MOVE OUT CLEANING CHECKLIST

I’ve helped enough clients through moves to know that the hardest part isn’t usually the packing. It’s not even the hauling. It’s what’s left behind after the furniture is gone — the dust bunnies the size of actual bunnies, the mystery stains you swore weren’t there, the oven that suddenly looks like it’s hosted a decade of potlucks.

That’s why a move out cleaning checklist is essential. When you’re at the tail end of a move, your brain’s already running on low battery. You don’t want to be guessing what to clean — you want a list you can follow without thinking. That’s exactly what we use at Seattle’s Green Cleaning Fairy for our move-out jobs, and it’s saved more than a few security deposits.

If you’re gearing up to hand over the keys, this is the system that works. And if you decide you’d rather skip the scrubbing part altogether, you can always start with home cleaning that’s been perfected over hundreds of move-outs.

Step One: Start with the Empty Spaces

Once the boxes and furniture are out, you’ll see what’s been hiding. This is when I do a quick walk-through in every room. No cleaning yet — just noting what’s going to need the most work.

It’s amazing how much grime hides behind a couch or dresser. Corners, baseboards, closet floors — they all collect dust, hair, and the occasional long-lost sock. This step keeps you from missing the sneaky spots later.

Step Two: Tackle the Kitchen from Top to Bottom

Kitchens make or break a move-out inspection. Landlords and buyers check them closely. Here’s the flow we stick to:

Cabinets and drawers: Empty, vacuum crumbs, wipe inside and outside. Don’t forget handles.
Appliances: Clean inside and out — fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher. Pull them out if you can to clean underneath and behind.
Counters and backsplash: Degrease and disinfect.
Sink and faucet: Scrub, remove hard water stains, and polish fixtures.
Floors: Sweep, mop, and pay attention to grout lines if it’s tile.

Pro tip: If the oven hasn’t been cleaned in years, baking soda paste overnight can make scrubbing much easier.

Step Three: Bathrooms Need the Full Works

Bathrooms tend to look “clean enough” until you start cleaning them. Then you realize how much is built up. The move-out checklist here is simple but thorough:

Toilet: Bowl, seat, base, behind the tank.
Shower/tub: Remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains.
Sink: Scrub basin, faucet, handles.
Mirrors: Streak-free finish.
Cabinets and drawers: Empty and wipe.
Floors and baseboards: Clean all the way to the corners.

If there’s any lingering odor, it’s usually in the drain — a quick vinegar rinse works wonders.

Step Four: Walls, Doors, and Baseboards

People forget these, but they’re one of the first things a landlord notices.

Wipe scuffs and fingerprints off walls and doors.
Clean door frames and baseboards.
Dust vents and light switches.

If you’ve had kids or pets, magic erasers can be your best friend here — just test a small spot first so you don’t take off paint.

Step Five: Windows and Glass Surfaces

Natural light shows everything. Clean the glass, wipe the sills, and dust the blinds.

Even if you can’t get to the outside of upper windows, making the inside spotless makes a noticeable difference.

Step Six: Floors — The Grand Finale

I save floors for last so everything that falls while cleaning above gets picked up here.

Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly, and spot-treat stains.
Hard floors: Sweep or vacuum, then mop.
Edges: Use a crevice tool to get right up against baseboards.

If you’re trying to impress a landlord, professional carpet cleaning can be worth it — they can tell when it’s been done.

Step Seven: Final Touch Points

Right before locking up, hit the details:

Light switches, thermostat, and remote controls.
Closet shelves and rods.
The tops of door frames.
Trash bins — empty and wipe them.

These little things don’t take long but make the space feel truly finished.

Why a Checklist Saves Time (and Deposits)

I’ve seen people clean for hours and still miss what matters most because they didn’t have a plan. The checklist makes it foolproof — every step gets done, nothing gets skipped.

It’s also less overwhelming when you’re already dealing with the stress of moving. One task at a time. That’s it.

Eco-Friendly Move Out Cleaning

At Seattle’s Green Cleaning Fairy, we use non-toxic products even for deep move-out jobs. They’re safe for people, pets, and surfaces, but still tough enough to get years of grime off appliances or tile.

That matters because harsh chemicals can leave behind strong smells — and if a landlord walks in to that, they might assume something’s being covered up. Green cleaning leaves the place fresh and neutral.

When to Bring in Professionals

If you’re on a tight deadline, juggling work, or just can’t face scrubbing the inside of an oven at midnight — it’s worth it. We handle full move-out cleanings that meet (and usually exceed) inspection standards.

We’ve walked into places after DIY attempts and still found enough missed spots to risk a deposit deduction. Professionals know where to look — and we bring the tools and products to get it done right the first time.

A Realistic Timeline

If you’re doing it yourself, plan for:

Studio/1-bedroom: 4–6 hours.
2–3 bedrooms: 6–10 hours.
Larger homes: A full day or more.

That’s not continuous scrubbing — but between breaks, moving around furniture, and letting cleaners sit, it adds up.

If time’s short, prioritize kitchen, bathrooms, and floors — those are the biggest inspection points.

The Peace-of-Mind Factor

Here’s the thing: moving is already a lot. Knowing the cleaning part is handled — whether you do it yourself with a solid checklist or hand it off to us — means you can focus on settling into the new place instead of stressing about the old one.

And honestly? It just feels better to hand over a home that’s ready for the next person. I’ve seen clients visibly relax once it’s done.

When you want it all handled — from ceiling fans to floorboards — our team at Seattle’s Green Cleaning Fairy has the system down to a science. That’s the beauty of professional cleaning done with care, thoroughness, and a little green magic.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist FAQ

Q1: What should be included in a move out cleaning checklist?
A1: Kitchen appliances inside and out, cabinets, counters, sinks, bathrooms, walls, baseboards, windows, floors, and touch points like switches and handles.

Q2: How long does a move out clean take?
A2: Anywhere from 4 hours for a small apartment to over a full day for a large home, depending on condition.

Q3: Why hire a professional move out cleaning service?
A3: Professionals know inspection priorities, have the tools and products for deep cleaning, and can save you time and help protect your deposit.

Q4: Can green products handle tough move out jobs?
A4: Yes. Quality eco-friendly cleaners cut grease, remove stains, and sanitize without harsh chemical residue.

Q5: Does Seattle’s Green Cleaning Fairy offer same-day move out cleaning?
A5: Yes. We offer flexible scheduling, including same-day services, for clients who need fast, thorough results.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: The Complete Guide to Passing Your Final Inspection and Getting Your Deposit Back