Whether you’re selling your home or moving out of an apartment or rental house, a cleaning checklist can help you ensure no belongings are left behind and that you receive your full deposit after you move out. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with this move-out cleaning checklist!
Why have a move-out cleaning checklist?
When packing for a move, having a move-out cleaning checklist can help simplify a hectic transition and help you cover all your bases. Here are a few more benefits of ticking off all the boxes:
Secure your deposit
Most lease agreements require tenants to pay a deposit upon move-in, which is returned after the lease agreement ends and the renters vacate the property. It’s in place to protect property owners from damage caused by tenants.
Completing all the items on your move-out cleaning checklist can help you secure your deposit. Just be sure to take pictures of each room before you leave in case your landlord or property manager attempts to charge you for damages you can refute.
Avoid missed areas
Storage space, cupboards, and built-in furniture can conceal forgotten items and personal property during a busy move. Including each and every area in the home on your list will help ensure you don’t lose valuable possessions when you leave.
Makes cleaning more efficient
Relocating can be stressful, but a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist can serve as a guide to the process, so you don’t have to keep track of a lengthy to-do list in your head. Compile your checklist, then put together a cleaning caddy with all the products you need to leave your old place better than you found it.
Positive impression with landlords
In the future, you might need a positive recommendation to secure another rental opportunity. Leaving your apartment sparkling clean is a great way to ensure you leave on good terms with your property manager.
Peace of mind
We’ve already mentioned the stress that comes along with moving, but it’s worth noting that a move-out cleaning checklist can ease this anxiety and reduce the mental load to make the process more fun.
What to have on your move-out cleaning checklist
While every home is different, we’ve created a general move-out cleaning checklist to get you started before you pack the first items for your move. Remember to work from top to bottom so gravity works in your favor!
Common areas
- Dispose of all trash.
- Clean walls, light switches, door frames, and baseboards.
- Sweep and mop hardwood floors.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
Windows and light fixtures
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
- Clean interior and exterior windows and remove debris from the tracks.
Kitchen
- Clean kitchen appliances:
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Run garbage disposal.
- Scrub sinks.
Bedrooms
- In addition to the tasks listed for common areas:
- Empty closets.
- Wipe down the inside of built-in cabinets or drawers.
Bathrooms
- Clean dirty mirrors.
- Scrub sinks.
- Wipe down countertops.
- Clean the bathtub and shower stall to remove soap scum.
- Ensure drains are flowing properly.
- Scrub toilets.
Other considerations for cleaning before you move out
Moving is rarely as simple as marking tasks off a move-out cleaning checklist. Here are a few more things to consider:
Clean outdoor spaces
Patios, garden areas, garages, and storage sheds can all accumulate personal belongings and begin to show signs of wear and tear. Inspect the exterior of your home as well as outdoor living and storage spaces to confirm nothing is overlooked.
Use a broom to dust away any cobwebs or debris you encounter. This is also a good time to ensure locks, security cameras, and other safety features are working properly.
Fill in any holes with spackling
Drywall damage is a common reason a property management company might withhold a deposit. Fortunately, a cheap tub of spackling and a fresh coat of paint can easily hide holes, dents, and other blemishes.
Consider hiring the pros
If dusting and scrubbing aren’t in your schedule, professional cleaning services can take a lot off your plate. In many cases, you’ll be able to cover the cost of hiring the experts with the money you get back from your deposit.
Most cleaning companies will bring all the supplies needed to clean the space top to bottom. So, you don’t have to worry about providing the right tools and chemicals.
Red Rover has everything you need to make moving easy!
Red Rover is here to streamline the moving process and make it easier than ever to relocate. We offer long-term and short-term portable storage containers to keep your belongings safe as you transition to your new home.
We also work with expert full-service movers to help you pack, move, and unpack your precious possessions. Explore our wide range of services or contact us today for a quote. We look forward to making your next move the best one yet!