First impressions mean a lot, and when moving homes, they make all the difference in getting your security deposit back and having a pleasant relocation experience. That’s why it’s best to prioritize cleaning when moving out. Cleaning your existing and new apartment is crucial in making your move as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
While you may have little time to make your home look shiny and new, you can get expert help to clean properly and seamlessly. But before we get to that, it’s essential to understand what home areas to tackle and how to clean them accurately when moving out and into a new space.
Find Motivation: How to Clean to Get Your Security Deposit Back
Doing thorough inspections and deep cleaning of various home areas is a great way to tidy your apartment. Once you know suitable methods for cleaning your rental, you can make the process more seamless and enjoyable.
Cleaning your living space might be part of your rental agreement and can also create a positive experience for the next tenant. You might create a list of what to clean before moving out, segmenting your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom areas while detailing what to clean under each section.
Here’s how to clean your apartment before moving out:
Repair Minor Imperfections
Fixture holes, damaged light bulbs, and stains are some minor faults to repair before moving out, and here’s how to do that:
Wall and fixture holes: You’ll need to remove any wall decor and picture frames, including the nails, pushpins, and other items you used to hang them. Bathroom and kitchen areas with fixtures like mirrors and key and towel hooks will also need repairing. APatch the holes and dents with putty, repaint them, and blend in with the rest of your wall.
Batteries and bulbs: Replace damaged or fused globes and batteries in smoke detectors and wall clocks.
Dents and stains: Touch up wall chips and stains with white paint or a bleach pen and paint over these areas to match your wall color if needed.
Wash Windows, Frames, and Mirrors
Your windows and mirrors can significantly impact your home’s appearance, and keeping them clean and shiny is vital. Start by dusting your blinds or shutters, windowsills, and frames. Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth and glass cleaner to wash and shine your windows and mirrors.
Clean and Repaint Walls and Door Frames
Dusting and wiping your walls and door frames are vital as these areas can often be neglected. Use a duster to remove fine particles and dirt from your ceiling fans, walls, corners, and vents. After dusting, use a cloth, sponge, mop, water, and light detergent to wash the walls and remove any marks and spots. You’ll also need to dust and wipe down your baseboards and trim. If you have any holes, dents, and deep stains on your walls, cover them up with paint.
Clean and Shine Countertops
Clean your countertops with a lint-free cloth and all-purpose cleaner to remove hidden dirt and stains. Ensure you clean under your countertops and between groves, and use a countertop polish to shine the surfaces.
Declutter Shelves and Drawers
Check your drawers and shelves and remove all personal property. Throwing clutter away in these areas is a great way to reduce moving items and ensure your rental is neat.
Sweep and Mop Floors
Your floors are the last area on the agenda to complete your home cleaning. Sweep your floors and ensure you get into the groves and corners to remove all particles and dust. After sweeping, use a mop and a bucket of water with tile cleaner to wash and shine your floors. Vacuum your carpeted areas twice to remove dust, residue, and debris. If you have time, use a carpet cleaning machine or sponge, detergent and water to deep clean and remove stains.
Refresh Appliances
Shake out appliances like your toaster and give them a good wipe. Remove your refrigerator shelves and wash them in a sink of warm water and dishwashing detergent. Wipe down your microwave’s inner and outer areas, ensuring you remove grease and stains. You can also take out compartments like trays in your oven and wash them. Clean the narrow spaces on your stovetop and in the oven, freezer, and fridge.
Deep Clean Bathrooms
Your bathroom should be on the top of your cleaning list, and you’ll want to spend extra time making it shine. Start dusting and cleaning your vents, walls, ceiling, mirrors, and light fixtures. Once you’ve covered these areas, move on to your bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet: Sink: Wash around the sink, countertops, and vanity with an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth. Use a toothbrush or nail brush to scrub the seams and grooves in your sink and around the faucets. Wipe down and shine your faucets and backsplash, removing any marks and spots. Toilet: Use toilet cleaner and a brush to scrub around the bowel and make it shine. Remember to clean and wipe around the toilet, including the seat, hinge bolts, cover, and base sides. Tub and shower: Remove soap scum by sprinkling baking soda in the shower and tub area. Let the baking soda sit for a while, and wash and clean your tub and shower base and sides with soap, water, and a sponge. Scrub the seams and grooves around the bath areas, and polish and shine the faucets and fixtures. Remember to open up your showerhead and give it a good clean.
Remove Personal Items
Leaving personal property behind can create more work for the new tenants and delay their moving process. It can also cost you your security deposit, so collecting and disposing of any left-behind things is vital before leaving your rental.
Take Out the Dustbin
Whatever clutter and trash you have remaining, remember to take it out before leaving so your rental is tidy when your landlord and tenants arrive.
What to Clean When You Move In
You can clean all areas of your new home to ensure it is shiny and dust-free before moving in your furniture and appliances. Cleaning your new apartment or house is an excellent way to start fresh and minimize your work later. Here’s what to clean before settling into your new home:
- Deep cleanse your kitchen, including the oven, extractor hood, stovetop, fridge, freezer, cabinets, and counters.
- Disinfect and clean bathroom areas like the tub, shower, sink, and showerhead.
- Hose and sweep the garage to remove any dust and debris.
- Vacuum the bedroom carpets and rugs.
- Sweep and mop the floors.
- Wipe your blinds and windowsills.
- Wash the windows if you have time.
Call in the Professionals at Four Seasons Cleaning.
Effective cleaning of your existing and new home can be challenging when you have so many plans and tasks to coordinate when moving. However, getting your security deposit back and ensuring you have a fresh start in your new living space is necessary. Hiring a professional house cleaning service is an excellent option if you have limited time but want to clean when moving thoroughly.
At Four Seasons Cleaning, we understand the value of a clean home and how it can make a difference whether you’re moving out of or into a new home. We provide expert home relocation cleaning for homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartments. Our dedicated employees have years of experience cleaning homes for moving and know all the right spots to cover and ensure a smooth and enjoyable move.
Contact us today to book your visit, and let us know how we can tailor our service to your needs.
