Whether you’re renting an apartment or a house, you will need to give it a thorough clean before you leave. There’s nothing worse than losing some or all of your deposit due to a mess left behind to be found by the apartment manager or home owner. With this updated guide we can help you save time and money on your next move out. It is designed to help you clean efficiently and thoroughly, whether you are leaving a home behind or preparing a new one for move-in. Use it as a step-by-step guide to ensure nothing gets overlooked!

Getting Started

When it comes to getting it all done, it’s best to have a plan. We recommend if you have a multi level dwelling, that you start at the top and work your way down to ensure that any dust or debris that would fall downward gets cleaned up as you clean the bottom floor. If you don’t have a multi level home, then we recommend starting in the kitchen as it is typically the one that takes the longest to clean, but wherever you decide to start, make sure that you gather all of your supplies first. A good starting list of cleaning supplies is a good multi-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, a bucket of warm water with some dish soap, a roll of paper towels, several rags for wiping down large appliances and surfaces, and a duster to dust surfaces like ceiling appliances, blinds, and other surfaces that tend to get dusty. 

Tackling The Kitchen

The kitchen often requires the most attention during a move. Grease, crumbs, and buildup can hide in unexpected places.

Clean the inside and outside of all appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove shelves and drawers from the refrigerator and wash them separately. Wipe down the inside of cabinets and drawers, paying attention to corners and handles.

Degrease countertops, backsplashes, and stovetops. Clean and disinfect the sink, faucet, and garbage disposal. Wipe down light fixtures, switches, and outlets. Finish by sweeping and mopping the floor, making sure to clean under appliances if possible.

Cleaning The Bathrooms

Bathrooms should be left spotless and sanitary for the next occupant.

Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind it. Clean the shower and bathtub, removing soap scum and mildew from walls, doors, and grout. Wipe down mirrors, vanities, and countertops.

Clean inside cabinets and drawers. Disinfect faucets, towel bars, and light switches. Empty and wipe medicine cabinets. Sweep and mop floors, paying close attention to edges and corners.

Cleaning The Bedrooms

Bedrooms may appear simple, but they still collect dust and debris over time.

Wipe down baseboards, window sills, and door frames. Clean inside closets, including shelves and rods. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents.

Wipe down doors, handles, and switches. Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges. If the room has hard flooring, sweep and mop carefully.

Here is the whole checklist for you to review and print off to keep handy while you work, enjoy!

General Areas (Entire Home/Apartment)

• ☐ Remove all personal items and trash

• ☐ Dust ceilings, corners, and cobwebs

• ☐ Wipe down walls and spot-clean scuffs

• ☐ Clean baseboards and trim

• ☐ Wipe doors, frames, and handles

• ☐ Disinfect light switches and outlets

• ☐ Clean vents and air returns

• ☐ Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans

• ☐ Vacuum carpets and rugs

• ☐ Sweep and mop hard floors

Kitchen

• ☐ Clean inside and outside of refrigerator

• ☐ Clean inside and outside of oven and stovetop

• ☐ Wipe down microwave inside and out

• ☐ Clean dishwasher interior and exterior

• ☐ Remove and clean cabinet shelves and drawers

• ☐ Wipe cabinet fronts, handles, and knobs

• ☐ Degrease countertops and backsplash

• ☐ Clean and disinfect sink and faucet

• ☐ Sanitize garbage disposal

• ☐ Clean range hood and filters

• ☐ Sweep and mop kitchen floor

Bathrooms

• ☐ Scrub and disinfect toilet (including base and behind)

• ☐ Clean bathtub and shower walls, doors, and grout

• ☐ Remove soap scum and mildew

• ☐ Clean mirrors and glass surfaces

• ☐ Wipe vanity, countertops, and sinks

• ☐ Clean inside cabinets and drawers

• ☐ Disinfect faucets, towel bars, and hardware

• ☐ Clean medicine cabinet inside and out

• ☐ Sweep and mop bathroom floors

Bedrooms

• ☐ Dust all surfaces and shelves

• ☐ Clean inside closets (shelves and rods)

• ☐ Wipe window sills and tracks

• ☐ Clean doors, handles, and switches

• ☐ Dust ceiling fans and vents

• ☐ Vacuum carpets (including edges)

• ☐ Sweep and mop hard flooring

Living Room / Dining Room / Common Areas

• ☐ Dust furniture, shelves, and built-ins

• ☐ Clean windows, tracks, and blinds

• ☐ Wipe baseboards and trim

• ☐ Clean doors, frames, and handles

• ☐ Disinfect light switches and outlets

• ☐ Vacuum carpets and rugs

• ☐ Sweep and mop hard floors

Laundry Room

• ☐ Clean inside and outside of washer

• ☐ Clean inside and outside of dryer

• ☐ Remove lint from lint trap and vent area

• ☐ Wipe cabinets, shelves, and countertops

• ☐ Clean sink and faucet (if applicable)

• ☐ Sweep and mop floor

• ☐ Clean behind and under appliances

Entryways & Hallways

• ☐ Clean front door inside and out

• ☐ Wipe door frames, locks, and handles

• ☐ Clean light fixtures and switches

• ☐ Dust trim and baseboards

• ☐ Sweep and mop floors

Final Walkthrough

• ☐ Replace burned-out light bulbs

• ☐ Check for missed spots or streaks

• ☐ Remove remaining trash and debris

• ☐ Ensure all rooms are clean and empty

• ☐ Do a final visual walkthrough