have missed. Make sure all trash is removed and areas like light switches, door handles, and vents are wiped down—key details in move out cleaning.
8. Consider Professional Help For Your Move Out Cleaning
If cleaning feels too overwhelming or time-consuming, hiring a professional cleaning service can be a lifesaver. Sinplify Cleaning has the tools and expertise to ensure your move out cleaning leaves your old home spotless and ready for its next chapter. Contact us if you’re curious about what we can do for you!
Move out cleaning might not be the most enjoyable part of relocating, but it’s an essential step to leave your old home in great shape. Whether you tackle it yourself or enlist help, following these tips will make the process smoother and more manageable. Remember, a clean slate makes moving into your new space that much sweeter!