The last thing you want to do before you move to a new home is to clean your old place. Unfortunately, you can’t avoid the tedious cleaning tasks, especially if it is the only difference between getting your deposit back. It’s always nice to have some extra money to balance your moving costs. So just blast on some music, grab the broom and get done with it. Here is a room-by- room list of all the chores you need to tackle:
General Tasks:
The best strategy is to leave everything the way you found it when you moved in. Cover all areas that you might be billed for later.
- Vacuum each room and remove any stains from the carpets.
- Wash the floor and clean the windows.
- Dust the ceiling fixtures and the shelves Wipe down all the surfaces and give your window treatments a nice wash.
- You don’t necessarily need to wipe the walls, unless they are not too filthy.
- Be sure to clean door knobs, as well as the light switches and outlets.
- If you are planning to get rid of some furnishing or other large piece, schedule a professional clearance services.
Kitchen:
The kitchen is one of the toughest and most time-consuming parts of your home to clean. That is why it’s best to start with it first.
- Remove all the food and debris from the kitchen cabinetry and the fridge.
- Wipe the front of the cabinets and clean the insides.
- Sanitize the countertops.
- Scrub the refrigerator and clean thoroughly each shelf.
- Scour the oven inside out. Use steel wool to tackle the drip pans and the burners.
- Clean all kitchen appliances such as the dishwasher and the microwave.
- Scrub and shine the sink and faucet.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is another tough area that involves a lot of scrubbing and washing:
- Take the soap scum off the bathroom tiles, the tub and/or the shower and then bleach the grout.
- Clean out the debris and hair from the bathroom drawers and vanity.
- Wash the mirror
- Scrub the toilet and the sink
- Sweep and mop the floors
Bedroom/ Living Room:
Leave the bedroom and the living room for last. These rooms require only basic clearance and maintenance.
- Dust, vacuum and mop these areas.
Bonus Tips:
To ensure that you haven’t forgotten something, check your move in/move out clearance form. There you will find a list with the items and appliances that are subject to the end-of tenancy inspection.
Aside from general cleaning, take time to de-clutter your place. Decide what you want to keep and what should go away. Ensure that you haven’t left anything behind, especially food and other perishable products. If you need to dispose any large amount of rubbish, you can turn to the waste removal professionals to save time and efforts.
It may seem like a lot of work, but with a little patience and dedication, your efforts will be rewarded.
