The BEST Move In & Move Out Cleaning Checklist for 2023 [With PDF Download]

move out cleaning checklist

The ultimate move out cleaning checklist guide written by home cleaning professionals!

The Ultimate Move Out Cleaning Checklist

Moving is a very stressful time, and between all the packing and paperwork, cleaning is typically last on your list. Putting together a checklist is essential for making sure that nothing is missed when preparing your home for the move.

Whether you are moving into a new home or out of your current one, the checklist below is an actual list utilized by our professional home cleaning company.

To make the list super easy to follow and easy to break up into smaller tasks, we have separated the list by areas of the home. Each item on the checklist is in order of when each task should be done. You should always work top to bottom because dust settles down.

The Ultimate Move Out Cleaning Checklist PDF

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Bathroom

  • Dust
    • Cobweb Removal                                                
    • Dust Blinds                                                                       
  • Wipe
    • Inside Closets
    • Clean Light Fixtures
    • Windowsills & Frames
    • Switch & Outlet Covers       
    • Clean Doors & Frames
    • Towel Bars & Wall Fixtures 
    • Inside Cabinets & Drawers
    • Cabinets
    • Mirrors                           
    • Counters, Sinks & Fixtures                       
    • Shower & Tub                        
    • Toilet & Surrounding Areas                                          
    • Baseboards        
  • Floors
    • Vacuum Rugs
    • Vacuum & Mop Floors           

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Kitchen

  • Dust
    • Cobweb Removal       
    • Dust Blinds                                                                                   
  • Wipe
    • Ceiling Fans
    • Light Fixtures     
    • Windowsills & Frames
    • Inside Cabinets & Drawers  
    • Cabinets
    • Inside Pantry
    •  Switch & Outlet Covers
    • Microwave In & Out
    • Countertops & Backsplash
    • Tables
    • Sinks & Fixtures
    • Stove Top
    • Appliances Exterior                                                  
    • Doors & Frames                                
    • Baseboards                                                                
    • Inside Oven   
    • Inside Refrigerator
  • Floors       
    • Vacuum & Mop Floors                              
    • Vacuum Rugs

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Bedrooms, Living Spaces, and Other Areas

  • Dust
    • Cobweb Removal
    • Dust Blinds
  • Wipe
    • Ceiling Fans
    • Light Fixtures
    • Windowsills & Frames
    • Entry Glass (Sliding glass doors, windows,) etc.
    • Inside Closets
    • Mirrors
    • Switch & Outlet Covers
    • Inside Cabinets & Drawers
    • Cabinets
    • Doors & Frames
    • Baseboards
  • Floors
    • Vacuum Rugs
    • Vacuum & Mop Floors

Move Out Cleaning Checklist Tips

  • Remove, wipe down, and set aside any items on surfaces before you begin cleaning. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
  • Spray down fixtures with cleaner before beginning anywhere else in the room. This gives the solution time to break down debris saving you effort spent scrubbing later.
  • Do not clean light bulbs. Never clean a lightbulb with a rag or solution.
  • Do not use abrasive cleaning supplies inside an oven. If an oven has a “self cleaning” feature, use the feature and simply wipe down the inside afterwards. Using abrasives inside an oven can cause permanent and irreparable damage.
  • Never spend more time cleaning something than it is worth. If an area is stained, simply move on and do not waste time and effort in an area that is uncleanable. Some things just can’t be cleaned 100%.
  • Strive for consistency, not perfection. It is impossible to completely clean a home perfectly. Instead of trying to be perfect, be consistent. Give every area of the home the same level of clean.
Affordable Cleaning Service

Hiring A Professional Company

Some folks just don’t have the ability or the time to perform an entire top-to-bottom cleaning on their home during a move. Hiring a professional home cleaning service is the answer. Professional cleaning services know what needs to be done, and they do it.

Our cleaning teams are specially trained in providing efficient, quality move out cleaning services. Our cleaning technicians not only follow the above checklist, but also go above and beyond for clients. We utilize an industry-standard cleaning system to make sure that nothing is missed, and our satisfaction guarantee is in place to back it. We are not happy until our clients are happy.

Choosing a cleaning company takes a massive load of stress off of you during your move.

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