The Complete Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Moving into a new home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many things to take care of, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a thorough move-in cleaning. A clean and fresh home is essential for a comfortable and healthy living environment.

That’s why we’ve put together this complete move-in cleaning checklist to help you ensure that your new home is sparkling clean and ready for you to settle in.

Why Is Move-In Cleaning Important?

Moving into a new home means you’ll be living in a space that has been previously occupied by someone else. Even if the previous owners or tenants have cleaned the house before leaving, there’s no guarantee that it meets your standards of cleanliness. A move-in cleaning is necessary to remove any dirt, dust, and germs left behind and make the space truly yours.

Health and Safety

A thorough move-in cleaning is crucial for your health and safety. It eliminates any potential health hazards, such as mold, bacteria, and allergens, that may have accumulated in the house. It also ensures that the house is free from any harmful chemicals or residues that may have been left behind by the previous occupants.

Peace of Mind

Moving into a new home can be stressful, and the last thing you want to worry about is the cleanliness of your new space. A move-in cleaning gives you peace of mind, knowing that your new home is clean and safe for you and your family.

Better Living Environment

A clean and fresh home is essential for a comfortable living environment. A move-in cleaning allows you to start fresh and create a space that reflects your own style and preferences.

Gather Your Needed Supplies

cleaning suppliesBefore you begin cleaning, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of essential cleaning supplies you’ll need:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Sponges
  • Scrub brush
  • Mop and bucket
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Rubber gloves
 

The Complete Move-In Cleaning Checklist

As you clean, move from one room to the next and use this checklist as a reference to make sure you hit every area of your home or apartment. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important areas to clean thoroughly before moving in. Here’s a list of things to make sure you clean in your kitchen:

  • Wipe down all countertops and cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the oven and stove.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the dishwasher.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
  • Clean the sink and faucet.
  • Clean the backsplash.
  • Clean the top of the range hood.
  • Wipe down all small appliances, such as the toaster and coffee maker.
  • Sweep and mop the floors.

Bathrooms

bathroom cleaningBathrooms are another important area to clean thoroughly before moving in. In the bathroom, clean each of these things:

  • Clean the toilet, including the bowl, seat, and base.
  • Clean the sink and faucet.
  • Clean the shower and bathtub.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the medicine cabinet.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the vanity.
  • Clean the mirror.
  • Wipe down all countertops and cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Sweep and mop the floors.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are where you’ll be spending a significant amount of time, so it’s important to make sure they’re clean and comfortable. Here’s a checklist of tasks to complete:

  • Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards.
  • Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Clean the inside and outside of the closet.
  • Vacuum the carpets or sweep and mop the floors.
  • Wash the windows and window sills.
  • Clean any ceiling fans or light fixtures.

Living Room

vacuumThe living room is where you’ll be entertaining guests and spending quality time with your family, so it’s important to make sure it’s clean and inviting. In the living room, check and clean these things:

  • Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards.
  • Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Vacuum the carpets or sweep and mop the floors.
  • Wash the windows and window sills.
  • Clean any ceiling fans or light fixtures.
  • Clean any electronics, such as the TV and speakers.

Entryway

The entryway is the first thing you and your guests will see when entering your new home, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Here’s a checklist of tasks to complete:

  • Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards.
  • Wipe down all surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner.
  • Sweep and mop the floors.
  • Clean any light fixtures or ceiling fans.
  • Clean the front door and doorknob.

Outdoor Areas

If your new home has any outdoor areas, such as a patio or balcony, it’s important to clean them as well. Here’s a checklist of tasks to complete:

  • Sweep or hose down the patio or balcony.
  • Wipe down any outdoor furniture.
  • Clean any outdoor light fixtures.
  • Remove any debris or trash from the outdoor area.

Carpe Diem Cleaning's Move-In Cleaning Services

A thorough move-in cleaning is essential for a healthy and comfortable living environment. We hope this checklist has helped make the process easier. Remember to take your time and pay attention to detail.

If you would prefer to hire a professional cleaning company to clean your home or apartment before moving in, learn more about our move-in cleaning services and contact us for a free quote today. We also offer weekly and monthly cleanings, deep cleanings, and pop-in cleanings to help you keep your home clean year-round.