Moving is stressful. Between packing, logistics, a change of address notifications, and coordinating moving trucks, cleaning can easily feel like the last thing on your mind. But whether you're a tenant preparing to move out or a landlord readying a space for new residents, or an owner starting your new life in a fresh space — a clean start matters.
A residential property, or a flat, needs that look and feel of a brand new space. And that requires a complete, step-by-step approach to cleaning, from move-out to move-in.
This checklist will help you track every room — whether you're the move-out-ing or the one moving.
MOVE-OUT CLEANING CHECKLIST
Moving out? Leave a clean space behind to deliver the property in the best possible condition + help ensure your deposit or rent is retiring.
ROOM BY ROOM:
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and ceiling corners
- Wipe down all walls, remove scuffs, marks, and fingerprints
- Clean all light switches and plug sockets
- Wipe down all walls, remove scuffs, marks, and fingerprints
- Wash all doors, door handles, and door frames
- Remove all trash, sweep, mop, or vacuum all floors
- Vacuum or sweep all floors thoroughly
- Mop all hard floors
- Clean sliding doors and baseboards
- Wipe down inside of closets and shelving (remove any liners)
- Remove any personal belongings and trash
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Kitchen:
- Clean inside, outside, and top of all cabinets and drawers
- Degrease and deep clean the oven and stove (including knobs)
- Clean the stovetop and vent hood
- Clean inside and outside of the fridge and freezer (defrost if needed)
- Clean dishwasher inside and out (if applicable)
- Scrub and sanitize sink and faucet area
- Wipe down all countertops and backsplash tiles
- Sweep and mop kitchen floor thoroughly
Bathrooms:
- Scrub and sanitize toilets — inside, out, under the seat, and at the base
- Clean and disinfect shower heads and faucets
- Scrub shower walls, doors, and floor (remove soap scum and mold)
- Scrub and sanitize the bathtub
- Wipe down all cabinets (the sink unit and vanity unit)
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Scrub and mop floors if needed
- Wipe down all bathroom walls
- Empty and clean bathroom cabinets
Outside & Other areas:
- Sweep and clean the balcony or patio (if applicable)
- Remove any outdoor spider webs or debris
- Clean any rubbish or garden debris
- Clean sweeping or storage areas
- Wipe down filters, and screen doors
MOVE-IN CLEANING CHECKLIST
Moving in? Even if the previous tenant or owner cleaned before leaving, you should still do a thorough clean before unpacking, to make sure of what you feel about the — and actually start in a truly clean environment at the start.
Before You Unpack — Priority Areas:
- Sanitize all light switches, door handles, and plug sockets
- Wipe down inside cabinets and shelves before placing items
- Check for any signs of pests — droppings, damage, nests
- Clean inside all appliances before putting your food or utensils down
- Vacuum and steam clean carpets and upholstery filters
- Don't use clean dust from your pack and spread it on the floor
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, sink, and at least before use
Whole Property:
- Dust and wipe all surfaces, light fittings, and corner
- Wipe down walls, windows, sills, and frames
- Sweep, clean all floors before moving boxes and furniture
- Check for damp or mould and treat before moving in
- Clean and check baseboards and base areas
- Replace air conditioning filters if possible
- Schedule a pre-move-in fumigation to clear any history of pests on the property
Pro Tip: Don't Try to Do This Alone
Move-in and move-out cleaning is exhausting. You're already dealing with the physical and emotional weight of moving — adding a full deep clean on top of that is a genuine challenge.
PABCLEAN has dedicated move-in / move-out cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties. We handle the heavy lifting while you focus on — and help you start your new journey comfortably and effortlessly. Contact us to book your cleaning and plan your moving date.
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