Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What You Need Before You Hand Over the Keys
Moving out can be exciting — but before you hand over those keys, there’s one last important task: move-out cleaning. Whether you're leaving an apartment, a rental home, or selling your house, a thorough clean can help you get your security deposit back, avoid extra fees, and leave a great impression.
To make things easier, here’s your ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist so you don’t miss a thing!
The Essential Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
1. General Areas
- ✅ Dust ceiling fans, baseboards, and light fixtures 
- ✅ Wipe down walls, doors, and light switch plates 
- ✅ Clean windows, sills, and blinds 
- ✅ Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors 
- ✅ Remove all nails, hooks, and repair holes 
- ✅ Empty and wipe out closets 
2. Kitchen
- ✅ Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers 
- ✅ Scrub countertops and backsplash 
- ✅ Deep clean the oven, stovetop, and range hood 
- ✅ Wipe down the refrigerator (inside and out) and defrost if necessary 
- ✅ Sanitize the sink and polish faucets 
- ✅ Sweep and mop the kitchen floor 
3. Bathrooms
- ✅ Scrub and disinfect toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks 
- ✅ Wipe down mirrors and any glass surfaces 
- ✅ Clean inside and outside of bathroom cabinets and drawers 
- ✅ Remove any stains from tile grout 
- ✅ Sweep and mop the bathroom floors 
4. Bedrooms
- ✅ Dust all surfaces, including windowsills and baseboards 
- ✅ Clean inside closets, removing all belongings 
- ✅ Vacuum carpets or sweep floors 
5. Additional Spaces
- ✅ Clean out the garage, patio, or balcony 
- ✅ Dispose of any remaining trash or unwanted items 
- ✅ Sweep outdoor areas if needed 
Quick Tips for an Easier Move-Out Clean
- 🧹 Start early: Don’t leave cleaning for the last minute when you’re tired from moving. 
- 🧽 Use a checklist: Having a guide helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t miss anything important. 
- 🕒 Plan for deep cleaning: Move-out cleaning goes beyond everyday tidying — factor in extra time for tough areas like ovens and grout. 
- 📋 Double-check your lease agreement: Some landlords have specific cleaning requirements you must meet. 
Need Help? Let the Professionals Handle It!
At ProClean Services of South Brevard, we specialize in thorough move-out cleaning that meets (and often exceeds!) landlord and property manager standards. Whether you’re leaving a small apartment or a large home, we’ll make sure your space shines so you can hand over the keys with confidence.
