Moving into a new home is exciting, but there is usually a long list of things to deal with before you can actually settle in. Keys, paperwork, utilities, moving boxes, furniture, address changes, and somehow finding time to clean.
Cleaning is often easier to forget when you’re focused on the move itself. But there is a big advantage to cleaning before your furniture and belongings arrive. An empty home gives you access to floors, corners, cabinets, closets, bathrooms, and other areas that become much harder to reach once everything is unpacked. A move-in clean gives you a fresh starting point. Whether you’ve purchased a house, rented an apartment, or moved into a condo, a little planning can make the process much easier.
At Dust Queen, we’ve helped homeowners and renters throughout Edmonton prepare their spaces for a fresh start. Here is how to get the most out of a move-in cleaning service.
Schedule the Cleaning Before the Moving Truck Arrives
The best time for a move-in clean is usually after you have possession of the property but before your furniture arrives. That window may be short, especially when you’re coordinating movers, keys, utility connections, and other appointments. If possible, arrange the cleaning as soon as you know your possession date.
An empty home allows cleaners to reach much more of the space. There is no need to work around couches, beds, boxes, shelving, or piles of belongings.
If you’re able to choose the timing, give yourself a little breathing room between the cleaning appointment and moving day. That way, you’re not trying to unpack while the cleaners are still finishing the bathrooms.
Start With the Areas That Will Be Difficult to Reach Later
Once your furniture is in place, some areas become difficult or impossible to clean properly.
This is why the first priority should be the areas that will soon be hidden. Floors underneath furniture, corners, closets, baseboards, cabinet interiors, and areas behind appliances can all be easier to access while the home is empty. It’s also a good time to look at areas that previous occupants may have overlooked. A home can look perfectly clean at first glance while still having dust, crumbs, hair, or buildup tucked into less obvious places.
Give the Kitchen a Fresh Start
The kitchen deserves particular attention before you unpack.
You’ll want to wipe down countertops, cabinet fronts, shelves, drawers, the backsplash, sink, faucets, and appliance exteriors. If the service you’ve booked includes appliance interiors, an empty kitchen is the perfect time to tackle them.
Cabinets are especially worth looking at when moving into a previously occupied home. Even if they look clean, shelves and drawer interiors can collect crumbs and grime over time. Cleaning these areas before you put dishes, food, and cookware away means you’re starting with a clean surface rather than trying to clean around your belongings later.
If you’re moving into a rental, check your lease or move-in documentation to see whether any specific cleaning expectations have been outlined.
Don’t Overlook the Bathrooms
Nobody wants to unpack toiletries into a bathroom that hasn’t been properly cleaned. During a move-in clean, give attention to the toilet, bathtub, shower, sink, vanity, mirrors, fixtures, floors, and other frequently touched surfaces.
Look closely around faucets and shower areas for soap residue, water spots, or buildup. Check corners and the area around the base of the toilet as well.
Bathrooms tend to be one of the first rooms you’ll use after moving in, so getting them cleaned before your belongings arrive can make the first day in your new home feel much more comfortable.
Pay Attention to Floors and Baseboards
Floors see plenty of traffic during a move, so cleaning them before the moving process begins makes sense. Vacuuming and mopping an empty home is much easier than trying to work around boxes and furniture. If the previous occupants had pets, you may also want to pay extra attention to corners and edges where hair and dust can collect.
Baseboards are another area worth including. They’re easy to overlook during everyday cleaning, but accumulated dust along the edges of a room can make a freshly cleaned space feel unfinished.
A thorough move-in clean is a good opportunity to deal with these details before the house becomes fully furnished.
Clean Closets Before Filling Them
Closets don’t usually receive much attention once a home is occupied.
Once clothes, shoes, storage bins, and other belongings are inside, cleaning the shelves and floors becomes much more difficult. Take advantage of the empty space. Vacuum or wipe closet floors and shelves, clean doors and handles, and remove any dust that may have collected along corners.
The same applies to bathroom cabinets, linen closets, storage areas, and pantry shelves.
What About Windows and Window Tracks?
Windows are another consideration when preparing a new home.
If the glass itself doesn’t need cleaning, the surrounding areas may still benefit from attention. Windowsills and tracks can collect dust, dirt, insects, and debris.
Whether interior windows are included in your move-in service will depend on the cleaning company and the scope you’ve requested, so it’s worth asking beforehand.
The important thing is to decide what you want cleaned before the appointment. That gives everyone a clear understanding of what the service will cover.
A Move-In Clean Is Different From a Move-Out Clean
The terms are sometimes used together, but the purpose is different.
A move out cleaning checklist is generally focused on leaving a property clean and ready for the next occupant. Renters may also have specific cleaning expectations outlined in their tenancy agreement.
A move-in clean, on the other hand, is about preparing the space for you. If you’re moving from one home to another, you may actually need both. Your old home needs to be left in good condition while your new home gets prepared before you unpack.
This is where a combined move in move out cleaning checklist can be helpful. It keeps both sides of the move organized instead of leaving all the cleaning until moving day.
Make a Simple Cleaning Plan Before Moving Day
You don’t need a complicated spreadsheet to prepare for a move-in clean.
Start by deciding what you want cleaned, what the cleaning company includes, and whether there are any additional services you need. Then schedule the appointment around your possession and moving dates.
It’s also worth doing a quick walkthrough of the property before cleaning day. If you notice areas that need extra attention, mention them when arranging the service.
The more clearly you communicate your expectations, the easier it is to make sure everyone is on the same page.
What Should You Do After the Cleaning?
Once the cleaning is finished, try to keep the home as empty as possible until the movers arrive. This isn’t always practical, of course. Sometimes the furniture arrives immediately afterward. But even a few hours between cleaning and moving can help.
If you have access to the property early, you can also use the time to organize where furniture will go. Once everything is inside, you’ll have a much easier time settling in if the basic cleaning has already been handled.
And don’t worry if the house gets a little messy during the move. That’s normal. The goal is to start with a clean baseline, not to keep the home spotless while carrying boxes through the front door.
Start Fresh Before You Unpack
Moving is already a lot of work. Cleaning an empty home doesn’t have to become another thing on your growing list. Planning your cleaning around your possession and moving dates gives you the best opportunity to reach the areas that will soon be hidden by furniture and boxes. It also means you can unpack into a space that already feels fresh and ready for the next chapter.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or getting ready to hand over the keys to your old one, having the cleaning handled by Dust Queen can take one more job off your plate. If you want to start fresh in your new space, a move-in clean can take care of everything before you unpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule a move-in cleaning?
Ideally, schedule the cleaning after you receive possession of the property and before your furniture and belongings arrive. An empty home is much easier to clean thoroughly.
What should be cleaned before moving into a new home?
Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, floors, baseboards, cabinets, closets, doors, fixtures, and other areas that will become difficult to access once furniture and belongings are in place.
Is a move-in clean worth it if the home already looks clean?
It can be. A home may look clean while still having dust or buildup in less visible areas. A move-in clean gives you the opportunity to start fresh before unpacking.
Should I use a move out cleaning checklist when leaving a rental?
A move out cleaning checklist can be very helpful when preparing a rental. However, you should also check your lease or tenancy agreement for any specific cleaning requirements.
What is included in move in move out cleaning?
The scope varies between cleaning companies. It may include kitchens, bathrooms, floors, dusting, cabinets, and other areas throughout the home. Always confirm exactly what is included before booking.