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New Home Cleaning Checklist: Clean Before You Move In

13 items

Moving into a new home is exciting, but the previous occupants' idea of clean probably doesn't match yours. Before you unpack a single box, clean every surface in your new space. It is exponentially easier to deep clean an empty home than one full of furniture.

  1. 1

    Start with all kitchen cabinets and drawers

    Open every cabinet and drawer. Wipe interior surfaces with all-purpose cleaner. You don't know what was stored here before.

  2. 2

    Deep clean all kitchen appliances

    Clean inside the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. Previous owners rarely clean these thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Sanitize all countertops and food prep surfaces

    Use a food-safe sanitizer on every counter, island, and surface where you'll prepare food.

  4. 4

    Clean all bathroom fixtures and tile

    Scrub toilets, tubs, showers, and sinks with disinfectant. Scrub grout lines and check for mold around caulking.

  5. 5

    Clean all closet interiors

    Vacuum closet floors and wipe shelves and rods. Previous occupants leave behind dust, hangers, and sometimes pests.

  6. 6

    Wash every window inside and out

    Windows in an empty home are easy to access. Clean the glass, tracks, and screens while you have clear access.

  7. 7

    Clean all light fixtures and ceiling fans

    Remove light covers and wash them. Wipe fan blades and fixture bases. Dust buildup from the previous owner.

  8. 8

    Wipe every wall and baseboard

    Previous occupants leave fingerprints, scuff marks, and general wall grime. Wipe every wall surface while rooms are empty.

  9. 9

    Shampoo all carpets

    Professional carpet cleaning before you move furniture in is the best time. Carpets from previous owners carry allergens and odors.

  10. 10

    Clean and seal all hard floors

    Mop hard floors throughout. For hardwood, consider a fresh coat of floor polish while the house is empty.

  11. 11

    Disinfect every door handle, switch plate, and railing

    Every touchable surface in the home should be disinfected before your family starts using them.

  12. 12

    Check and replace HVAC filters

    Install new furnace and AC filters. You don't know when the last ones were changed. Also vacuum all vents.

  13. 13

    Clean the garage floor and storage areas

    Sweep, vacuum cobwebs, and mop if applicable. Check for pest evidence before storing your belongings.

Bottom Line

Cleaning before unpacking is the single best decision you can make when moving into a new home. An empty home takes half the time to clean compared to a furnished one, and you start your new life in a space that is truly yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean a brand new construction home?
Yes. Construction dust, drywall dust, and adhesive residue are everywhere in new builds. A thorough cleaning before move-in is essential.
How long does it take to clean an empty home?
A three-bedroom home takes four to eight hours depending on condition. Budget a full day.
Should I hire cleaners before moving in?
Professional move-in cleaning services do excellent work since the space is empty and fully accessible. It's money well spent if budget allows.
What should I check beyond cleaning?
Test all faucets, flush all toilets, run all appliances, check smoke detectors, and look for signs of pests.
What cleaning supplies do I need for a new home?
All-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, degreaser, floor cleaner, and plenty of microfiber cloths. Buy in bulk from Soap-Man to be fully stocked from day one.

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