Moving is stressful enough without worrying about losing your security deposit or starting your next chapter in a dusty home. Use this checklist as your roadmap for a thorough move-out clean — work top-to-bottom in each room, and save the floors for last.
Set aside 3–5 hours for an average 2-bedroom home, longer for larger homes or anything that hasn't been deep-cleaned in a while. Gather supplies first: an all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, a degreaser, microfiber cloths, scrub sponges, a vacuum, a mop, and trash bags.
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe inside of all cabinets and drawers
- Clean inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer; defrost if needed
- Deep clean oven, stovetop, range hood, and microwave (inside and out)
- Clean and sanitize dishwasher; run an empty cleaning cycle
- Scrub sink, faucet, and disposal; polish fixtures
- Wipe down countertops, backsplash, and small appliances
- Sweep and mop floors; pay attention to behind the stove and fridge
- Take out trash and replace liners
Bathrooms
- Scrub toilets inside and out, including base and behind tank
- Deep clean tub, shower, glass doors, and tile grout
- Descale showerheads and faucets
- Wipe vanity, mirrors, and inside drawers and cabinets
- Clean exhaust fan covers
- Sweep and mop floors; clean baseboards
- Empty trash and wipe bin
Bedrooms
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
- Wipe inside and outside of closets and shelving
- Clean window sills, tracks, and blinds
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, and switch plates
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly; mop hard floors
- Spot-clean walls for marks and scuffs
Living & Common Areas
- Dust all surfaces, shelves, and built-ins
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, and switch plates
- Clean interior windows, sills, and tracks
- Vacuum carpets and rugs; mop hard floors
- Remove any wall hooks, nails, and patch small holes
Laundry & Utility
- Wipe down washer and dryer (inside and out); clean lint trap
- Clean utility sink and surrounding counters
- Sweep and mop floor; dust shelving
Entryway, Garage & Exterior
- Sweep porches, patios, and walkways
- Wipe front and back doors, handles, and frames
- Sweep garage floor; remove cobwebs
- Empty all outdoor trash and recycling bins
- Check mailbox is empty and clean
Short on time?
Let Brenda Jones Cleaning Service handle your move-out clean in Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, or Port Charlotte. We'll follow this same checklist (and more) so you can focus on the move.