15 Vital Cleaning Tips for Move-In Day
Moving into a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. While you may be eager to start decorating and settling in, it's important to thoroughly clean the new space first. A deep clean before moving your belongings in will not only leave the home fresh and hygienic but it also allows you to spot any issues or needed repairs.
Follow these 15 vital tips to ensure your new house is clean and move-in ready.
1. Declutter and Remove the Previous Owners' Belongings
When first walking through the empty home, check for any clutter or personal belongings left behind by the previous owners. Contact them or your real estate agent to arrange to have these items removed. This clears the space and allows you to deep clean it unhindered.
2. Clean Inside Cabinets, Drawers and Closets
Open up all the cabinets, drawers, and closet doors throughout the home. Remove any contents left inside and thoroughly wipe down the interior surfaces with a multi-surface cleaner. Vacuum out drawers to remove dirt and dust accumulation. Add some drawer liners to give your clothes a nice fragrance.
3. Scrub Bathroom Surfaces
Bathrooms require careful disinfecting using rubber gloves, a mask, and bleach-based cleaner. Scrub showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, tile, and grout with a brush and cleaner. Don't forget flooring, exhaust fans, and light fixtures that tend to collect soap scum and dust. Use a special cleaner to clear limescale from faucets and shower screens.
4. Wash Windows and Screens
Over time, windows and screens collect dirt, grime, and allergens. Use a wet microfiber cloth and window cleaner such as white vinegar to wash inside and out. Fully detach screens to soak in soapy water and rinse. Let them air dry before replacing them.
5. Clean Inside Oven and Refrigerator
No one wants to use an oven or refrigerator left dirty by the previous owner. Remove racks to soak in hot soapy water. Clean the oven interior with an oven cleaner and fully empty and sanitize the fridge. If the oven is too bad, consider replacing it with a brand-new one.
6. Vacuum and Mop All Floors
From carpeting to hardwood and tile, every floor needs to be fully vacuumed and mopped before moving in belongings. Make sure to get into corners, baseboards, and underneath appliances.
7. Dust Light Fixtures, Fans and Blinds
Use a microfiber duster to gently clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents, and blinds throughout the home. Carefully remove any dust and cobwebs that have accumulated over time.
8. Clean Out Fireplace and Chimney
Carefully sweep out any ashes and soot within a fireplace. Hire a chimney sweep service to fully clean and inspect the chimney before using it.
9. Wash Walls, Baseboards and Trim
Home walls easily collect dirt, smudges, cobwebs, and sometimes even crayons if kids lived there! Wash walls, baseboards, door trim, and crown molding.
10. Clean Electronics and Appliances
Any electronics or appliances left behind should be cleaned thoroughly including televisions, microwaves, coffee makers, and more. Disinfect remotes, handles, and buttons.
11. Check for Pests and Treat if Needed
Inspect for signs of mice, cockroaches, or other pests. Place traps and treat infestations with pest control chemicals if needed. Deal with infestations before moving in your belongings, as it is much harder to tackle a roach infestation, for example, when the property is empty.
12. Freshen Air Ducts and Change HVAC Filter
Hire an HVAC service to freshen air ducts and vents. Replace the system filter with a new high-quality filter before moving in.
13. Deep Clean the Garage and Shed
Sweep out the garage, mop the floor, remove cobwebs, and wash the windows and walls. Clear out and organize any shed on the property, removing old items left behind and checking it for watertightness and rot.
14. Inspect for Leaks and Water Damage
Carefully check under sinks, near windows, and on the ceiling for any signs of leaks or water damage. Repair issues to prevent mold growth. Caulking along bath and shower trays is the first place where mold grows, so replacing it might be worth doing. This is a simple DIY project you can do or hire a plumber to tackle it for you.
15. Improve Curb Appeal
The exterior also needs attention before move-in day. Pull weeds, plant flowers, sweep walkways, and use a pressure washer to freshen up siding and outdoor spaces.
If you don’t have time to do a full clean before move-in day, or the property is large, hire a professional cleaning firm like like P&J Cleaners.
With these cleaning tips completed, you can confidently move your belongings into a fresh, clean home ready for making new memories. Don't forget to maintain cleaning routines in your new space! Proper deep cleaning before unpacking boxes makes the whole transition much smoother.
