MOVE OUT CLEANING CHECKLIST

I've assisted enough clients in moves to recognize the toughest part isn’t often the packing. It is not the hauling, either. It is what is left when the furniture is out — the dust bunnies the size of real bunnings, the stains that you could have sworn did not exist, the oven that, overnight, has seemed as though it has had a decade-long history of hosting potlucks.

That's why a move out cleaning checklist is indispensable. At the end of the tail on a move, your thinking is already on low power. You don't want to be guessing what you should be cleaning — you need a checklist that you can simply follow without ado. That's what we at Seattle's Green Cleaning Fairy use on our move-out work, and it's saved more than a few security deposits.

If you’re about to turn over the keys, this is the system that pays off. And if you want to opt out on the scrubbing part, that is, you can always begin with home cleaning that’s been perfected time and time again on move-outs.

Step One: Start with the Empty Spaces

After the boxes and furniture are cleared out, you can see what’s been concealing itself. I then do a time-efficient walk-through in each room. No cleaning, just me checking the spaces that will require the most labor.

It amazes me how dusty dirt is concealed between a couch or dresser. Corners, baseboards, closets on the floor — they all get dust, hairs, and the stray sock that goes missing. This prevents you later from missing the hidden areas.

Step Two: Tackle the Kitchen from Top to Bottom

Kitchens are make-or-break points when conducting a move-out inspection. They are scrutinized by landlords and homebuyers. This is the process we adhere to:

Cabinets and drawers: Blank, suck up crumbs, wipes in and out. Forget handles.
Appliances: Wipe down inside and out — fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher. Remove them if possible to wipe under and behind.
Countertops and backsplash: Defoam and disin.
Sink and faucet: Clean, strip off hard water scale, and buff fixtures.
Floors: Sweep, mop, and be sure of grout lines if tile.

💡 Tip ahead: If the oven has not been cleaned in decades, baking soda paste overnight will work wonders when making scrubbing easier.

Step Three: Bathrooms Require the Whole Works

Bathrooms appear as though they are "clean enough" until you open them up. At that point, you can see how much is accumulated. This move-out list is concise, but comprehensive:

Toilet: Bowl, seat, base, under the tank.
Shower/tub: Eliminate soap scum, mildew, and lime scale.
Sink: Sink basin, tap, handles.
Mirrors: Streak-free finish.
Cabinets and drawers: Blank and wipe.
Floors and baseboards: Clean all the way into the corners.

If there's any residual stench, it's often in the drain — a vinegary rinse is a marvel.

Step Four: Doors, Baseboards, and Walls

They forget these, but the very first thing the landlord will remember is these.

Remove scuff marks and handprints from walls and doors.
Clean baseboards and door frames.
Dust vents and light switches.

If you have had children or had pets, magic erasers can be your saving grace here — just try a discreet spot first so you don’t strip paint.

Step Five: Windows and Glass Surfaces

Bright sunlight reveals all. Clean the glass, wipe the sills, and dust the shades.

Even if you cannot reach the exterior of upper windows, cleaning the interior is very helpful.

Step Six: Floors — The Grand Finale

I do floors last that way whatever will be dropped from cleaning above is caught on the lower level.

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

If you're attempting to impress a renter, professional carpet cleaning is sometimes justified — they can recognize when they've had one done.

Step Seven: Final Touch Points

Just before closing, knock the details:

Switches, thermostat, and television controls.
Closet shelves and rods.
The tops of door surrounds.
Trash cans — dry and clean them.

These little details don’t take time but will make the room feel really completed.

Why a Spreadsheet Saves Time (And Deposits)

I've watched others clean for days and still miss the things that are important because they never had a plan. The list keeps it foolproof — every step is taken, no steps are skipped.

It’s also less daunting when you have the added anxiety of a move. Task by task. That’s all.

Eco-Friendly Move Out Cleaning

At the Green Cleaning Fairy, Seattle, we're non-toxic even on heavy move-out cleaning tasks. They’re people-safe, pet-safe, and surface-safe, yet still robust enough to strip decades' worth of grunge off appliances or grout.

That's important because harsh chemicals can linger with powerful odors — and if a renter comes into that, they may think something's being hidden. Green cleaning is left with the house smelling fresh and in between.

When to Bring in Professionals

If you've got a tight schedule, balancing work, or just can't deal with cleaning the interior of one oven at midnight — it's worth the money.

We provide full move-out cleanings that consist of (and often go beyond) inspection criteria.

We've entered premises after DIY efforts and still had enough areas missed that we risked having the deposit taken. Professionals know where to look — and we have the tools and products to do it the correct time the very first time.

A Reasonable Timeline

If you're doing it yourself, prepare for:

Studio/1-bedroom: 4–6 hours.
2–3 bedrooms: 6–10 hours.
Large houses: More than a day.

That's not non-stop scrubbing — but in-between breaks, furniture-navigating, and cleaner per пользоватив, it all accumulates.

If time is limited, focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors — that's the highest inspection points.

But the Peace-of-Mind

Here’s the thing: moving is enough. Knowing the cleaning leg is covered — either you handle through a reputable checklist or pass through our team — frees up the energy towards getting adjusted into the new home rather than worrying about the previous one.

And honestly? It just feels better prepared to hand over a home that’s ready for the next homeowner.

I’ve seen clients visibly relax when it’s done.

When you want the works — ceiling fans, floorboards, the whole shebang — our team at Green Cleaning Fairy in Seattle has the process perfected.

That is the elegance of professional cleaning with love, attention, and a dash of green wizardry.

Move Out Cleaning Checklist FAQ

Q1: What should be on a move out cleaning schedule?
A1: Appliances on the inside and exterior, cupboards, counters, sinks, bathrooms, walls, baseboards, windows, floors, and contact points such as switches and door handles.

Q2: How long is a move out clean?
A2: Between 4 hours with a small apartment and a full day with a large house, conditions dependant.

Q3: Why should I hire a professional end of tenancy cleaning company?
A3: Experts are aware of inspection check points, carry specialized cleaning equipment and products, and will save you time as well as safeguard your bond refund.

Q4: Are green products up to challenging move out tasks?
A4: Yes. Good green cleaners dissolve grease, erase stains, and sterilize without chemical corrosive residue.

Q5: Does the Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy provide same-day move out cleaning?
A5: Yes. We provide flexible dates, same days, and other services that include fast, comprehensive work.

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