First impressions matter, especially when moving homes. A clean home can help you get your security deposit back and ensure a smooth relocation. Prioritizing cleaning your old and new apartments is key to a stress-free move.
Get Motivated: Clean to Get Your Security Deposit Back
Cleaning your rental property thoroughly is often part of your rental agreement. It’s also a courtesy to the next tenant. Create a detailed cleaning list for each room in your home. This will help you cover all necessary areas and make the process smoother.
Repair Minor Imperfections
Before cleaning, repair minor issues:
- Wall and Fixture Holes: Remove all wall decor and patch any holes. Repaint to blend with the rest of the wall.
- Batteries and Bulbs: Replace dead batteries in smoke detectors and burnt-out bulbs.
- Dents and Stains: Use a bleach pen or touch-up paint to cover wall stains and chips.
Wash Windows, Frames, and Mirrors
Clean windows and mirrors can enhance your home’s appearance. Dust blinds, windowsills, and frames first. Then, use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner to make them shine.
Clean and Repaint Walls and Door Frames
Dust and wipe down walls, door frames, baseboards, and trim. Use a light detergent to wash off marks and spots. Repaint any areas with deep stains or holes.
Clean and Shine Countertops
Use an all-purpose cleaner to remove dirt and stains from countertops. Clean underneath and between grooves. Finish with a countertop polish for a nice shine.
Declutter Shelves and Drawers
Empty all drawers and shelves of personal belongings. This reduces moving clutter and leaves the space neat for the next tenant.
Sweep and Mop Floors
Sweep all floors, paying attention to corners and grooves. Then, mop with a tile cleaner. Vacuum carpeted areas twice. If possible, use a carpet cleaning machine to deep clean and remove stains.
Refresh Appliances
Clean appliances thoroughly:
- Toaster: Shake out crumbs and wipe down.
- Refrigerator: Remove and wash shelves with warm soapy water.
- Microwave: Clean inside and out, removing all grease and stains.
- Oven and Stovetop: Wash removable trays and scrub narrow spaces.
Deep Clean Bathrooms
Spend extra time on the bathroom:
- Sink: Scrub seams and grooves, shine faucets and backsplash.
- Toilet: Clean the bowl, seat, hinge bolts, cover, and base sides.
- Tub and Shower: Use baking soda to remove soap scum. Clean and polish fixtures and showerhead.
Remove Personal Items
Ensure no personal belongings are left behind. This helps new tenants and secures your deposit.
Take Out the Dustbin
Dispose of all trash before leaving to ensure a tidy space for your landlord and new tenants.
What to Clean When You Move In
Cleaning your new home before moving in is a great way to start fresh. Here’s what to tackle:
- Kitchen: Deep clean the oven, extractor hood, stovetop, fridge, freezer, cabinets, and counters.
- Bathroom: Disinfect and clean the tub, shower, sink, and showerhead.
- Garage: Hose and sweep to remove dust and debris.
- Bedrooms: Vacuum carpets and rugs.
- Floors: Sweep and mop.
- Windows: Wipe blinds, windowsills, and wash windows if time permits.
Final Thoughts
A thorough cleaning before moving out can make all the difference in ensuring a pleasant relocation experience. It helps you get your security deposit back and sets a good impression for the next tenant. Cleaning your new home before moving in ensures you start fresh in a dust-free environment.
Ready for a hassle-free move? Let Bright And Shine Cleaning handle the cleaning for you. Contact us today to schedule your professional move-out cleaning service!
