Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

The best time to clean is after you finish packing your stuff.

Moving out of an apartment or house can be a labor-intensive, time-consuming job. However, you can't completely close the door on your old home until you've cleared out your things and cleaned it up. Some landlords and rental agencies will specify your move-out responsibilities in your lease. Others may not; but if you want to get your security deposit back, it is best to clean up before you leave.

Kitchen and Dining Spaces

The best time to clean during move-out is when you have the majority of your possessions packed and out of the way. This is especially true in the kitchen.

-Use a paper towel and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe out cabinets, shelves and drawers.

-Wipe down the inside and outside of the refrigerator. Throw out any leftover food that you are not taking with you. Skipping this step may cause any food left inside to spoil and make a mess for your landlord to clean up.

-Wipe down counters, sinks, and appliances.

-Clean your stove top and oven thoroughly.

-Sweep and wash the floor.

Bathroom

It is best to clean the bathroom the last day you will be in your old home, especially since dirt can build up in this room quickly. First, clean mirrors and windows. Then wipe down any cabinets or shelves. Scrub down the toilet, the bathtub and the sink. Finally, sweep and wash the floor. Make sure you scrub around the base of the toilet. Leave a roll of toilet paper as a courtesy to the next occupant.

Living Room

Clean living rooms and bedrooms after you have moved out your furniture. This will make it easier to clean the areas under your bed and other furniture. Make sure to clean any high-traffic areas, like the living room carpet, thoroughly, after you have finished moving your things out. You may track additional dirt and mud into these areas as you move things out of the house.

-Dust window sills.

-Vacuum carpet thoroughly. Sweep and wash the floor if you have hardwood or stone flooring. Make sure to clean under any furniture.

-Dust ceiling fan blades.

Closets

Make sure all closets are cleared out. You should sweep or vacuum all closet floors before you move out.

Garages and Yards

Some renters have access to a garage or backyard. If you do, it is a good idea to give these areas a once over before you move out. For garages, brush down any dirt or cobwebs from the ceiling, clean out any benches or storage areas, and sweep the floor. Then clean up any oil or fluid spills from your car. For backyards, pick up any trash or dog droppings on the ground. Move any lawn furniture or ornaments back to their original locations. If you are required to mow the lawn or rake leaves as part of your lease agreement, do it right before you move out.

Walls

Your landlord may charge you for any unrepaired nail marks in the walls.

It is important to make sure you repair any holes you put in the walls to hang pictures or art. Also, review your lease to see if you are required to repaint the walls or replace the window treatments. To repair walls, check all rooms and repair any nail holes in the walls with putty or by installing new drywall where necessary. Repaint walls and trim if stipulated in your lease. Replace window treatments if required.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Renters: 7 Things to Do Before Moving Out