Moving out of a rental or owned home can be bittersweet. Packing up belongings and heading to your next chapter is exciting but leaving behind a clean space for the new residents? Not so much. Scrubbing floors, wiping down walls, and cleaning appliances fall to the bottom of the move-out cleaning checklist.
However, skipping or skimping on cleaning almost guarantees deposit deductions, cleaning fees, and damage charges. Thorough move-out cleaning is essential to recovering your full security deposit and avoiding unnecessary charges. It also establishes you as a responsible tenant for future rental references.
The solution is simple – tackle cleaning methodically using a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist. By breaking down cleaning room-by-room and task-by-task, you can ensure every surface and space gets the attention it needs. With some elbow grease and the right supplies, you can leave the property spotless for the next residents and protect your wallet in the process.
Follow this detailed move-out cleaning checklist to maximize your deposit refund. Let’s get cleaning!
What is move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning refers to thoroughly cleaning a rental property or home when vacating and moving out. The goal of move-out cleaning is to leave the property entire home in pristine, rent-ready condition to recover the full security deposit from the landlord or property management company.
Is it necessary?
Yes, move-out cleaning is necessary when vacating a rental property or home you own. There are several important reasons why thorough move-out cleaning is essential:
- Get Your Full Security Deposit Back – The #1 reason is to get your full security deposit back from the landlord. Any cleaning or repairs not done can be deducted from your deposit.
- Avoid Cleaning Fees – If the landlord has to clean or hire a cleaner, those fees often get taken from your deposit. Doing it yourself saves this money.
- Meet Lease Requirements – Most rental agreements require the property to be returned in clean condition. Move-out cleaning meets this requirement.
- Reduce Damage – Thorough cleaning helps prevent long-term damage from building up. This avoids charges for damages above normal wear and tear.
- Common Courtesy – Leave the home in rent-ready shape as a courtesy to the landlord and the next tenants.
- Get a Good Reference – Meeting your lease obligations with thorough cleaning can get you a good reference from the landlord.
According to HomeAdvisor, cleaning windows, walls, floors, kitchen appliances, and bathrooms thoroughly is key to getting your full security deposit back when moving out. Don’t forget cluttered areas like closets, garages, and storage rooms.
Top Areas to Clean for Move Out
When moving out, be sure to clean everywhere in the home thoroughly, paying special attention to hard surfaces and high-traffic areas most prone to dirt, grime, and wear.
- Kitchen – Wipe down cabinets, drawers, countertops, backsplash. Clean the oven, fridge, floors, and sinks.
- Bathrooms – Clean toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, mirrors, floors, and cabinets. Remove soap scum and mildew.
- Bedrooms – Dust walls, wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures, clean closet interiors and floors.
- Living Spaces – Vacuum/mop floors, dust surfaces, wipe down doors and trim clean light switches.
- Laundry Room – Remove lint from the dryer vent and wipe the washing machine. Clean floors, cabinets, and utility sink.
- Windows – Wash interior and exterior windows and tracks to remove dirt and grime.
- Doors – Wipe down interior and exterior doors, door frames, and knobs to remove fingerprints and dirt.
- Floors – Sweep, mop, and vacuum all flooring including hardwood, tile, and carpeted floors.
- Walls – Spot clean walls with warm soapy water to remove scuffs and fingerprints.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- Microfiber cloths, sponges, scrub brushes
- All-purpose cleaner, window cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes and spray cleaners
- Broom, mop, vacuum
- Rubber gloves, bucket, scrub pads
- Step stool or ladder
Handy Cleaning Tools
- Soft bristle brush for grout
- Grout brush
- Scrubbing pad sponge
- Toothbrush for tight spaces
- Detail brushes for vents/fans
Room-by-Room Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Print out this checklist to mark off each cleaning task room by single room.
Kitchen
- Clear out all personal items, food, and appliances
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Wipe down cabinet fronts and drawer exteriors
- Clean sink, faucet, and hardware with disinfectant
- Scrub countertops and backsplash
- Sweep and mop floors thoroughly
- Thoroughly clean the oven, stove, and hood
- Remove grease and food from the fridge and wipe down
- Clean any built-in appliances like a dishwasher or microwave
- Take out garbage and recycling
Living and Dining Rooms
- Remove personal belongings and furniture
- Vacuum floors, carpets and baseboards
- Dust window sills, ledges, door frames, and trim
- Wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Clean out the fireplace if applicable
- Spot clean walls and light switches
- Clean windows, screens, and window treatments
- Sweep and mop hard surface floors
- Steam clean carpets if needed
Bedrooms
- Remove all personal belongings and furniture
- Vacuum floors, carpet edges, and baseboards
- Wipe down ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Clean closet interiors thoroughly
- Spot clean walls, doors, and trim
- Dust windowsills, window treatments, and doors
- Sweep and mop hard surface floors
- Steam clean carpets if needed
Bathrooms
- Remove personal items and disposables
- Clean toilet bowl and exterior toilet surfaces
- Scrub sinks, faucets, counters, shower and tub
- Remove mildew, mold, and soap scum
- Wipe down mirrors and medicine cabinets
- Clean exhaust fans and spot-clean walls/ceilings
- Sweep and mop floors thoroughly
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Take out garbage and recycling
Laundry Room
- Clear our laundry items
- Clean the inside and outside of the washing machine
- Remove lint from the dryer filter and vent duct
- Wipe down counters, utility sink, and faucet
- Sweep and mop floors
- Empty and wipe down cabinets and drawers
Windows
- Clean interior windows and screens
- Spot clean window sills and trim
- Use a ladder or pole to wash exterior windows
Doors
- Wipe down interior doors and door frames
- Clean sliding door tracks
- Spot clean walls around high-touch areas
- Clean exterior doors front and back
Throughout the Home
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors
- Take out all trash and recycling
- Clean out the fireplace if applicable
- Wipe down interior railings and banisters
- Dust ceiling corners, fans, and vents
- Clean pet areas and spot-treat carpets
- Fix any small holes, dents, or damage
Take your time and work methodically through each area using the detailed cleaning checklist. Pay special attention to often-missed spots like baseboards, switches, vents, and ceilings. Proper cleaning now saves you time and money later.
Hiring a Move Out Professional Cleaning Service
While DIY cleaning using a comprehensive checklist allows you to save money, professional cleaning services can be a smart investment when moving out. Here are the key benefits of hiring a professional cleaner:
They Have the Right Tools and Supplies – Professional cleaners come armed with industrial-grade equipment, cleaning solutions, and tools perfect for heavy-duty cleaning. They often bring their power washers, steam cleaners, and heavy-duty vacuums.
They Are Efficient and Thorough – Professional cleaners clean homes daily. They know all the best techniques to work quickly and thoroughly clean every nook and cranny. They won’t miss spots that could lead to deposit deductions.
They Take Care of Heavy Lifting – Cleaners are used to move appliances, furniture, and heavy items to access all areas. No more straining your back trying hard to reach areas clean behind the fridge or under the sofa.
They Offer Additional Services – Many cleaners offer handyman services for small repairs, yard cleanup, carpet cleaning, and more. This ensures the home is truly move-in ready.
You Gain Peace of Mind – Knowing your home was cleaned expertly by professionals gives reassurance that you’ll get your full deposit back. No worrying about missed spots or cleaning headaches.
Professional cleaners average $250-$600 for a whole home clean. According to The Spruce, hiring professional cleaners for your move-out can be worthwhile for their industrial equipment, cleaning expertise, and efficiency. However, DIY cleaning can also yield great results if you’re diligent.
Final Thoughts
Moving out of a home or apartment involves many other tasks too, but none is more important than leaving the property clean for the next residents. A thorough move-out clean requires diligently working through each room, cleaning all surfaces, fixtures, appliances, floors, walls, and windows.
While the cleaning process takes significant time and elbow grease, the payoff is well worth it. Meticulous move-out cleaning helps ensure you get your full security deposit back and avoid fees for hiring cleaners or repairs. It also establishes you as a responsible, conscientious renter and secures a good reference from the landlord.
Follow the detailed cleaning checklist outlined here room-by-room to avoid missing any spots. Utilize the recommended supplies and tools for an efficient, effective clean. Pay special attention to often overlooked areas like baseboards, vents, blinds, and switch plates which can lead to deductions.
Don’t cut corners – cleaning thoroughly now saves you money and hassles in the long run. Hire professional cleaners or invest some sweat equity for a spotless clean yourself. With the ultimate move-out cleaning checklist in hand, you can tackle every surface and feel confident leaving a sparkling space for the next residents. Here’s to a smooth move-out cleaning service, and getting your full deposit back!
