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Move-In Cleaning Checklist
A room-by-room checklist for deep-cleaning a home before you move in.
Even a home that looks clean can carry dust, grime, and residue from a previous occupant in places you won’t notice right away. A thorough clean before you move your furniture in is much easier than after.
Kitchen
- Wipe down the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Clean inside the refrigerator, freezer, and oven
- Degrease the stovetop, range hood, and any exposed vents
- Disinfect countertops and the backsplash
- Clean the sink and faucet, including around the base
- Sweep and mop the floor, including corners and under any movable appliances
Bathrooms
- Disinfect the toilet, inside and out, including the base
- Scrub the tub, shower, and any grout or tile
- Clean the sink, faucet, and mirror
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers inside and out
- Check and clean the exhaust fan cover
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bedrooms and living areas
- Vacuum or clean closets, including shelves and the floor
- Wipe down windowsills and window tracks
- Dust baseboards, door frames, and light fixtures
- Clean light switch plates and door handles
- Vacuum carpets or mop hard flooring
- Wipe down any built-in shelving
Whole-home details
- Replace the furnace/HVAC filter if you’re able to
- Wipe down interior doors and door frames
- Clean interior windows and window tracks throughout
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed
- Wipe out any closets, pantries, or storage areas before filling them
If a full deep clean before move-in isn’t something you have time for, that’s exactly the kind of one-time job a Deep Cleaning service is built for.