Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Out Cleaning

Posted on 10/06/2025

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Out Cleaning

Moving out cleaning is an essential task whether you're vacating an apartment, house, or rental. Completing a thorough move out cleaning ensures the property is ready for new occupants and helps you get your security deposit back. This comprehensive guide to move out cleaning will walk you through each phase, with detailed checklists, tips, and tricks for a sparkling finish.

Why a Deep Clean Before Moving Out is Important

• Security Deposit Recovery: Most landlords expect their property to be as clean as when you first moved in.
• Avoid Disputes: A thorough clean reduces the risk of disagreements with your landlord or property manager.
• Good Impression: Leave a positive impression for the next tenant--and for your own reputation.
• Less Stress: When cleaning is well-planned, your move becomes smoother and less overwhelming.

What Does Move Out Cleaning Include?

A true move out clean is more intensive than everyday housekeeping. It typically covers:

• Full kitchen and bathroom sanitization
• All appliances (inside and out)
• Floors, carpets, and baseboards
• Windows, blinds, and ledges
• Closets, cabinets, and pantries
• Light fixtures and switches
• Spot-treating walls and touch-up paint (if needed)

Pre-Cleaning Preparation: How to Get Ready

Before you start scrubbing and sweeping, preparation is key. Here's how to set yourself up for an efficient move out cleaning:

1. Gather Supplies: Cleaning products, sponges, mop, vacuum, garbage bags, microfiber cloths, brushes, rubber gloves, step stool, and a bucket.
2. Check Your Lease: Review your lease for specific requirements or cleaning checklists provided by your landlord.
3. Remove All Personal Items: Empty all rooms, closets, and cabinets. Cleaning is easier when there's nothing in the way!
4. Plan for Disposal: Arrange for trash pickup or donation drop-off if needed.
5. Schedule Enough Time: Depending on property size, moving cleaning can take several hours to a couple of days.

Step-By-Step Moving Out Cleaning Checklist

1. Start with the Kitchen

The kitchen collects the most grime. Here's a room-by-room guide for a comprehensive move out kitchen cleaning:

• Appliances: Clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator (defrost if needed), oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Remove racks and clean thoroughly.
• Cabinets & Drawers: Wipe interiors and exteriors. Don't forget handles and tops. Remove any liners or crumbs.
• Counters & Sinks: Disinfect all surfaces, scrub the sink and faucet, and clean backsplash areas.
• Flooring: Sweep and mop, moving appliances when possible.
• Garbage Disposal: Run with ice cubes and lemon to freshen.

2. Bathrooms Need Extra Attention

A dirty bathroom is a big red flag for landlords. Perform a deep moveout clean that includes:

• Showers, Tubs, and Tiles: Scrub soap scum, mold, and limescale. Consider a commercial descaler if needed.
• Toilets: Clean inside, under the rim, and around the base thoroughly.
• Sinks & Counters: Remove all hair, toothpaste, and soap buildup.
• Mirrors & Fixtures: Polish for a streak-free shine.
• Floor: Sweep and mop, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet.

3. Living Room and Bedrooms

These areas need to be spotless and welcoming for the next person. Here's your move out cleaning guide for living areas:

• Windows & Blinds: Wash windows inside (and outside, if possible), dust blinds and sills.
• Walls & Baseboards: Spot clean smudges, fingerprints, and scuff marks. Wipe down baseboards with a damp cloth.
• Floors & Carpets: Vacuum all carpeted and hard floors. Consider professional carpet cleaning for stubborn stains or if required by your lease.
• Closets: Empty, dust shelves, wipe interior, and clean doors.

4. Hallways, Entryways, and Other Areas

• Light Fixtures & Switches: Dust and wipe all switches, outlets, and light fixtures throughout the home.
• Doors & Knobs: Clean all doors and sanitize knobs and handles.
• Vents & Fans: Dust grates, ceiling fans, and extraction fans in bathrooms or kitchens.
• Utility Areas: Clean laundry machines, storage rooms, and garages if applicable.

5. Final Touches

• Take Out All Trash: Remove all garbage, recycling, and unwanted items to avoid odors or fees.
• Final Walkthrough: Double-check every room--open cabinets and drawers to make sure nothing is left behind.
• Fix Minor Damages: Patch small nail holes, tighten loose screws, and replace burnt-out bulbs if required.

Room-by-Room Move Out Cleaning Checklist

For your convenience, here's a printable move out cleaning checklist you can use to stay on track:

• Kitchen: Appliances, cabinets, counters, sink, floor
• Bathrooms: Shower/tub, toilet, sink, mirrors, floor
• Living Room: Windows, walls, baseboards, floors, light fixtures
• Bedrooms: Closet, windows, baseboards, floors
• Hallways/Entryways: Doors, light switches, vents, floors
• Utility Areas: Laundry, storage, garage (if applicable)

Advanced Tips for Stubborn Stains and Problem Areas

• Grease on Kitchen Surfaces: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on cabinets and stove hoods.
• Carpet Stains: A mix of dish soap, white vinegar, and water can help lift many stains. For tough stains, rent a carpet cleaner.
• Soap Scum and Limescale: Use commercial descalers or natural lemon juice and baking soda on bathroom tiles and shower doors.
• Wall Scuffs: Try magic erasers or a soft sponge dampened with dish soap.

Should You Hire Professional Move Out Cleaners?

If you're short on time or dealing with a large property, consider hiring professionals for a move-out cleaning service. Pros know exactly what landlords want, are efficient, and guarantee results. Professional move out cleaners bring their own supplies, tackle hard-to-reach areas, and save you the hassle--often essential for ensuring you receive your full deposit.

How Much Does Move Out Cleaning Cost?

• Apartment (1-bedroom): $120-$250
• House (2-3 bedrooms): $200-$400
• Larger properties or deep cleans may cost extra

Prices vary by location and cleaning needs, but compare quotes and ask for a detailed service list.

Frequently Asked Questions About Move Out Cleaning

How long does move out cleaning take?

It depends on the size of the property, how much cleaning is required, and whether you're cleaning solo or with help. For a typical two-bedroom apartment, set aside at least 4-6 hours for a thorough move out cleaning.

Do landlords require professional cleaning?

Check your lease agreement. Some properties require a professional move out cleaning and proof of receipt, while others just expect the place to be in good, clean condition.

What if I miss something during my move out clean?

Landlords commonly conduct a walk-through and may charge for missed items. Double-check using our moving out cleaning checklist or hire professionals for peace of mind.

Expert Advice for Easy and Effective Move Out Cleaning

• Work from Top to Bottom: Clean high areas (fans, shelves) first so dust falls onto lower surfaces you'll clean later.
• Use Natural Cleaners: Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon often work as well as commercial products and are eco-friendly.
• Get Help if Needed: Don't hesitate to ask friends or hire a pro--especially if time is tight.
• Take Before & After Photos: Document your cleaning efforts to avoid disputes.
• Don't Forget Hidden Spots: Behind appliances, inside closets, air vents, and window sills are often overlooked.

Downloadable Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Use this free checklist for your move out cleaning to avoid missing any critical areas:

• Empty and clean kitchen cabinets and drawers
• Degrease and clean oven, stove, and range hood
• Clean inside and outside of fridge, freezer, and dishwasher
• Sanitize countertops, backsplash, sink, and faucet
• Wipe down all bathroom surfaces: shower, tub, toilet, sink, mirrors
• Dust and wash all baseboards, doors, and trim
• Vacuum and mop all floors
• Spot clean walls, remove cobwebs
• Polish light fixtures, switches, and door handles
• Check and clean laundry area, storage spaces, patio/balcony
• Dispose of all trash and recyclables

Conclusion: Make Your Move Out Cleaning Stress-Free

Careful, thorough move out cleaning makes all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition out of your current home. By following this step-by-step guide and using the included checklists, you'll leave behind a spotless property and exit with confidence--while boosting your chances of a full deposit refund. Whether you tackle the cleaning when moving out yourself or opt for professional services, attention to detail and planning are key for a successful move!

Ready to get started? Download our checklist, gather your supplies, and use these moving out cleaning tips to achieve a shining, spotless home for the next resident!