Move Out Cleaning Checklist: A Guide to Leaving Your Space Spotless

Moving out of your home, whether it's a house or an apartment, is a whirlwind of emotions — exciting on one hand, and overwhelming on the other. With packing, organizing, and coordinating the move, cleaning can easily fall to the bottom of your to-do list. But giving your old place a thorough scrub is key to leaving a great impression on landlords or future buyers, and it’s your best bet for getting that security deposit back. Unlike your usual cleaning routine, move-out cleaning is all about going the extra mile — scrubbing every nook and cranny, inside and out. To make things easier, we’ve put together the ultimate move-out cleaning checklist to keep you on track.

Why is Move-Out Cleaning Important?

Whether you’re leaving a rental or selling your home, proper cleaning is crucial. For tenants, a thorough cleaning helps ensure you get your security deposit back. For homeowners, it leaves a positive impression on buyers. It's also a nice gesture to leave the space clean for the next person. Plus, a clean space can prevent disputes and delays in your move-out process.

To make the transition even smoother, opt for professional home cleaning services in Chicago! This smart choice will help you to ensure every corner is spotless, giving you one less thing to worry about during your move.

Preparing for the Clean: Supplies Checklist

Before diving into deep cleaning, make sure you have the right tools and supplies. Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponges
• Scrubbing brushes
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Mop and bucket
• Trash bags
• Duster
• Magic erasers or sponges for tough stains
• Oven cleaner
• Protective gloves

Having all these supplies handy will save time and help you clean efficiently.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist

Let’s break down the cleaning tasks by room to ensure you don’t miss a spot.

Living Room, Bedrooms, and Common Areas

• Dust and Wipe: Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and all surfaces. Don’t forget window sills, baseboards, and any built-in shelving.
• Vacuum and Mop: Vacuum carpets and mop hardwood or tile floors. Pay attention to corners and under furniture.
• Windows: Clean windows inside and out, if accessible. Use a glass cleaner to remove smudges.
• Walls: Check for scuff marks or handprints. Use a magic eraser to remove stains from walls and doors.
• Closets: Empty out closets and wipe down shelves. Vacuum or sweep the floor.

Kitchen

The kitchen often requires the most attention due to daily use. Follow this checklist for a sparkling kitchen:

• Clean the Fridge: Empty the refrigerator and wipe down all surfaces. If your lease requires it, defrost the freezer. Remove any stains or sticky spots.
• Oven and Stove: Use oven cleaner to clean the inside of the oven and stovetop. Don’t forget the range hood and exhaust fan.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Empty all cabinets and drawers. Wipe down both the interiors and exteriors.
• Sink: Scrub the sink and faucets with an all-purpose cleaner. Clean the garbage disposal if you have one.
• Countertops: Wipe down all countertops, ensuring they are free of stains and crumbs.
• Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor, paying extra attention to corners.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms can accumulate grime and bacteria, so a thorough clean is a must:

• Toilet: Scrub the toilet bowl, seat, and base. Use a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria.
• Shower and Tub: Clean tiles, grout, and any soap scum buildup. Scrub the showerhead and faucet.
• Sink and Countertops: Wipe down the sink and countertop. Clean the faucet and mirrors.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Empty and wipe down bathroom cabinets and drawers.
• Floors: Sweep and mop the bathroom floor. Clean around the toilet base thoroughly.
• Ventilation: Dust and clean the bathroom fan or ventilation system.

Windows and Doors

Cleaning windows and doors is essential, yet often overlooked in move-out cleanings:

• Windows: Use a glass cleaner to clean windows from the inside. For accessible exterior windows, wipe them down as well.
• Doors: Wipe down doors, paying special attention to doorknobs and edges. Remove any stains or handprints from the surface.
• Blinds and Curtains: Dust and clean blinds. Wash or dry-clean curtains if necessary.

Floors and Carpets

Your landlord or the new owner will likely pay special attention to the floors. Here’s how to clean different types of flooring:

• Hardwood and Tile Floors: Sweep and mop the floors, ensuring they are free of dust and stains.
• Carpets: Vacuum thoroughly. Consider steam-cleaning carpets if they are stained or particularly dirty.
• Corners and Baseboards: Don’t forget to clean along the edges of walls and baseboards, where dust tends to accumulate.

Garage and Outdoor Spaces

If you have a garage or outdoor area, make sure they’re clean too:

• Garage: Sweep the floor and remove any oil stains. Don’t forget to clear out any items you stored.
• Outdoor Spaces: Sweep patios, porches, and decks. Clean any outdoor furniture you plan to leave behind.

Read more: Does Everything Have to be in Boxes for Movers?

Additional Move-Out Cleaning Tips

• Start Early: How long does it take to clean and pack the house? Cleaning can take time, especially if you have a large space. Start the process at least a week before your move-out date.
• Declutter as You Clean: Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Get rid of items you no longer need while you clean.
• Label Everything: While you’re packing and cleaning, make sure to label all your boxes clearly. This will help not only during the move but also when you’re unpacking at your new place. Labeling rooms and categories can prevent chaos on the other side of your move.
• Use a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Printable: Keeping track of everything can be difficult, so consider using a move-out cleaning checklist printable to stay organized.
• Consider Hiring Professionals: If the task seems overwhelming, hire a cleaning service. A professional move-out cleaning checklist ensures that every corner is covered.

Read more: How to Move Houseplants to Your New Home in Illinois

FAQs on Move-Out Cleaning

1. What’s included in a move-out cleaning list?

Apartment move-out cleaning list typically includes cleaning all rooms (living spaces, kitchen, bathrooms), wiping down surfaces, cleaning windows, vacuuming or mopping floors, scrubbing appliances, and ensuring all personal items are removed.

2. What should I include in a tenant move-out cleaning list?

A tenant move-out cleaning list focuses on areas a landlord will inspect, including the kitchen, bathroom, carpets, walls, and windows. Make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned to increase your chances of getting your deposit back.

3. How do I clean before moving out of an apartment?

Follow an apartment move-out cleaning list to ensure you hit all the key areas. Start with the kitchen and bathroom, then move on to common areas and bedrooms. Wipe down walls, vacuum or mop the floors, and make sure the entire space is clean.

4. What are some move-out cleaning tips?

Some helpful move-out cleaning tips include starting early, cleaning from top to bottom, and decluttering as you go. Always keep your cleaning supplies handy and tackle one room at a time.

5. What is a deep clean move-out checklist?

A deep clean move-out checklist goes beyond surface cleaning. It includes scrubbing appliances, washing baseboards, dusting ceiling fans, and cleaning behind large furniture items.

Moving is a busy time, but using a move-out cleaning checklist can help ensure that you leave your old home spotless and ready for the next occupants. By focusing on one room at a time, starting early, and using the right supplies, you can make the process easier. If you’re short on time, consider hiring professionals who specialize in move-in move-out cleaning.

For those who need an extra hand, Move4U offers comprehensive moving services, including professional cleaning assistance. With Move4U movers, you can save time and energy by letting the experts handle the cleaning, packing, and even the unpacking. Whether you're looking for a full-service move or just some extra support with your move-out checklist, Move4U is there to help you every step of the way. Let your next chapter start on a clean note with a stress-free moving experience — courtesy of Move4U!