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Move-In Cleaning Checklist: Clean Your New Place Before Unpacking

13 items

Cleaning before you unpack is critical -- it's your only chance to clean every surface without furniture in the way. Whether the previous occupant left the place 'clean' or not, you want to sanitize every surface before your family lives there. This checklist ensures your new space is truly yours.

  1. 1

    Disinfect every door handle and light switch

    Previous occupants touched these hundreds of times. Disinfect every touchpoint in the home before your family arrives.

  2. 2

    Clean all kitchen cabinets inside and out

    Wipe every interior shelf and door exterior. You don't know what was stored here or when they were last cleaned.

  3. 3

    Sanitize all kitchen countertops and prep surfaces

    Use a food-safe sanitizer. These surfaces will hold your family's food, so proper sanitization is non-negotiable.

  4. 4

    Deep clean oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher

    Previous tenants rarely clean appliance interiors thoroughly. Spend time here -- these affect food safety.

  5. 5

    Scrub and disinfect all bathrooms

    Every toilet, tub, shower, sink, and floor surface gets commercial disinfectant. Scrub grout and check for mold.

  6. 6

    Wash all windows and window tracks

    An empty room is the easiest time to clean windows. Clean glass, frames, sills, and vacuum tracks.

  7. 7

    Clean all closets: shelves, rods, and floors

    Vacuum closet floors, wipe shelves, and check for pest evidence before storing your clothing.

  8. 8

    Wash or mop all floors

    Mop hard floors with disinfectant. If there is carpet, ideally have it professionally cleaned before moving furniture in.

  9. 9

    Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures

    Dust and clean every fixture. Previous owners left behind months or years of dust accumulation.

  10. 10

    Wipe all baseboards and trim

    Walk every room wiping baseboards with a damp cloth. Scuff marks and dust are most visible in empty rooms.

  11. 11

    Clean inside the laundry area

    Wipe down the washer and dryer exterior and interior. Run a cleaning cycle on the washer.

  12. 12

    Replace HVAC filters and clean all vents

    Install fresh filters and vacuum every vent in the home. Start with clean air.

  13. 13

    Check for and treat any pest evidence

    Look in cabinets, closets, basement, and garage for droppings, nests, or damage. Address before moving belongings in.

Bottom Line

A move-in clean is your fresh start. It's easier to clean an empty space, and the peace of mind of knowing every surface is sanitized is worth the effort. Plan a full day for this clean before the moving truck arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean before the movers arrive?
Yes. Schedule one full day for cleaning before move-in day. An empty space is dramatically easier to clean.
What cleaning products are most important for move-in cleaning?
Disinfectant (for every touchpoint), all-purpose cleaner (for all surfaces), bathroom cleaner (for soap scum and mildew), and floor cleaner. Buy in bulk from Soap-Man.
How long does a move-in clean take?
A thorough clean of a three-bedroom home takes four to eight hours for one person. Two people can do it in half the time.
Should I hire professionals for move-in cleaning?
If budget allows, professional move-in cleaning is excellent because the empty space gives full access. Otherwise, commercial-grade products deliver professional results for DIY cleaning.
What if the place was cleaned before I moved in?
Clean it again anyway. 'Clean' is subjective, and sanitizing every surface you'll touch is a health and comfort decision worth the effort.

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