Moving can be an overwhelming task. Not only is there the actual process of transporting your belongings, but even in the days before it’s time to pack up and go, there’s a lot to do. One of the most important steps is pre-move cleaning — that is, making sure your old home is left in top condition so you can get your deposit back or make sure it looks good on the market. Taking a few extra hours up front to do some thorough deep cleaning will make for a smoother move overall and give you peace of mind that your rental or new dwelling will be spotless when you arrive.
Here are some tips for getting everything looking its best before you make your big move.
What to Do Before You Start
Getting your home in order before you move requires some factual preparation and organization. Know the tasks that need to be completed and the resources available to you in order to do your job sparingly and stress-free.
Before you start your pre-move clean-up, it’s important to assess your current home condition. Make a list of areas needing repair, cleaning, or special attention, such as tiles that need repainting or carpets that need steaming. Survey windows for wiping and screens for removal, and check for any appliance needing installation or repair. Take the time to record your list of items so you don’t miss anything!
The Kitchen
The kitchen is likely to be the most work-intensive area to get ready for your move, other than maybe the bathroom. You’ll want everything you’re taking with you to be spotless, and the kitchen is one room that really needs a thorough scrub down.
Start by emptying out all cabinets and drawers. If they need to be screwed into the wall to make an even move, do so before removing any items from them. Once everything is out of the way, give them a good wipe-down with a quality cleanser. The same goes for any built-in appliances like an oven or refrigerator—take off any shelves or drawers, thoroughly scrub them (including behind/underneath), then replace them before moving on.
The Bathrooms
Whether you’re preparing a home for sale or getting ready to move in somewhere new, giving your bathroom a deep cleaning is essential. Start by decluttering – put away all items currently stored in the vanity, clear out anything stored under the sink, and remove any items that don’t belong in the bathroom.
Now that things are more organized, it’s time to scrub. Begin by scrubbing surfaces like counters and fixtures with an all-purpose cleaner according to the product’s instructions. Don’t forget to get into those little crevices with an old toothbrush! Next, give your mirrors, tubs, and sinks a thorough scrubbing using non-abrasive cleaners – abrasive solutions can strip away paint or protective coats on fixtures.
For tough spots like soap scum on shower/tub walls or stuck-on dirt in grout lines, use a scouring pad or brush but be sure not to scratch porcelain surfaces. Lastly, mop the floor and then dry it off with a towel so that you know it is completely clean before leaving it unfloored overnight when moving out – nobody wants to move into a dirty house!
The Bedrooms
When cleaning your bedrooms before the move, pay special attention to areas like the closets, inside drawers, and underneath the furniture. This is often where dirt and dust hide, so be sure to save time in your clean-up routine for these areas.
Take a look at light switch plates and fan fixtures. Wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner and make sure they are completely dry before moving on. Also, vacuum any fabric covering on bedroom furniture such as sofas and recliners. If you have some time available, consider using a cleaner specifically designed for fabrics like upholstery or carpet to get a deeper clean. Be sure to open curtains and blinds to allow any dust or potential allergens circulating in the air to escape outside when cleaning bedrooms.
Look into any air vents attached to windows – wipe them down with an all-purpose cleaner or special window cleaner depending on the fabric or material of your air vent screens. Don’t forget about the baseboards! Vacuum or sweep around any baseboard edges in each room, then wipe them down with a damp cloth also afterward for streaks-free shine (avoiding moisture marks). Finally, check ceiling fans for dust buildup; use a ladder if needed, and don’t forget safety glasses if you’re using rubber gloves! After wiping down blades in tandem with walls/racks surrounding them -you’re finished!
The Living Room
Creating an organized and sparkling space can provide some peace of mind after you’ve made the big move. Clearing out clutter and giving your furniture a deep clean ensures that you won’t be taking any unwanted dirt or dust with you.
The living room is the first part of your house that family and friends will see when they visit for the first time, so it’s important to make sure that everything looks great. Before getting started make sure you have all the necessary supplies for this task. Here are some tips for how to get your living room spotless before moving day:
- Vacuum upholstered furniture making sure to reach under cushions to remove built-up dust
- Wipe down all hard surfaces with a damp cloth and appropriate cleanser
- Disinfect remote controls, doorknobs, light switches, windowsills, cabinet handles, etc. using an antibacterial spray
- Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces using a glass solution
- Vacuum rugs and carpets with an attachment hose
- Dust furniture surface with a feather duster or microfiber cloth
- Spot clean any fabric stains as needed
Professional Cleaners – Why not?
Hiring cleaning services can be a smart choice for your pre-move clean-up. Moving is already overwhelming, and professional cleaners can take the burden off your shoulders. They have the expertise and tools to ensure your home is spotless before the big day. From deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms to tidying up bedrooms and the living room, they can handle it all – find a reliable service provider to learn more. By hiring professionals, you’ll save time and have peace of mind knowing that your home will be in top condition for the move.
Finishing Touches
Now that you’ve gone through and completed a comprehensive clean-up of your home, it’s time for the finishing touches. This involves taking care of some minor details that may have been overlooked, such as brushing off baseboards and door knobs, wiping down light fixtures and switches, and vacuuming or mopping all hard surfaces. The idea here is to make sure all the details are attended to in order to give your home a spotless finish before your big move.
In addition to vacuum cleaning and mopping up any remaining dirt you may have missed during your initial clean-up, it’s also a good idea to engage the services of professional cleaners if time permits it. Professional cleaners can help get those hard-to-reach places speckless, bringing that extra touch of tidiness needed for a perfect pre-move clean-up.
