How to Tackle Move Out Cleaning Room by Room

Are you preparing to leave your current home? Facing a move out cleaning can be overwhelming, but breaking the process down room by room can make it much more manageable and even satisfying. In this comprehensive guide, we'll outline how to address each area of your home with practical tips and strategies for a thorough, stress-free cleaning. Whether you're hoping to secure your deposit as a tenant or create a welcoming environment for the next occupant, our move out cleaning checklist ensures every nook and cranny sparkles.

Why Is Move Out Cleaning Important?

Moving out isn't just about packing up your belongings - it's also about leaving your old residence in the best possible condition. A proper move out cleaning can:

• Help you recover your security deposit if you're renting.
• Leave a positive impression on new owners or tenants.
• Prevent future disputes or fees related to cleanliness.
• Make your move easier by decluttering and organizing as you go.

Let's explore a room by room move out cleaning strategy that ensures nothing is missed!

Preparing for a Room by Room Move Out Clean

• Gather cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, sponges, mop, vacuum, duster, gloves, trash bags, and specialty cleaners as needed (e.g. oven, stainless steel).
• Set aside a supply caddy or bucket for portability as you move from room to room.
• Pack up your belongings first so you can clean surfaces thoroughly.
• Create a move out cleaning checklist for each room to stay organized.

Room by Room Move Out Cleaning Guide

Tackling your move out cleaning one area at a time reduces overwhelm and boosts your motivation. Follow our guide below to cover every major room in your home.

1. Kitchen Deep Cleaning

The kitchen is often the most demanding area to clean during a move out process. Over time, grease, crumbs, and food stains can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots. Here's how to approach your kitchen move out cleaning:

• Empty all cupboards and drawers. Wipe inside and outside with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
• Clean appliances:
  • Refrigerator: Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Wash removable parts and wipe down all surfaces inside and out. Defrost freezer if necessary.
  • Oven and stove: Use a suitable oven cleaner for burnt-on residue; remove stove grates and soak them. Clean dials and knobs, and don't forget behind/under the appliances.
  • Microwave: Clean inside, outside, and underneath.
  • Dishwasher: Wipe inside door, run a cleaning cycle if applicable.
• Countertops and Backslashes: Wipe down thoroughly. Scrub grout if needed.
• Sinks: Remove stains and buildup. Shine faucets and handles.
• Floors: Sweep and mop, paying special attention to corners and under cabinets.
• Remove trash and food scraps: Empty and clean trash bins.

2. Bathroom Move Out Cleaning

A sparkling bathroom is a top priority for landlords and buyers. Follow these steps for an impeccable bathroom move out clean:

• Remove all items from medicine cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Wipe interiors and exteriors.
• Scrub toilets, showers, and bathtubs: Use disinfectant to remove soap scum, hard water stains, and mold. Don't neglect grout and tile walls.
• Sinks and faucets: Polish for a streak-free shine.
• Mirrors: Clean with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
• Clean exhaust fans and air vents.
• Floors: Sweep, mop, and pay attention to corners and behind the toilet.
• Empty and disinfect trash cans.

3. Living Room and Common Areas

These shared spaces gather dust and fingerprints, especially if you have children or pets. For living room move out cleaning, focus on:

• Dusting all surfaces: Shelves, light fixtures, built-ins, TV units, and electronics.
• Wiping baseboards, switches, and outlets.
• Cleaning windows and sills: Use glass cleaner for a streak-free finish.
• Vacuuming or mopping floors: Move furniture to reach underneath.
• Laundering or wiping curtains and blinds.
• Spot clean walls: Remove scuffs or fingerprints with a gentle cleaner.

4. Bedroom Move Out Cleaning

Bedrooms may appear clean after your belongings are packed, but a thorough move out cleaning of bedrooms is crucial:

• Remove all bedding, clothing, and personal items.
• Dust all furniture, shelves, and nightstands.
• Clean inside closets: Shelves, baseboards, and doors.
• Clean windows, sills, and mirrors.
• Vacuum or mop the floors: Focus on corners and under the bed.
• Check for and clean marks on walls or doors.

5. Hallways, Entryways & Staircases

Often forgotten, these transitional areas can accumulate dirt and scuff marks. Ensure you:

• Dust banisters, railings, moldings, and light fixtures.
• Vacuum or sweep stairs and hallways.
• Wipe down doors and handles.
• Spot clean any marks or grime on walls.

6. Utility and Laundry Room Cleaning

Many move out cleaning guides overlook these spaces, but landlords don't! For laundry and utility rooms:

• Wipe down washer and dryer, inside and out.
• Clean lint traps and vents.
• Mop floors: Focus on corners where dust accumulates.
• Clear out and clean shelves, cupboards, and utility sinks.

Move Out Cleaning Final Touches

• Empty all bins and remove any garbage to the curb or designated area.
• Double-check each room with your checklist as you go.
• Perform a "walkthrough" after cleaning to spot missed areas.
• Check light bulbs, blinds, and ensure all appliances are off.

Eco-Friendly Move Out Cleaning Tips

For those who prefer a green move out cleaning approach:

• Use natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon where possible.
• Recycle cleaning cloths or opt for reusable microfiber materials instead of paper towels.
• Dispose of hazardous waste (e.g., old paint, batteries) responsibly at designated centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Move Out Cleaning

How long does move out cleaning take?

A full move out house cleaning can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the size and condition of the property. Large homes or apartments with heavy buildup may require more time.

Should I hire professional move out cleaners?

Hiring move out cleaning services ensures a thorough job and can save you time, especially if your schedule is tight or if you want a guarantee for your deposit. Weigh the cost against your availability and comfort level with heavy-duty cleaning.

What is usually included in a move out clean?

A typical move out cleaning package covers floors, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, cupboards, all surfaces (including baseboards and doors), windows (usually interior), and removal of trash and personal items.

What should I leave behind after my move out clean?

Unless an agreement specifically states otherwise, leave all fixtures, keys, and anything that was present when you moved in. Remove all personal belongings and repair minor wall damage if possible.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist (Printable)

For your convenience, here's a consolidated room-by-room move out cleaning checklist:

• General: Remove all personal items, check cabinets/closets, empty bins, spot clean walls, dust, and clean windows.
• Kitchen: Appliances inside and out, sinks, countertops, cabinets, floors, backsplash.
• Bathrooms: Toilet, tub/shower, sinks, cabinets, mirrors, floors.
• Bedrooms: Closets, floors, doors, windows, dust surfaces.
• Living/Common Areas: Dusting, spot clean, floors, windows, fixtures.
• Hallways/Stairs: Dust, vacuum/mop, walls, doors, fixtures.
• Laundry/Utility: Appliances, shelves, floors, sinks, lint traps.

Conclusion: Doing Move Out Cleaning Right

A thoughtful move out cleaning, room by room, shows respect for your former space and can prevent unexpected costs or disputes. By following our step-by-step guide, using the right supplies, and adhering to a solid checklist, you'll make the process less daunting and far more effective. Clean one area at a time and double check every corner for a spotless result.

Ready to make your move-out stress-free and successful? Download our move out cleaning checklist and start your journey to a sparkling clean new beginning!

If you found this guide useful, consider bookmarking or sharing with friends who might be facing their own big move soon!