Move In Cleaning Checklist: Get Your New Home Spotless Before Settling In

Moving into a new home is exciting, but ensuring that everything is clean before unpacking is essential. Our move in cleaning checklist will help you tackle every area of your new space, making sure it’s fresh and ready for you to settle in. Whether you’re moving into a house, apartment, or condo, following this step-by-step guide ensures nothing is overlooked.

Move In Move Out Cleaning Checklist

When moving in or out, a detailed cleaning checklist can help make the transition smoother. From wiping down surfaces to deep cleaning carpets, ensuring the cleanliness of your new or old home can save time and effort. Here’s what to focus on:

  • Kitchen: Clean inside cabinets, wipe countertops, and sanitize the sink and appliances.
  • Bathroom: Scrub toilets, sinks, and showers; disinfect all surfaces.
  • Bedrooms: Dust shelves, vacuum floors, and wipe down windowsills.
  • Living Areas: Clean baseboards, vacuum carpets, and dust lighting fixtures.
Move In Cleaning Checklist

Regular Move In Cleaning Checklist:

 

Move In Kitchen Cleaning Checklist:  

  • Counter tops.
  • Sinks and Fixtures.
  • Inside & Outside of Cabinets and Drawers.
  • Outside of Large Appliances.
  • Stove top.
  • Move stove and clean down and around.
  • Move Fridge, clean down and around.
  • Dusting.
  • Interior Glass, Blinds, Ledges, Baseboards, etc.
  • Sweeping & Mopping Hard Surface Floors, Vacuuming Carpets and Rugs.

Move In Bathrooms Cleaning Checklist:

  • Showers and Bathtubs.
  • Clean The Toilets.
  • Counter tops.
  • Sinks and Fixtures.
  • All Mirrors.
  • Inside & Outside of Cabinets and Drawers.
  • Dusting.
  • Interior Glass, Blinds, Ledges, Baseboards, etc.
  • Sweeping & Mopping Hard Surface Floors, Vacuuming Carpets and Rugs.
  • Window Sills.

Move In Bedrooms and Common Living Areas Checklist:

  • Dusting Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans.
  • Dusting for cobwebs.
  • Blinds.
  • Interior Glass: Windows, Doors, Mirrors, etc.
  • Light switch and Outlet Covers.
  • Trim work and Molding.
  • Doors and Door Frames (including the outside of glass/french doors)
  • Baseboards.
  • Dusting Intake Vents and Air Return Vents.
  • Sweeping & Mopping Hard Surface Floors, Vacuuming Carpets and Rugs.
  • Dust (everything)
  • Clean kitchen appliances.
  • Clean out cabinets.
  • Clean sinks & counter tops.
  • Scrub toilets.
  • Window Sills.
  • Wipe down baseboards.
  • Vacuum and sweep all floors,

Extras for move in cleaning:

  • Inside Oven.
  • Inside Fridge.
  • Inside Cabinets.
  • Windows Cleaning.
  • Garage Cleaning.

Apartment Move In Cleaning Checklist

Apartments often come with smaller spaces, but the same level of attention is needed. Here’s how to prepare your new apartment:

  • Kitchen: Clean the stovetop, microwave, and fridge. Wipe cabinets and mop the floor.
  • Bathroom: Scrub tiles, sanitize the toilet, and clean the mirrors.
  • Living Room: Vacuum or sweep the floors, dust shelves, and clean windows.
  • Bedrooms: Wipe down closet shelves, clean floors, and dust surfaces.

Using our move in cleaning checklist ensures that every corner of your apartment is clean and ready for your belongings.

Room-by-Room Move In Cleaning Guide

Breaking down your cleaning tasks by room helps streamline the process. Here’s a simple guide to get started:

  • Kitchen: Focus on high-touch areas like the fridge, stovetop, and countertops. Ensure cabinets and floors are clean.
  • Bathroom: Disinfect all surfaces, including the toilet, sink, and shower. Pay attention to mirrors and tiles.
  • Bedrooms: Clean floors, dust surfaces, and wipe down windowsills. Don’t forget to clean the closet.
  • Living Room: Dust all furniture, vacuum floors, and clean light fixtures.

This approach ensures that each room is thoroughly cleaned and ready for your move-in.

Why Use a Move In Cleaning Checklist?

A move in cleaning checklist helps ensure that you address every part of your new home, making sure nothing is missed. It also helps you organize your tasks and prevent overwhelming yourself during the moving process. With a checklist, you can easily break down your cleaning into manageable tasks and check off items as you complete them.

Printable Move In Cleaning Checklist

For easy reference, download our printable move in cleaning checklist. This will guide you step-by-step, helping you stay organized during your move-in process. Print it out and check off tasks as you go, ensuring that every corner of your new home is spotless before you unpack.

What should be included in a move in cleaning checklist?

A comprehensive checklist includes cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. Tasks like wiping surfaces, vacuuming floors, and disinfecting bathrooms should be prioritize

Is it necessary to clean before moving into a new home?

Yes, even if the previous occupants cleaned, it's important to disinfect surfaces, clean floors, and ensure the space is hygienic before settling in.

How long does move in cleaning take?

The time needed varies depending on the size of the home, but it generally takes between 4 to 8 hours for a full clean.

What are the key areas to focus on when cleaning a new apartment?

Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and floors. Clean cabinets, wipe surfaces, and make sure the bathroom is fully sanitized.

 

Do I need special cleaning products for move in cleaning?

Use basic all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and specialized products for kitchens and bathrooms. Eco-friendly options are also a great choice for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals.

 

How often should I perform deep cleaning in my new home?

After the initial move in cleaning, deep cleaning every 3 to 6 months is recommended, depending on your lifestyle and household traffic.

 

Can I hire professionals for move in cleaning?

Yes, hiring professionals can save time and ensure a thorough clean, especially if the property needs significant attention before moving in.

 

What areas are often overlooked during move in cleaning?

Commonly overlooked areas include baseboards, behind appliances, and high-up places like ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Is move in cleaning different for houses and apartments?

While the tasks are similar, apartments often require more attention to smaller spaces and shared amenities like entryways or balconies.

 

How can I make move in cleaning less stressful?

Break down tasks using a checklist, enlist help from friends or family, or consider hiring professionals to tackle larger tasks.