Are you getting ready to move out of your home? Perhaps you are moving on to your dream home or downsizing to enjoy a smaller space. Wherever you are heading, it’s important to leave your previous dwelling in tip-top condition – not only to increase the appeal of your home to prospective buyers but also out of courtesy to those who do buy your home.
Cleaning may be the last thing you want to do before leaving your old home behind. Understandably, since you are probably trying to organize and juggle all the other aspects of moving as well. Luckily, Dust Queen has put together a comprehensive move-out cleaning routine to help you tackle one final clean in the most efficient way.
The Perfect Cleaning Routine
With your mind focused on packing up one home and moving to another, the idea of cleaning may send your head into a tizzy. While you may be tempted to rush through the cleaning of your home, the entire ordeal will be much less stressful if you approach it with a plan.
Here are some cleaning tips to keep you on track and make the process smooth and painless:
- Clean from top to bottom. There’s no point in sweeping the floor before dusting surfaces. Allow dirt and dust to work its way down, then sweep and mop the floors last.
- Clean before disinfecting. Disinfectants are far less effective when there is debris, grease and other messes in the way. Use your all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt from your home’s surfaces before following up with a disinfectant.
- Have a checklist. This is where we’ve done the work for you! Having a checklist will help to keep you on track – and motivate you when you see how much you’ve completed.
Now that you are prepared with the perfect cleaning routine, it’s time to tackle your home room-by-room before you move out:
Kitchen
They say the kitchen is the heart of a home – so it goes without saying that this is a highly used space. Because this area of your home is used to prepare food, you’ll need more than a simple all-purpose cleaner. Consider grabbing a disinfectant to ensure the space is clean and germ-free.
Also remember that dust and debris will accumulate behind large appliances, so these will have to be moved in order to thoroughly clean.
Here is your kitchen cleaning checklist:
- Clean grease from the exhaust hood.
- Dust on top and behind all appliances.
- Wash kitchen cabinets and shelves.
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean the oven (inside and stovetop).
- Clean the dishwasher.
- Clean and disinfect the sink, faucets and counters.
- Wipe exterior surfaces of appliances.
- Polish and shine chrome or stainless steel fixtures.
- Wipe down backsplash.
- Organize and wipe down the pantry.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another high-traffic area of your home that is going to require a deep clean using a disinfectant. Once you do a good all-over clean with your all-purpose cleaner, follow up on key areas such as the toilet and sink with your disinfectant. Also remember to get all the nooks and crannies, such as behind the toilet and under the ledges of any cabinets.
Here is your bathroom cleaning checklist:
- Wash all drawers and cabinets.
- Scrub shower door.
- Clean the mirror.
- Clean the bathtub.
- Disinfect the toilet.
- Clean and disinfect sink and faucets.
- Clean shower-head.
- Clear out drains.
- Scrub shower walls and tile.
Living Spaces
Your living spaces include living rooms, dens, dining rooms and bedrooms. Because these areas are mostly used for sitting and relaxing, pay close attention to the furniture in the room.
Remember, while you may be taking it with you, you still want your entire home to look appealing to potential buyers.
Here is your living spaces cleaning checklist:
- Vacuum and shampoo carpets.
- Wipe down furniture.
- Fluff pillows and cushions.
If you have a functioning fireplace, you’ll want to make sure the interior is swept and the surrounding area clear and clean.
All Rooms
There are numerous cleaning tasks that apply to every room in your home. Remember to always clean from top to bottom to be more efficient. Start with dusting ceilings and fans before moving on to surfaces and the floor.
Here is your entire home cleaning checklist:
- Clean window sills.
- Remove cobwebs from fans and corners.
- Dust surfaces and baseboards.
- Clear out air vents.
- Clean light fixtures.
- Disinfect door knobs and light switches.
- Wipe electrical outlets.
- Sweep and mop floors.
- Dust window blinds/wash curtains.
- Sweep/vacuum under furniture.
- Wipe down walls and door casings.
Get Ready to Clean!
Although cleaning your home before you sell and move can be a stressful necessity, there are professional cleaners who are more than happy to come and do the work for you! If you are overwhelmed by the process of moving, contact our cleaners at Dust Queen for more information about how we can clean your home and clear your plate.