Moving House Final Cleaning: Leaving Your Old Home in Good Condition

Moving House Final Cleaning: Leaving Your Old Home in Good Condition

Whether you’re selling your home or moving out of a rental, leaving your old home clean and in good condition protects your security deposit and helps the new owners or tenants. A thorough final cleaning sets a positive tone for the transition.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of all appliances
• Degrease stovetop, oven, and range hood
• Clean cabinets and drawers (inside and out)
• Scrub sink and faucets
• Mop floors and wipe down countertops

Bathrooms

• Clean toilet, bathtub, and shower
• Scrub tile grout if necessary
• Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
• Empty and clean cabinets
• Wash floors and bath mats

Bedrooms and Living Areas

• Vacuum and steam-clean carpets
• Clean windows and window treatments
• Wipe down baseboards and door handles
• Clean closets (shelves and floors)
• Remove all personal belongings

General Throughout

• Empty all trash bins
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Dust all surfaces
• Check walls for scuffs and marks
• Clean garage and outdoor spaces if applicable

Rental-Specific Considerations

• Follow any specific cleaning requirements in your lease
• Take photos of the condition before leaving
• Keep receipts for professional cleaning if required
• Return all keys, garage openers, and access devices
• Provide forwarding address for security deposit return

When to Hire Professionals

Consider professional cleaning if:

• Time is limited before you must vacate
• The home needs deep cleaning beyond normal maintenance
• Your lease requires professional cleaning documentation
• You want to maximize your security deposit return

“A thorough final clean is one of the best investments you can make in protecting your financial interests and reputation as a tenant or seller.”