How to Clean House Before Moving Out
When moving an apartment or home, remember to clean the entire space. Whether you’re a renter aiming to get your security deposit back or a homeowner wanting to leave a good impression on the next occupants, cleaning before you move is essential. A thorough cleaning gives peace of mind and sets the stage for a smoother, more organized moving process.
Gather the Right Supplies
Before diving into the cleaning process, you need the right supplies. With proper tools on hand, you can clean more efficiently and effectively. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose cleaners and disinfectants to tackle surfaces and eliminate germs.
- Broom, mop, and vacuum cleaner for floors and carpets.
- Sponges and microfiber cloths to wipe down surfaces.
- Trash bags, gloves, and dusters to collect waste and protect your hands.
- Optional tools like steam cleaners or special stain removers can also come in handy for tougher jobs, such as cleaning carpets or removing stubborn stains.
Plan Your Cleaning Strategy
A well-thought-out cleaning plan will make the process less overwhelming, keeping you organized and efficient. The key to a successful clean before moving out is not rushing into it blindly. Instead, determine the most effective cleaning method for your situation. There are two main approaches: room-by-room or top-to-bottom cleaning. Let’s break down the benefits of each.
The Room-by-Room Approach
This method involves cleaning one room at a time and fully completing each space before moving to the next. It allows you to focus on a single area and is ideal if you prefer a more compartmentalized approach and need to clean in stages.
You can prioritize rooms based on their usage or how much cleaning they require. For instance, start with the most time-consuming rooms, such as the kitchen or bathroom, and leave the easier ones, like bedrooms or hallways, for later.
The Top-to-Bottom Approach
With this method, start cleaning from the highest points of your home, like ceilings, shelves, and upper walls, and work your way down. This way, any dust or debris that falls will land on surfaces you haven’t cleaned yet, so you won’t need to redo anything. This approach is for those who want a more systematic process, particularly if you plan to clean everything in one or two days.
Start with high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen, then move on to bedrooms and other less frequently used spaces.
Prioritize for Efficiency
Whichever approach you choose, remember to prioritize the most used areas that accumulate the most dirt and grime. These spaces often need deep cleaning, especially on surfaces like countertops, appliances, and tile grout.
Make sure to allocate time for deep cleaning vs. surface cleaning. When you deep clean, you get into the nooks and crannies, scrub baseboards, and clean all hidden areas. It’s easier and quicker to surface clean; just focus on wiping down easily accessible surfaces like tables, countertops, and shelves.
Give yourself time for both deep and surface cleaning so you won’t have to scramble at the last minute to have everything spotless by moving day.
Start with Decluttering
Before you implement your cleaning plan, take the time to declutter. It makes cleaning easier and helps you get a head start on packing and organizing for the move. By reducing the clutter in your home, you create more space to access surfaces that need to be cleaned, like floors, countertops, and cabinets. Start by going through each room and sorting your belongings into three categories: Keep, Donate, and Trash.
Keep
You still use, love, and want to bring these items to your new home. Pack them up in clearly labeled boxes as you go through decluttering. This helps streamline your move and makes it easier to clean the space once it’s cleared out.
Donate
Set aside the items that are still in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. Donate gently used clothing, kitchenware, or furniture to local charities, shelters, or organizations in need.
Trash
Unfortunately, some things can’t be salvaged, either because they’re broken or worn out or you no longer have use for them. Go ahead and dispose of these. Try to recycle whenever possible—you can do this with electronics, paper, and certain types of plastic.
Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s time to clean. Start by focusing on high-traffic areas that need extra care, like the kitchen and bathrooms.
Kitchen
- Wipe down countertops, cabinets, and sinks.
- Degrease appliances such as the oven, stove, and refrigerator.
- Empty and sanitize the fridge before you go.
Bathrooms
- Scrub toilets, sinks, and tubs/showers to remove grime and bacteria.
- Clean mirrors and light fixtures for a fresh look.
- Wash tile and grout, and remove any mold or mildew buildup.
Clean Bedrooms & Living Spaces
Once you have completed those high-intensity areas, it’s time to move on to your bedrooms and living spaces. They may not require the same level of work but still need attention.
Bedrooms
- Dust surfaces and wipe down walls.
- Clean baseboards, vacuum carpets, or sweep floors to remove dust and dirt.
Living Room
- Dust furniture and entertainment centers.
- Wipe down doors and light switches, and clean windows.
- Vacuum or shampoo carpets to leave the space looking fresh.
Take the Cleaning Outdoors
Outdoor areas are often overlooked during a move, but they’re just as important as the interior of your home. A clean, well-maintained exterior can leave a lasting impression and ensure you meet any lease or sale agreement conditions.
- Sweep patios, balconies, driveways, and walkways: Clear these spaces of dirt, leaves, and debris to create a clean, welcoming atmosphere. A quick sweep can make a big difference in appearance, helping the new occupants start fresh.
- Clean the porch or garage, ensuring no debris is left behind: These areas can accumulate clutter over time, so take care to remove any items and thoroughly clean the floors. Dust and sweep away cobwebs, dirt, and any leftover belongings.
- Take care of lawn or garden upkeep: Mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, and remove any weeds. For gardens, make sure beds are neat, and if you have potted plants, either take them with you or dispose of them properly to leave the space tidy and appealing.
Make Those Final Touches
After cleaning the main areas, it’s time for the final walkthrough to ensure you’ve covered everything. Check corners, baseboards, and under furniture for dust or debris. Deodorize the house with air fresheners or natural cleaning solutions for a fresh scent. Make sure to empty the trash and ensure no personal items are left behind.
Don’t Have the Time or Energy to Clean? Hire it Out!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning your home before moving out, you’re not alone. Between packing, organizing, and managing logistics, finding the time or energy for a deep clean can be hard. That’s where hiring a professional cleaning service comes in handy.
At B2B, we offer move-in/move-out cleaning services designed specifically to tackle this task, ensuring every corner of your home is spotless. Whether you’re focused on reclaiming your security deposit or leaving a great impression on the next occupant, a professional cleaning service can help you check this essential item off your list, giving you peace of mind as you move into your new space.
Make Your Move with B2B Moving
Cleaning your home before moving out isn’t just about getting your deposit back or making the next tenant happy—it’s about making your move smoother and stress-free. A clean and decluttered home creates a safer, more organized space for your movers to work in, preventing dirt or clutter from getting in the way. Clean surfaces and floors protect your belongings from dust during the move.
Follow this guide to make your move easier and more efficient and save time and money. For more tips on preparing for your move, check out our blog. Remember to download the Ultimate Moving Checklist to help you stay organized, and request your complimentary moving estimate today!
