How to clean before moving out or in
Moving can be both exciting and stressful, and one important part of the process is cleaning your current or new home. Whether you're moving out or in, leaving or starting fresh in a clean space can help you feel organized, relaxed, and ready for the next chapter. Cleaning the home thoroughly before moving out or in is essential for ensuring that the space is welcoming, and can also make your move easier. Here’s how to approach the cleaning process for both scenarios.
1. Clean Before Moving Out
When moving out, you’ll want to leave the space in good condition for the next tenant or homeowner. A thorough cleaning can help you secure your deposit back (if you're renting) and ensure a smooth transition. Start early to avoid feeling rushed.
Key Areas to Clean Before Moving Out:
Start with Decluttering: Before you start cleaning, take the time to remove all of your belongings. Sort through any items you no longer need and donate or discard them. This will give you more space to clean and make it easier to get into corners and under furniture.
Kitchen:
Appliances: Clean the fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Empty out the fridge and clean it thoroughly, paying attention to shelves and drawers. Wipe down the oven, stovetop, and range hood. Clean out the microwave and remove any food splatters.
Counters and Cabinets: Wipe down countertops and cabinet interiors. Make sure there are no crumbs or grease build-up. Clean inside drawers as well.
Bathrooms:
Sink, Tub, and Toilet: Scrub the sink, toilet, tub, or shower to remove any soap scum, stains, or build-up. Use a disinfecting cleaner for the toilet, especially around the rim and base.
Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean the mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner. Wipe down light fixtures and towel bars. Don’t forget the vents or exhaust fan, as dust can accumulate there.
Floors:
Vacuum or Sweep: Vacuum carpets thoroughly or sweep floors to remove dirt and dust. Pay attention to edges and corners. If you have pets, a lint roller or vacuum with a pet-specific attachment can help get rid of fur.
Mop Hard Floors: For tile, hardwood, or laminate floors, mop with a gentle cleaner to remove any spots or grime. Clean around edges where dirt tends to gather.
Windows:
Dust and Wipe: Dust windowsills, tracks, and blinds. Clean the windows with a streak-free cleaner. If you have curtains, either wash them or wipe them down, depending on the fabric.
Walls and Baseboards:
Spot Clean: Look for any spots or scuff marks on walls and baseboards. Use a mild cleaner and sponge to remove stains, but be careful not to damage the paint.
Final Touches: Once everything is cleaned, take a final walk-through of the space to ensure no areas were missed. If necessary, leave a welcoming note for the next tenant or homeowner, especially if you're renting.
2. Clean Before Moving In
A clean home can make all the difference when settling into a new place. Before unpacking, take the time to clean and sanitize your new space to ensure it’s safe and welcoming.
Key Areas to Clean Before Moving In:
Start with Decluttering: If the home is vacant, remove any debris left behind by the previous owner or landlord. If the space has furniture, you may want to clean it before you move your things in.
Kitchen:
Clean Appliances: Even if the appliances appear clean, it’s a good idea to wipe them down. Clean inside the fridge, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Check for any dust or food residues inside cabinets and drawers.
Counters and Cabinets: Wipe down all counters and surfaces. Clean inside cabinets and drawers to remove any dust or debris.
Bathrooms:
Disinfect and Scrub: Scrub the toilet, sink, tub, or shower. Don’t forget to disinfect these areas thoroughly, as bathrooms can harbor germs and bacteria.
Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner. Wipe down any fixtures, towel bars, and vents, which can often accumulate dust.
Floors:
Vacuum or Sweep: Vacuum carpets, especially if there’s pet hair or dust from previous tenants. Sweep all hard floors to remove dirt and debris.
Mop: Mop tile, laminate, or hardwood floors to make them shine. Pay attention to the edges and corners.
Windows:
Dust and Clean: Dust windowsills and clean windows with a glass cleaner. If the windows are particularly dirty, you may want to clean the tracks or replace any worn-out blinds or curtains.
Walls and Baseboards:
Spot Clean: Look for any marks, dust, or cobwebs on walls and baseboards. Wipe them down with a mild cleaner. If the walls need a fresh coat of paint, consider doing that before you move your belongings in.
Air Quality:
Change the Air Filter: If the house has an HVAC system, change the air filter to ensure that the air quality is good. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to start fresh in your new space.
Ventilation: Open windows to air out the house for a few hours, especially if there are lingering smells from previous occupants or the building itself.
Final Touches: Once the cleaning is done, consider spraying a light air freshener or adding a few houseplants to improve the atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy the space before you start unpacking.
3. General Cleaning Tips for Both Scenarios
Tackle One Room at a Time: Whether moving out or in, tackle each room individually to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on one area and clean it thoroughly before moving on to the next.
Use Safe, Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products to keep the air clean and safe for both you and the environment. These products are particularly important if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Make a Checklist: Make a checklist of all the areas to clean so that nothing gets overlooked. This will help keep you on track and ensure that every area gets cleaned properly.
Conclusion
Cleaning before moving out or in might feel like a big task, but it’s an important step in ensuring a fresh start in a new home or leaving a good impression for the next occupants. By following these cleaning steps, you can create a welcoming, sanitary space that makes the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re cleaning out or cleaning up, a little effort now can lead to a much more pleasant living experience.
