Moving is already a lot of work. Cleaning the entire property on top of packing, organizing, and handing over keys can make the final few days feel especially busy.
A good move out cleaning checklist helps you stay organized, avoid missed areas, and leave the home in a condition that is ready for the next tenant or owner. For renters, a thorough clean may also help reduce the risk of cleaning related deductions from a damage deposit.
Quick Answer: What Should You Clean Before Moving Out?
Before moving out, focus on the areas that are easiest to miss once the home is empty:
- Floors and baseboards
- Kitchen appliances
- Cabinets and drawers
- Bathrooms
- Windows and mirrors
- Doors and light switches
- Closets
- Walls and spot marks
- Entryways
- Garbage and leftover items
For best results, work room by room and clean from top to bottom.
Move Out Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
The kitchen usually takes the most time, so it is a good place to start.
☐ Wipe down countertops and backsplash
☐ Clean the sink and faucet
☐ Clean inside and outside of cabinets
☐ Wipe out drawers
☐ Clean the stovetop
☐ Clean the oven interior
☐ Wipe down the range hood
☐ Clean the microwave
☐ Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator
☐ Wipe down the dishwasher
☐ Clean appliance handles
☐ Remove grease and food buildup
☐ Sweep and mop the floor
☐ Wipe baseboards
☐ Empty garbage and recycling
If appliances are staying with the property, do not forget the areas underneath and behind them if they are safely accessible.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms can quickly show soap residue, water spots, and buildup, so give yourself enough time for a detailed clean.
☐ Clean and disinfect the toilet
☐ Scrub the bathtub and shower
☐ Remove soap scum
☐ Clean shower doors or curtains
☐ Wipe down the vanity
☐ Clean the sink and faucet
☐ Clean mirrors
☐ Wipe cabinets and drawers
☐ Clean shelves
☐ Wipe light switches and handles
☐ Sweep and mop the floor
☐ Clean baseboards
☐ Remove all toiletries and garbage
Pay extra attention to corners and areas around fixtures where dust and buildup can collect.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are usually easier once furniture and personal belongings have been removed.
☐ Dust shelves and ledges
☐ Wipe closet shelves and rods
☐ Clean inside closets
☐ Wipe light switches
☐ Clean door handles
☐ Spot clean walls
☐ Dust window sills
☐ Clean mirrors
☐ Vacuum carpets
☐ Sweep and mop hard floors
☐ Wipe baseboards
Check inside closets one last time before leaving. Small items are easy to miss.
Living Areas
Living rooms, hallways, and common areas often collect more dust than expected, especially behind furniture.
☐ Dust surfaces
☐ Clean window sills
☐ Wipe doors and handles
☐ Wipe light switches
☐ Remove cobwebs
☐ Spot clean walls
☐ Vacuum carpets
☐ Sweep and mop hard floors
☐ Clean baseboards
☐ Remove any remaining belongings
If furniture has been sitting in the same spot for a long time, check underneath for dust and debris.
Windows and Glass
You may not need to clean every exterior window, but interior glass should look clean and streak free.
☐ Clean interior windows
☐ Wipe window frames
☐ Clean window sills
☐ Clean mirrors
☐ Wipe glass doors
☐ Remove fingerprints and smudges
Entryways and Closets
These areas often get overlooked during a move.
☐ Sweep or vacuum entryways
☐ Mop hard flooring
☐ Wipe doors
☐ Clean door handles
☐ Wipe closet shelves
☐ Remove dirt and debris from corners
☐ Check for forgotten shoes, coats, or boxes
Final Walkthrough
Once the cleaning is finished, walk through the entire property one final time.
Look for:
☐ Garbage left behind
☐ Items in cupboards or closets
☐ Dust on baseboards
☐ Marks on walls
☐ Dirty floors
☐ Food left in appliances
☐ Personal items in bathrooms
☐ Forgotten cleaning supplies
☐ Lights left on
☐ Windows or doors left open
It is much easier to fix a missed area before the keys are handed over.
How Long Does Move Out Cleaning Take?
The amount of time needed depends on the size and condition of the property.
A small apartment may only take a few hours, while a larger home can take most of a day or longer. Kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, and floors usually take the most time.
If possible, clean after most furniture and boxes have been removed. An empty home is much easier to clean thoroughly.
Should You Hire Professional Move Out Cleaners?
Professional move out cleaning can be helpful if you are short on time, moving on a tight schedule, or simply want one less task to manage.
A professional cleaning team can also focus on areas that are easy to overlook during a busy move, such as baseboards, cabinet interiors, appliance surfaces, and detailed bathroom cleaning.
If you are preparing to move in or around Lethbridge, Coulee Cleaners can help get your home ready for the next person while you focus on the move itself.