Moving day is full of decisions, and cleaning is often the last thing anyone wants to think about. But the best time to clean a new home is before your belongings arrive. Use this checklist to start fresh in your new house or apartment.
Before You Start
- Plan cleaning for the window between getting the keys and moving day.
- Gather basic supplies: microfiber cloths, an all-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, a vacuum and a mop.
- Work top to bottom in each room so dust does not fall on surfaces you already cleaned.
- Open windows for ventilation when weather allows.
Kitchen Checklist
- Wipe inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
- Clean countertops, backsplash and sink
- Wipe appliance exteriors and check accessible interiors
- Clean the stovetop and range hood surface
- Wipe light switches and handles
- Sweep and mop the floor, including edges
Bathroom Checklist
- Clean the tub, shower and glass
- Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base
- Wipe the vanity, inside drawers and medicine cabinet
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Mop the floor and wipe baseboards
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust shelves, ledges and window sills
- Wipe closet shelves and rods
- Clean doors, door frames and switch plates
- Vacuum and mop floors, starting with corners
Final Touches
- Check entryways and hallways, which collect dust during moves
- Wipe stair railings
- Take out trash and remove cleaning supplies before the movers arrive
When to Call a Professional
Cleaning a whole home while coordinating a move is a lot. A professional move-in cleaning lets you focus on logistics while the home is prepared for you. If the previous occupants left the space in rough condition, a more detailed plan similar to a deep cleaning may make sense.
Tip: tell us your move date as early as possible. Moving periods can be busy, and early contact gives you the best chance of matching your timeline.
