Get Your Deposit Back: Your Apartment Moveout Cleaning Checklist

Are you one of the almost 15 percent of the population that moves annually? If so, you could probably use some advice to make moving easier. The only thing worse than the physical exhaustion of moving is the stress of losing your security deposit because the unit wasn’t up to par. Whether you are moving out of a rental or preparing a home for new owners, a thorough deep clean is essential.

Use this comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist to ensure you leave your old place in pristine condition and secure that refund.

Buy the Right Cleaning Supplies

First up on the move-out cleaning checklist is to purchase the right supplies. It’s hard to clean a home properly if all you have is dish soap and water. A few deep cleaning home essentials include:

• Magic Erasers: Perfect for removing scuffs from baseboards and walls.
• Bleach and bleach wipes: Essential for disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
• Carpet cleaner: To tackle high-traffic areas and pet stains.
• Kitchen cooktop cleaner: Specifically formulated for glass or ceramic stoves.
• Glass cleaner: For streak-free windows and mirrors.
• A Steamer: This is a secret weapon for move-out cleaning. Steamers are fantastic for removing stubborn grease from oven hobs, limescale from bathroom tiles, and eradicating bacteria without harsh chemicals.

Move Out All of Your Possessions First

Your furniture and knick-knacks will get in the way of a true deep clean. Ensure you’ve loaded all of your belongings onto a moving truck or that professional movers have already cleared the space. Now that all of your rooms are empty, you can clean every inch of the floors, countertops, appliances, walls, and more.

If you are still in the process of packing, try to pack and clean room by room. It is far easier to clean kitchen cupboards once they are emptied of food, or bedroom closets once the clothes are boxed up. Starting with the bedrooms and living areas is often best, as the kitchen and bathroom will likely be used until the very last day.

Clean the Kitchen Thoroughly

The kitchen is likely one of the dirtiest places in your rental. Spills, splatters, and stains can occur at any time, even with the cleanest of cooks. To properly clean the kitchen, you will need to go beyond the surface.

• Appliances: Start by cleaning your cooktop with a special cleaner and running the oven on a self-clean cycle. Tackle the microwave and fridge next. It’s important to wipe down all surfaces inside these appliances, including the vegetable drawers and the top of the refrigerator.
• Cabinets: Wipe down the interior and exterior of all cabinets and drawers.
• Degrease: Use your steamer or a heavy-duty degreaser on the vent hood and backsplash where cooking oils tend to accumulate.

Wipe Down the Bathroom

Everyone dreads cleaning the bathroom, but it is the area landlords inspect most closely. Start by completing your regular bathroom cleaning routine, then move into deep cleaning mode.

Scrub the tiles with a grout cleaner on both the floor and inside your shower and tub. Rinse well when complete, especially if the cleaner contains bleach. Continue to clean the fixtures, countertops, and vanities until everything shines. Remember to clean your toilet properly, including the base and behind the tank, prior to moving out. Finish by mopping the floor with a disinfecting solution.

Tidy Up the Bedroom and Living Areas

Lastly, you’ll need to clean up the bedroom and all other living areas. This is where you address the “bones” of the home:

• Walls and Paint: Most homes end up with marks on the wall. Fill any holes where you’ve hung pictures or artwork and patch up the paint where needed. If you are a smoker, walls can quickly discolor, and you may need to repaint entirely to restore a fresh look.
• Windows and Trim: Make sure to wipe down all windows, window sills, blinds, molding, and vents. Dust often hides on the top edge of baseboards and door frames.
• Odors: We often become accustomed to our own smells—like pets or cooking—and don’t notice them. Using a dehumidifier for a few days before the final walkthrough can help pull moisture and lingering odors out of the air, leaving the home smelling neutral and fresh.

Deep Clean the Floors

The final step is the floors. This process will depend on the type of flooring you have. Hardwood and tile should be swept and mopped thoroughly. Dirty carpets will take the most intense cleaning; if there is major buildup or staining, be prepared to hire a professional carpet cleaning service to ensure you don’t get charged for a full carpet replacement.

Is a Moveout Cleaning Checklist Overwhelming?

Even if you know exactly what needs to be done, house cleaning when moving out can be daunting. Between packing, utility transfers, and work, there often aren’t enough hours in the day to scrub a home to professional standards. If following this moveout cleaning checklist seems overwhelming, we are ready to help you.

We want to ensure that you get your deposit back and leave your old home in top-tier condition. Contact Rescue My Time Cleaning Service in Lawrenceville, GA, to get started with a professional deep clean today and take the stress out of your move!