Moving out of a home can be a stressful process but having a thorough cleaning checklist can help ensure that everything is taken care of before you leave. You see, there is just so much you need to do, from the packing to the actual moving and all of the cleaning and organising in between.
To make your move a whole lot easier, we’ve put together some tips and tricks on the key cleaning tasks and rooms of your home you may need to pay attention to.
So, if you want to make moving home and the inevitable cleaning that comes with it easier, keep reading to learn more. But first, why should you clean your home if you’re moving out of it?
Why you need to clean your home when you move?
You might be thinking that if you’re no longer going to be living somewhere, why should you bother cleaning it? It’s not your home anymore, so does it really matter?
Well, cleaning before moving out is important for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it can help you get your rental bond back (if you’re a renter). Landlords and real estate agents typically expect a rental property to be returned in the same condition it was in when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. A thorough cleaning can help ensure that you meet this expectation and get your rental bond security deposit back.
In addition to helping you get your bond back, cleaning before moving out can also help you leave the home in good condition for the next occupants. This can be especially important if you are moving out of a rental property and want to leave a good impression on the landlord. Even if you are moving out of a home that you own, it’s still a good idea to clean before you leave so that the next occupants can start off on the right foot. It’s pretty good karma.
Cleaning before moving out can also help you feel more organized and in control during the move. When you have a cleaning checklist to follow, you can feel confident that you have taken care of everything and can focus on other aspects of the move. Having a clean home can also make it easier to pack, as you won’t have to worry about packing up dirty or cluttered areas.
Moving Home Cleaning Checklist
So, what should be on your cleaning checklist? Here are some general cleaning tasks that you should include:
- Dusting: Be sure to dust all surfaces, including shelves, mantels, and baseboards. Dust can accumulate quickly, especially in areas that are not frequently used, such as guest rooms or formal living rooms. Dusting will help ensure that these areas are clean and presentable before you leave.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum all floors, including carpets and area rugs. Vacuuming will help remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated over time, and it will also help improve the overall appearance of the floors. Be sure to use a crevice tool to get into corners and along baseboards and consider using a carpet sweeper for larger areas.
- Wiping down surfaces: Use a cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth to wipe down surfaces such as countertops, tables, and appliances. Wiping down surfaces will help remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated over time, and it will also help freshen up the appearance of the home. Be sure to use a separate cloth for each type of surface to avoid cross-contamination.
It’s a good idea to start with the highest surfaces and work your way down, as well as to tackle one room at a time. This will help you ensure that you don’t miss anything and can help keep you organized.
Cleaning by Room
Now, let’s go through each room of the house and discuss some specific cleaning tasks that you should include on your checklist:
- Kitchen: In the kitchen, you should clean the fridge, oven, and sink. Be sure to remove all food items from the fridge and pantry and throw away any trash. Wipe down the inside and outside of the fridge – if it’s coming with you you want to make sure that’s ready to go, and if it’s staying there, you want the new tenants to be able to enjoy the fridge as well. If your over has it, use the self-cleaning function on the oven, otherwise you will need to put some elbow grease into it to remove the grease. Don’t forget to clean the roof of the oven on the inside. Scrub the sink with a cleaning solution to remove any food or grime and make sure there are no blockages in the sink – you don’t want to leave an unpleasant odour for the next person. Consider washing the inside of the cabinets and drawers if they are particularly dirty or cluttered.
- Bathroom: In the bathroom, you should clean the toilet, shower, and sink at the very least. Use a toilet bowl cleaner to scrub the inside of the toilet, and be sure to clean the shower and sink thoroughly. Consider replacing the shower curtain liner and the toilet seat cover if they are looking worn or discoloured. Don’t forget to clean the mirrors, wipe down the countertops and other surfaces, and clean the floor. If there is grout in your bathroom, give this a good clean too.
- Bedrooms: In the bedrooms, you should clean the closets and drawers. Go through your clothes and other items and get rid of anything that you don’t want or need so you aren’t carting them to your new home. Wipe down the inside of the closets and drawers to remove any dust or dirt and make sure that you’ve collected all of your belongings. Consider washing the windows and curtains or blinds if they are particularly dirty or have a lot of dust build-up.
In addition to these specific tasks, be sure to check for any other areas that may need cleaning, such as the garage or basement. These areas can be easy to overlook, but they are often in need of cleaning as well.
If you think you might need to do a very deep clean, we’ve got some deep cleaning guides for the following areas:
- Deep Clean Your Bathroom
- Deep Clean Your Oven
- Deep Clean Your Refrigerator
- Deep Clean Your Kitchen
- Deep Clean Your Laundry Room
Make Your Moving Out Cleaning Easier with These Tips
To ensure that you get everything cleaned before moving out, here are some tips:
- Enlist the help of friends or family: Moving out can be a lot of work, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlisting the help of friends or family can make the process go more smoothly and can even be a fun bonding experience.
- Set aside enough time: Make sure you set aside enough time to do the cleaning. This may mean starting earlier than you had planned or working on the weekends. Don’t try to rush the process, as this can lead to missed spots and a less thorough cleaning overall.
- Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies: Gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need before you start, including rags, sponges, cleaning solution, and a vacuum. This will help ensure that you have everything you need to get the job done efficiently. It’s also a good idea to have a supply of trash bags on hand for tossing out any garbage.
- Hire professional cleaners: Moving is already stressful and difficult enough without adding cleaning to the to do list. Professional cleaners often offer cleaning services that include getting your bond back thorough cleaning – and if you’re in Sydney, it’s our team here at Pristine Home that can help you. Call us today for a free quote on our cleaning services.
Make Moving Less Stressful with Pristine Home
A thorough cleaning checklist is essential for a smooth and stress-free move. By following the general cleaning tasks and specific tasks by room outlined above, you can ensure that everything is clean and ready for the next occupants. And remember – you don’t have to do it alone, here at Pristine Home we can help get the cleaning under control, whether you’re moving out, moving in or just need help with the housework, that’s what we’re here for as Sydney’s leading cleaning service.
