Move-out cleaning is like trying to impress your landlord one last time—miss a spot, and it might cost you.
Whether you're vacating a rental or handing over the keys to a new buyer, the pressure to leave everything spotless is very real. In fact, according to Azibo, nearly 30% of renters lose part of their security deposit due to cleaning issues. And if you're selling? A poorly cleaned home can delay closings or even turn away potential buyers.
So if you're scrubbing baseboards at 2 AM, wondering if it's all worth it—breathe. There’s a better, smarter way to tackle it.
This ultimate move-out cleaning checklist tells you exactly what to clean, why it matters, and how to avoid last-minute stress, surprise charges, or awkward follow-ups from your landlord or buyer.
Before you grab the mop, check with your landlord, property manager, or agent—some have specific cleaning requirements, and skipping them could lead to deductions or delays.
What's Included in a Move Out Cleaning?
A move-out cleaning goes far beyond your usual weekly tidy-up. It's a deep cleaning service focused on restoring the home to a move-in-ready condition, whether you're a renter hoping to get your deposit back or a seller preparing for final walkthroughs.
According to Forbes Home, a proper move-out cleaning usually includes:
General Areas:
- Dusting baseboards, ceiling fans, and light fixtures
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors
- Cleaning doors, doorknobs, and switch plates
- Wiping down walls (if needed)
- Removing cobwebs and trash
Kitchen:
-
Cleaning inside and outside of appliances (oven, fridge, microwave)
- Wiping down countertops and cabinets (inside and out)
- Scrubbing sinks and removing any grease buildup
Bathrooms:
- Disinfecting toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks
- Removing soap scum and hard water stains
- Cleaning mirrors, vanities, and bathroom fans
Bedrooms and Living Spaces:
- Vacuuming carpets and under furniture
- Cleaning windows and window sills
- Removing nails, hooks, or adhesives from walls
Benefits of Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
A move-out cleaning checklist offers several benefits for both tenants and landlords:
-
Receive Full Security Deposit Back: Following a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist ensures that the rental property is returned in the same condition it was received, minimising any deductions from the security deposit for cleaning costs.
-
Leave a Positive Impact: A thorough cleaning job reflects positively on the departing tenant, leaving a good impression on the landlord or property manager. This can be beneficial for maintaining a positive rental history and securing good references for future rentals.
-
Smooth Moving-Out Experience: Tenants can systematically clean each property area using a checklist, making moving out more organised and efficient.
-
Avoid Cleaning Fees: Landlords often charge cleaning fees if the property is not cleaned satisfactorily upon move-out. Tenants can avoid these fees and save money by adhering to a move-out cleaning checklist.
Ensure a smooth move-out and get your security deposit back with a cleaning checklist. Learn how to create a moving inventory list for an organized move.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Bedroom
To clean efficiently, start from the top and work your way down. Whether it is one room or your whole home, begin with the upper floors and move to the lower ones, cleaning each room from top to bottom.
Here is a move-out cleaning checklist for the bedroom:
- Clean Dust surfaces.
- Clean the dust from the furniture
- Clean windows and mirrors.
- Vacuum or sweep floors.
- Wipe down the baseboards.
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Wash bedding and linens.
- Clean the inside of closets and drawers.
- Empty and clean trash cans.
- Check for wall marks and spot clean.
- Inspect for damage.
Ready to tackle your bedroom cleaning? Follow this checklist for a thorough move-out clean. Get tips on moving furniture with ease here.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Bathrooms
Cleaning an empty bathroom is much easier than usual because you can clean every corner without obstacles.
Lay some towels by the door, wet everything thoroughly, and apply cleaner. For tough stains, apply the cleaner and let it sit while you do other tasks.
This way, your bathroom will be spotless in no time. Here is the move-out cleaning checklist for the bathroom:
- Clear Out Personal Items
- Dust and Wipe Down Surfaces
- Clean Mirrors and Glass
- Scrub and Disinfect Shower and Bathtub
- Clean and Disinfect the Toilet
- Clean Sink and Faucets
- Clean and Polish Fixtures
- Clean and Disinfect Floors
- Empty and Clean Cabinets and Drawers
- Replace Shower Curtain or Liner
- Check for Mold and Mildew
- Air Out the Bathroom
- Final Inspection
Cleaning your bathroom before moving out? Follow this checklist for a spotless finish. Get tips on how to pack your toiletries for a smooth and organized move.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Kitchen
Kitchen cleaning can be challenging, especially with stubborn stains and odors.
Let oven cleaners or stain removers sit and work their magic while you tackle other cleaning tasks.
Here is a move-out cleaning checklist for the kitchen:
- Clean appliances inside and out (stovetop, oven, range hood, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
- Wipe down small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker)
- Dust and wipe countertops, shelves, and cabinets.
- Wash the sinks and backsplash.
- Wash dishes.
- Dust all surfaces.
- Clean windowsills and tracks.
- Dust and wipe baseboards, doorknobs, doorframes, and doors.
- Clean light switches.
- Remove marks from walls and baseboards.
- Empty the garbage.
- Vacuum and mop floors.
Tackling kitchen cleaning? Use this checklist to ensure every surface is spotless. Learn how to pack your kitchen items for a move to keep everything safe and organized.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Living Areas
During move-out, diligently clean every corner of shared spaces and living areas.
Check for hidden marks behind furniture and heavily used spots for a spotless finish.
Here is the move-out cleaning checklist for living areas:
- Dust all surfaces
- Clean mirrors
- Wipe down windowsills and tracks
- Dust and wipe baseboards
- Clean doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
- Wipe light switches
- Remove marks from walls and baseboards
- Vacuum and damp-mop hard surface floors
- Empty garbage
- Vacuum carpets and rugs
- Clean closet fronts and interiors
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Outdoor Area
Ensure the outdoor spaces of your rental or own property are just as pristine as the indoors. Follow this thorough checklist:
- Sweep the porch, deck, or patio.
- Clean outdoor furniture.
- Remove any trash or debris from the yard.
Cleaning Tools for Moving
When it comes to cleaning tools for moving, you will want a few essentials to ensure you leave your old place clean and tidy. Here is a basic list:
| Cleaning Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Cleaner | Essential for carpets, rugs, and hard floors. |
| Broom and Dustpan | This is for quick sweeps of hard floors and collecting larger debris. |
| Mop and Bucket | Needed for the thorough cleaning of hard floors. |
| Glass Cleaner | Specifically for windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. |
| Scrub Brushes | Useful for tough stains and grime in sinks, showers, etc. |
| Microfiber Cloths | Great for dusting and wiping down surfaces without leaving lint. |
| Trash Bags | Essential for disposing of garbage and unwanted items. |
| Gloves | Protect your hands during cleaning tasks. |
| Disinfectant Wipes/Spray | Important for cleaning high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches. |
| Duster | Handy for reaching high and low to capture dust and cobwebs. |
| Sponge/Scouring Pads | For cleaning dishes and scrubbing surfaces. |
| Toilet Brush and Cleaner | Essential for thorough bathroom cleaning, including toilets and other areas. |
What Landlords Look for Before Returning Security Deposits?
Landlords carefully inspect everything before returning your security deposits. It includes:
-
Property Damage: Landlords inspect for damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as holes in walls, broken appliances, or damaged fixtures.
- Cleanliness: They check if the property has been thoroughly cleaned, including floors, walls, appliances, and fixtures.
- Missing Items: They verify that all items listed in the rental agreement remain in the property.
- Key Return: Tenants are typically required to return all keys, including copies, to avoid any deductions from the security deposit.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Any necessary repairs or maintenance required to restore the property to its original condition may affect the return of the security deposit.
Should You Hire Professionals for Cleaning Services?
Deciding whether to use professionals for cleaning services depends on various variables, such as time constraints, budget, and the level of cleanliness required.
Professional cleaning services can save time and ensure thorough cleaning, but they come at a cost.
Some individuals prefer the convenience and expertise of professionals, especially for deep cleaning tasks, and some may opt for DIY cleaning to save money.
Ultimately, choosing between hiring professionals or doing it yourself boils down to personal preferences and specific cleaning needs
(239) 799–6077