Must-know tips for cleaning your house prior to the move

Posted on 24/05/2025

Must-Know Tips for Cleaning Your House Prior to the Move

Planning a move can be both exciting and overwhelming, but one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is house cleaning before moving out. Whether you are a homeowner prepping for resale, a renter aiming to secure your deposit, or just looking to leave your residence in top shape, proper pre-move cleaning is a must. This comprehensive guide will break down essential house cleaning tips prior to moving so you can ensure a spotless transition.

Why Is Cleaning Your Home Before Moving Important?

• Ensures a Smooth Hand-Over: Leaving a clean house shows respect for the future occupants and helps set a positive tone.
• Helps Get Your Deposit Back: For renters, landlords often require a deep clean; a spotless home increases your chances of receiving your full security deposit.
• Reduces Stress: Knowing you left the house in excellent condition creates peace of mind, especially during the chaos of moving.
• Prevents Issues with Real Estate Transactions: Sellers can avoid last-minute negotiations or deductions over cleanliness issues.

Pre-Move Cleaning Checklist: Getting Started

Before breaking out the cleaning supplies, a solid plan will save you time and effort. Follow these pre-move house cleaning tips for best results:

• Gather Supplies: All-purpose cleaners, disinfectant, microfiber cloths, mop, bucket, vacuum, garbage bags, scrubbing sponges, and gloves.
• Sort and Declutter: Purge unused items before cleaning so you're not organizing (or cleaning) things you'll just discard.
• Work Room by Room: Cleaning each area thoroughly avoids missing spots and helps you track your progress.
• Top to Bottom, Back to Front: Clean from ceilings down to floors, and from the farthest point in each room towards the exit.
• Set Aside Essential Items: Keep a small box of necessary cleaning tools and products for moving day touch-ups.

Room-By-Room House Cleaning Tips Prior to Moving

For the most effective results, prioritize your pre-move cleaning efforts by addressing each room's needs. Use these must-know tips for cleaning every area before moving out:

Kitchen Cleaning Before Moving

The kitchen requires extra attention due to food stains, grease, and appliances. Consider the following steps:

• Empty and Defrost: Remove all food from the refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the move; clean thoroughly and leave doors ajar to prevent odors.
• Clean Appliances: Scrub the interior and exterior of the oven, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher using an effective degreaser. Don't forget oven racks and trays.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe down inside and out with a damp cloth. Remove crumbs and residue from corners.
• Sinks and Faucets: Use a limescale remover for faucets and shine the sink with baking soda for a polished look.
• Countertops and Surfaces: Disinfect and polish all counters, backsplash, and light fixtures for a fresh finish.
• Sweep and Mop Floors: Clear all debris and mop using a suitable floor cleaner.

Bathroom Deep Cleaning Prior to Moving

Bathrooms harbor bacteria and build-up, so a detailed cleaning is essential. Here's what you should do:

• Sanitize Toilets: Use a strong disinfectant and toilet brush. Don't forget beneath the rim and exterior of the bowl.
• Scrub Showers, Bathtubs, and Sinks: Remove soap scum, mold, mildew, and water stains. Bleach or specialized mildew cleaners work well in grout lines.
• Polish Mirrors and Fixtures: Remove water spots and fingerprints for a gleaming finish.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Empty, clean, and dry storage areas, discarding unused personal care items.
• Sweep and Mop: Pay attention behind toilets and in corners, where dust and hair tend to collect.

Living Area and Bedroom Cleaning

These rooms tend to accumulate dust and allergens. Use these steps to leave them pristine:

• Dust Surfaces: Wipe down shelves, baseboards, blinds, and all flat surfaces with a microfiber cloth to trap dust rather than spreading it.
• Clean Windows: Use a glass cleaner and pay attention to window sills and tracks, which can harbor dirt.
• Vacuum and Sweep Floors: Consider shampooing carpets or spot-treating stains if needed.
• Wipe Doors and Handles: Disinfect frequently touched spots, including switches, knobs, and door frames.

Utility Areas and Storage Spaces

• Basement, Attic, Garage: Remove all personal belongings, sweep out dust, and dispose of hazardous materials properly (paint, solvents, old batteries, etc.).
• Laundry Room: Clean out washer and dryer (lint filters, detergent trays, inside drum), and sweep floors.
• Closets: Remove all hangers, wipe down shelves and rods, and vacuum the floors.

Extra House Cleaning Tips Before Moving Out

Don't Forget the Details

It's easy to focus on big-ticket cleaning items, but these commonly missed spots deserve your attention:

• Light Switches and Outlet Covers
• Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
• Window Tracks and Blinds
• Vents and Air Registers
• Behind and Under Appliances

Tackle Stubborn Stains in Advance

Treat any carpet, wall, or counter stains early, as some may need repeated applications or professional attention. Use baking soda, white vinegar, or commercial stain removers as appropriate for the material.

Trash Removal and Final Walk-Through

• Remove All Trash: Make sure every bin has been emptied and trash taken away from the property.
• Do a Final Check: Walk through the entire house once it's empty to catch any missed areas needing a last-minute wipe.

Eco-Friendly Pre-Move Cleaning Solutions

Looking for green alternatives? Many eco-friendly house cleaning solutions exist for a chemical-free clean:

• Vinegar and Lemon Juice: Work well for disinfecting, removing mineral deposits, and deodorizing.
• Baking Soda: An effective scrub for sinks, stovetops, and tubs.
• Castile Soap: Diluted with water, it serves as a multipurpose cleaner for hard surfaces.
• Reuse Cloths and Mops: Minimize waste by using washable materials.

Time-Saving Moving House Cleaning Tips

• Enlist Help: Ask family or friends to pitch in, or consider hiring professional cleaners for a deep clean if time is short.
• Use Appropriate Tools: Microfiber cloths, extendable dusters, and specialized brushes make tough jobs much easier and faster.
• Multitask: Let soaking cleaners sit while you work elsewhere, then return to finish scrubbing.
• Room by Room Approach: Avoid the stress of cleaning the whole house at once by dividing up tasks by area or days.

When to Consider Professional Move-Out Cleaning

If time is limited, or if you have a large property or strict cleanliness standards (such as for a real estate showing), professional move-out cleaning services can be a wise investment. They bring expertise, efficiency, and often guarantee their work, removing a major stressor from your moving checklist.

What Should Be Cleaned Last?

As movers carry out your belongings, areas may get dirty or scuffed again. Save these for the final moments:

• Floors: Sweep and mop as the last step after movers leave.
• Entryways: Wipe down front doors, steps, and porches.
• Bathroom: A quick final wipe of the sink and mirror after handwashing during the move-out.

Printable House Cleaning Checklist For Moving

Create a moving house cleaning checklist tailored to your property's needs. Here's a sample you can adapt:

• Kitchen (appliances, cabinets, countertops, sinks, floors)
• Bathrooms (toilets, showers, mirrors, vanities, floors)
• Bedrooms (closets, shelves, light fixtures, floors)
• Living Areas (baseboards, windows, doors, switches, floors)
• Utility Spaces (laundry, garage, attic, basement)
• Trash Bins Emptied
• Final Walkthrough Completed

Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Move House Cleaning

How clean should a house be before moving out?

As a rule of thumb, leave the property as clean as you'd hope to find it. For renters, review your lease for specific requirements. Owners should aim for a professional-level clean, especially if selling.

What cleaning products are most effective for pre-move house cleaning?

A combination of all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, degreaser, glass cleaner, and floor cleaner works well. For eco-friendly choices, use vinegar, baking soda, and plant-based soaps.

Should I clean before or after the movers?

Begin cleaning before the move but reserve floors and touch points for after the movers have finished, as additional dirt and marks can appear during the moving process.

How far in advance should I start cleaning before a move?

Start decluttering and deep cleaning non-essential areas a few weeks out. Complete essential cleaning tasks (bathrooms, kitchen, floors) in the last two days before the move.

Final Thoughts: Leaving Your Old Home Spotless

Leaving a clean house before moving benefits everyone involved--yourself, the next residents, and property managers or buyers. By following these expert house cleaning tips prior to moving, you can hand over your home with confidence and start your next chapter on the right foot. Plan early, tackle one room at a time, and remember: a little extra effort now saves headaches later!

Have additional tips for cleaning prior to the move? Share your insights in the comments below and help others breeze through their big move!