Moving out of a rental property can be stressful, especially when you’re juggling packing, moving logistics, and ensuring you get your security deposit back. One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of moving is move-out cleaning. Whether you’re in an apartment or a house, a thorough cleaning ensures you leave the space in top condition and meet your landlord’s expectations.
Liz Cleaning Service‘s guide offers a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist for renters, helping you avoid penalties and ensuring a smooth transition.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters
Move-out cleaning isn’t just about being polite—it’s often a landlord-required cleaning step, part of your lease agreement. Skipping or rushing through this process can result in deductions from your security deposit or even additional fees.
Professional vacate cleaning services or apartment move-out cleaning companies can help, but if you’re doing it yourself, this guide will ensure you don’t miss a thing.
The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Here’s a room-by-room guide to help renters complete a deep cleaning before moving out. Tackle each section thoroughly to meet end-of-lease cleaning standards.
Living Room / Common Areas
- Dust every surface, including light fixtures, shelves, and baseboards.
- Clean windows, sills, and blinds.
- Vacuum and/or mop floors (including behind furniture).
- Remove all nails or hooks from walls and patch any holes.
- Wipe down walls and doors.
- Clean ceiling fans and air vents.
- Remove cobwebs from corners.
Kitchen
- All cabinets and drawers should be cleaned on the inside and out.
- Wipe down countertops and backsplash.
- Clean the faucet and sink and get rid of any limescale accumulation.
- Clean appliances:
- Refrigerator (including defrosting freezer)
- Stovetop and oven (to remove fat and charred food)
- Microwave (inside and out)
- Dishwasher (run a cleaning cycle)
- Refrigerator (including defrosting freezer)
- Mop floors and sanitize surfaces.
This level of detail meets bond cleaning service standards, especially common in areas where property managers are very strict.
Bathrooms
- Scrub showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
- Clean the grout and tiles of soap scum and mildew.
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.
- Disinfect toilet (inside and out).
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers.
- Mop and sanitize the floor.
- Empty and clean exhaust fan covers.
This step is essential for pre-inspection cleaning and post-tenant cleaning before the next renter moves in.
Bedrooms
- Dust baseboards, window sills, and blinds.
- Vacuum and/or mop floors.
- Wipe down closets inside and out.
- Patch nail holes and clean walls.
- Remove all personal items.
Remember, empty home cleaning allows you to clean corners and spaces that were previously blocked by furniture.
Entryways / Hallways
- Clean light switches and door handles.
- Dust all reachable surfaces.
- Vacuum or mop floors.
- Wipe down walls and corners.
If your lease includes real estate cleaning services or eviction cleaning, these areas will be checked for thoroughness.
Additional Areas to Clean
- Laundry rooms: Clean washer and dryer, empty lint trap.
- Balconies / Patios: Sweep, mop, and remove cobwebs.
- Garage / Storage areas: Clear out all belongings and sweep floors.
These spaces are often forgotten but are a part of a thorough house cleaning before moving expectations.
When to Hire Professional Move-Out Cleaners
While DIY is possible, hiring professional move-out cleaners can be a smart investment, especially when:
- You’re short on time before your move-out date.
- The property is large or requires significant cleaning.
- You’re moving out of a rental with strict inspection standards.
- To get your deposit back, you want to make sure your move-out cleaning is done.
Many services offer cleaning before handing over keys and include a tenant move-out cleaning checklist as part of their process.
Final Cleaning Tips
- Clean once the property is empty.
- Take photos or videos of your cleaned space for records.
- Use eco-friendly products if preferred by your landlord.
- Plan the cleaning for your final day of the rental, the day before you turn in the keys.
If you’re a cleaning service preparing a home for sale, these tips apply as well, since cleanliness directly impacts a home’s appeal to buyers. In fact, many realtors and homeowners consider the top reasons to book a move-in cleaning service to be the same reasons a spotless home sells faster—first impressions matter.
FAQs: Move-out Cleaning for Renters
Q1. What is included in move-out cleaning?
A: It usually includes deep cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. It also involves removing personal items, dusting, vacuuming, and sanitizing surfaces.
Q2. Can I do the move-out cleaning myself?
A: Yes, but make sure to follow a thorough checklist. Hiring professionals may help meet lease standards more easily.
Q3. How long does move-out cleaning take?
A: It could take anywhere from three to eight hours, depending on the property’s size and condition.
Q4. Will I receive my deposit back if I clean?
A: Yes. The likelihood of getting your security deposit back in full is greatly increased by proper move-out cleaning.
Q5. Is move-out cleaning the same as regular cleaning?
A: No. Move-out cleaning is more detailed and includes areas not typically cleaned during regular weekly cleanings.