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Moving can be a stressful and hectic experience, but a thorough move-in/move-out cleaning can make a world of difference. Whether you’re a tenant wanting to secure your deposit or a new homeowner eager to start fresh, this detailed checklist will guide you through every step to ensure your home is spotless. This comprehensive checklist based on CDC guidelines includes estimated times for each task to help you plan effectively.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that every nook and cranny of your home is cleaned to perfection, leaving it ready for the next occupant or for you to settle in comfortably.
Before You Begin
Gather Cleaning Supplies: We’re featured in the REDFIN apartment guide: Cleaning Supplies List for Renters: The 33 Items You Need Now. Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Sponges
- Scrub brushes
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and bucket
- Vacuum cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfectant
- Floor cleaner suitable for your flooring type
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Trash bags
General Cleaning Tips
- Clean from Top to Bottom: Begin with ceilings, fans, and light fixtures, then move down to walls, windows, and floors to avoid having to redo areas.
- Declutter First: Before you start cleaning, remove all personal belongings, furniture, and trash. This will make the cleaning process more efficient.
FAQs
4-6 hours for a small apartment, 8-10 hours for larger home. But this is an estimate, the actual time varies depending on the size of the property and its condition.
Multi-surface cleaners, disinfectants, glass cleaner, sponges, microfiber cloths, mops, vacuum cleaners, and specialized cleaners for appliances.
Yes, especially if you have pets or there are visible stains. A deep carpet clean can significantly improve the overall appearance and scent of the home.
Yes, it can be a good investment if it helps secure your rental deposit, especially if you’re short on time or if the property requires extensive cleaning.
Move-in/move-out cleaning is more thorough, covering areas often missed during regular cleaning, like inside cabinets, appliances, and more extensive floor care.
Yes, even in new homes, dust, debris from construction, or simple neglect can make cleaning necessary before moving in to ensure a truly fresh start.
ITCPMO's Move In/Move Out Cleaning Checklist
ITCPMO’s move in, move out cleaning services also provide a comprehensive deep cleaning service to help you stick with your own schedule. You can book a service here or request a free quote at your location here. You can also call +1 (214) 892-5228 for a faster response.
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Done? | Area | Task | Average Time Required |
General Cleaning | |||
Dust All Surfaces | Wipe down shelves, countertops, and windowsills. | 20-30 minutes per room | |
Vacuum and Mop Floors | Vacuum carpets and mop hardwood/tile floors. | 15-20 minutes per room | |
Clean Baseboards | Dust and wipe all baseboards throughout the home. | 10-15 minutes per room | |
Wipe Down Doors & Handles | Clean door surfaces and sanitize handles. | 5-10 minutes per door | |
Remove Cobwebs | Use a duster or vacuum to reach high corners. | 5 minutes per room | |
Check and Replace Light Bulbs | Ensure all lights are working; replace if needed. | 5 minutes per light | |
Clean Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans | Dust and wipe light fixtures, light switches, and fan blades. | 10 minutes per fixture | |
Windows | |||
Wash Windows Inside & Out | Clean all windows, including tracks and sills. | 15-20 minutes per window | |
Wipe Blinds or Shades | Dust and wipe down blinds, or vacuum fabric shades. | 10-15 minutes per window | |
Clean Window Screens | Remove screens, rinse, and let dry before reinstalling. | 10 minutes per screen | |
Living Areas | |||
Vacuum Upholstered Furniture | Remove dust and debris from couches and chairs and do surface floors vacuuming. | 10 minutes per piece | |
Clean Mirrors | Use glass cleaner for streak-free mirrors. | 5 minutes per mirror | |
Dust Electronics | Carefully dust and wipe down TVs, computers, and other electronics. | 10 minutes per room | |
Kitchen | |||
Clean Inside and Outside of Cabinets | Wipe down shelves, doors, and handles. | 20-30 minutes per cabinet set | |
Scrub Countertops | Disinfect all surfaces, focusing on stains and grime. | 10 minutes per counter | |
Clean and Sanitize Sink & Faucet | Scrub sink basin, faucet, and handles. | 10 minutes | |
Clean Inside and Outside of Appliances | Includes refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. | 30-60 minutes per appliance | |
Wipe Down Backsplash | Scrub any grease or stains from walls and tiles. | 10 minutes | |
Empty Trash Bins | Dispose of trash and clean inside of bins. | 5 minutes per bin | |
Bathrooms | |||
Scrub Toilet, Tub, and Shower | Clean all surfaces thoroughly, including tiles and grout. | 30 minutes per bathroom | |
Clean Inside and Outside of Cabinets | Wipe down interior and exterior surfaces and disinfect handles. | 10-15 minutes per set | |
Clean Mirrors and Fixtures | Polish mirrors and wipe down faucets. | 5-10 minutes per item | |
Mop Bathroom Floor | Use a disinfectant cleaner suitable for bathroom floors. | 10 minutes | |
Empty and Clean Trash Bin | Dispose of waste and sanitize the bin. | 5 minutes | |
Bedrooms | |||
Vacuum or Clean Carpets | Use a carpet cleaner for stains or a vacuum for general cleaning. | 15-20 minutes per room | |
Clean Inside Closets | Wipe down shelves, rods, and dust the closet floor. | 10-15 minutes per closet | |
Wash Windows and Mirrors | Ensure all glass surfaces are streak-free. | 10 minutes per room | |
Laundry Room | |||
Clean Washer and Dryer | Wipe down surfaces and clean lint traps. | 15 minutes | |
Sweep and Mop Floor | Clean the laundry room floor, focusing on corners. | 10 minutes | |
Clean Cabinets and Shelves | Dust and wipe all accessible storage areas. | 10 minutes | |
Final Touches | |||
Air Out the Home | Open windows for ventilation, especially after cleaning. | 15-20 minutes | |
Replace Air Filters | Check HVAC system filters and replace if necessary. | 5 minutes | |
Perform a Final Walk-Through | Check each room for missed spots or touch-ups. | 20-30 minutes | |
Dispose of Leftover Cleaning Supplies | Properly store or dispose of used supplies. | 10 minutes |