Completing a thorough move-out cleaning checklist is the most effective way to ensure you get your full security deposit back while leaving your old home in great shape for the next residents. Moving is a whirlwind of transition, but taking the time for a final scrub provides peace of mind and honors your lease agreement. In this blog, we will walk you through exactly what to clean in every area of your home, providing a comprehensive cleaning checklist to guide you from the ceiling fans down to the baseboards.
The checklist: How to clean an apartment or house before moving out
When tackling an apartment move-out, cleaning, or preparing a house for new owners, the key to efficiency is the "top-to-bottom" approach. By starting at the highest points (like light fixtures and crown molding) and working down to the floors, you ensure that dust and debris don't fall onto surfaces you’ve already scrubbed. Using a structured cleaning list allows you to track your progress and avoid the stress of last-minute missed spots.
To help you stay organized, we’ve put together a free printable move-out cleaning checklist that you can take with you from room to room. Download the printable move-out cleaning checklist here.
Whole-home tasks (do these in every room)
Before diving into specific rooms, address these items that apply to the entire clean house checklist:
- Remove all nails and screws: Patch any holes in the walls with spackle.
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures: Wipe down blades and globes.
- Clean windows and sills: Ensure glass is streak-free and tracks are vacuumed.
- Wipe down baseboards and trim: Use a damp cloth to remove scuffs and dust.
- Clean light switches and outlet covers: These are high-touch areas that often get overlooked.
- Vacuum and mop: This should be the final step in every room.
Bedrooms
Since these rooms are usually the least utilized for messy activities, they are a great place to start your apartment cleaning checklist. Ensure all closets are emptied and wiped down, and check that the windows and sills are free of dust and dead insects.
- Dust closets: Wipe down shelves and hanging rods.
- Mirrors: Ensure all mirrored closet doors are spotless.
- Walls: Remove any cobwebs from corners.
Living room/family room
The living room often sees the most foot traffic, so pay close attention to scuff marks on the baseboards and dust buildup on ceiling fans. If you have built-in shelving or a fireplace, ensure these are vacuumed out and wiped down thoroughly.
- Wipe down built-in shelving: Ensure all dust is removed from corners.
- Clean fireplace: If applicable, sweep out the hearth and wipe the mantel.
- Check floors: Address any stains on the carpet as part of your deep clean move-out checklist.
Entryway/hallways
The entryway is the first thing a landlord or new owner sees, so it needs to make a great first impression. Wipe down the front door, clean any glass inserts, and ensure the floor is spotless and free of any moving-day debris.
- Door frames: Wipe down the tops of door frames where dust settles.
- Front door: Clean both sides of the entrance door and polish the hardware.
Balcony/outdoor areas (if applicable)
Outdoor spaces can collect a lot of grime, so use a stiff broom to clear away cobwebs and dirt from the corners. If your lease requires it, hose down the surface to remove any lingering stains or dust from the elements.
- Sweep: Clear away leaves, dirt, and spiderwebs.
- Wipe railings: Use a damp cloth to remove outdoor grime.
Laundry room
Wipe down the exterior of the washer and dryer to remove detergent drips and lint buildup. Don't forget to vacuum the small gap behind or between the machines where dust bunnies and lost socks tend to hide.
- Clean the washer: Wipe the exterior and the detergent drawer.
- Clean the dryer: Empty the lint trap and wipe down the drum.
- Floor: Vacuum behind the machines if they have been moved.
Garage/storage/utility areas
Clear out every last item, including old paint cans or scrap wood, as these are often flagged during an apartment cleanout. Sweep the floor thoroughly and use a degreaser on any oil spots to keep the space looking well-maintained.
- Sweep the floor: Remove oil spots or debris.
- Clear cobwebs: Focus on the corners and garage door tracks.
- Empty completely: Ensure no old paint cans or scrap wood are left behind.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms require a move-out cleaning checklist of their own due to the focus on sanitization. Scrub the grout, bleach the tub or shower to remove soap scum, and ensure the vanity and mirror are completely streak-free.
- Scrub the tub and shower: Remove all soap scum and mildew.
- Clean the toilet: Scrub inside and out, including the base.
- Wipe the vanity: Clean the mirror, sink, and inside the medicine cabinet.
- Grout: Use a brush to clean any discolored grout lines.
Kitchen
As the "dirtiest" room, the kitchen is often the most time-consuming part of an end-of-lease cleaning. You must clean inside the oven, degrease the range hood, and ensure the refrigerator is wiped out and pulled forward to clean the floor beneath it.
- Clean the oven: Remove grease from the interior and the racks.
- Degrease the stovetop: Don’t forget the vent hood filter!
- Empty the fridge/freezer: Wipe down all shelves and the exterior.
- Sanitize the sink: Clean the drain and polish the faucet.
- Cabinets: Wipe out the inside of every drawer and cupboard.
Once you’ve followed this move-out clean checklist, your home will be ready for inspection. If you find yourself overwhelmed by old furniture or bags of trash during the process, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is here to help. We offer specialized pre- and post-move cleanouts to remove bulky items and debris so you can focus on the cleaning.
How clean should an apartment be when you move out?
A common question people have is, “How clean should an apartment be when you move out?” Generally, the standard is "broom clean," but to secure your deposit, you should aim for the condition it was in when you first moved in. While you may not always need a residential cleaning professional, performing a move-out deep clean with a checklist ensures that the landlord has no reason to withhold funds.
Remember, most lease agreements state that you cannot leave anything behind. This includes old cleaning supplies, furniture, or trash. The process is much smoother when you declutter your home before moving. By getting rid of what you don't need early, your apartment move-out cleaning checklist becomes much shorter and easier to manage.
Need help with taking the junk away?
Moving is undeniably stressful. Between packing boxes and following a moving cleaning checklist, there is a lot to think about. It’s easy to end up with a pile of "maybe" items or trash that won't fit in the bin. Since you can’t leave anything behind, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? provides an easy, stress-free option for getting rid of junk.
We make junk disappear so you can cross the finish line of your move with ease. Whether it’s an old mattress, broken electronics, or bags of clutter, all you have to do is point. We are committed to the environment and ensure that we recycle the recyclables and donate the donatables.
