Planning to move out soon? Whether you’re ending a lease or selling a house, it’s important to leave your former home in tip-top (or at least acceptable) condition. This means creating a thorough move-out cleaning checklist — either for yourself or for a professional cleaning crew.
If you’re a renter, detailed cleaning is often necessary to get your security deposit back. Many landlords require tenants to return the home in its original, move-in-ready state. For sellers, a deep clean isn’t legally required but is often expected as a courtesy to the new owners.
Below, we’ve compiled a detailed, room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist to help you leave your home spotless.
Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
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Remove all personal belongings
Clear out every room. Remove furniture, clothes, wall decor, shelving, and miscellaneous items. Don’t forget attics, basements, garages, and outdoor storage areas.
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Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents
Use a duster or vacuum attachment to clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, HVAC vents, and exhaust fans. These areas are often overlooked but collect significant dust and debris.
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Vacuum all floors and carpets
Vacuum carpets, rugs and hard-to-reach areas like under furniture, along baseboards, and in closets. Use attachments for stairs and edges. Consider hiring a carpet cleaning service for high-traffic areas or stains.
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Dust and wipe down all surfaces
Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down:
- Countertops
- Baseboards
- Windowsills
- Doors and handles
- Fireplace mantels
- Shelves and built-ins
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Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets should be emptied, vacuumed and wiped clean inside and out.
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Clean all appliances (inside and out)
- Refrigerator and freezer. Remove all contents, unplug if needed, and wipe down shelves and drawers with a disinfectant.
- Oven and stovetop. Scrub the stovetop and inside the oven. Use baking soda paste or oven cleaner.
- Microwave. Clean inside and outside, including under the rotating plate.
- Dishwasher. Run a cleaning cycle and wipe down the door and seal.
- Washer and dryer. Wipe down drums and clean out the lint trap.
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Scrub bathrooms
Give bathrooms extra attention:
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower.
- Remove soap scum, mildew, and hard water stains.
- Clean mirrors and wipe down cabinets.
- Use a vinegar solution or a bathroom-specific cleaner for tile grout.
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Clean and sanitize sinks and countertops
Wipe down all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Sanitize high-touch areas like faucets, handles and knobs.
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Clean the interior and exterior of windows
Wash window glass inside and outside (where reachable). Wipe down window tracks and blinds.
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Empty and clean trash bins
Remove all garbage from the property. Scrub out trash cans and recycling bins, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
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Clean closets and storage spaces
Wipe shelves and closet rods. Vacuum floors and corners. Check for forgotten items.
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Remove nails, screws and wall anchors
Unless otherwise requested, take out all hanging hardware. Leave the walls free of damage.
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Patch holes and repair minor wall damage
Use spackling paste or wall repair kits to fill holes. Sand the surface after it dries.
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Touch up paint and scuffs
Use matching paint to touch up scratched walls and scuffed baseboards. Focus on entryways, hallways and frequently used areas.
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Clean switch plates and outlet covers
Wipe down all light switches and outlet covers with disinfectant.
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Mop hard floors
Once vacuuming and surface cleaning are done, mop all hardwood, tile, vinyl, or laminate floors. Use a vinegar and warm water mix for natural cleaning or a floor-specific cleaner.
Should You Hire a Cleaning Service?
You have two options:
- DIY cleaning: Best for saving money but requires time and effort.
- Professional cleaning service: Ideal if your schedule is tight, you’re moving quickly, or your deposit is at stake.
If hiring the pros, we recommend that you ask for a move-out cleaning service specifically. These cleaners know exactly what landlords and buyers look for during inspections.
When Should You Do the Cleaning?
Clean after all your belongings are removed. This allows for better access to every nook and cranny and ensures you won’t track dirt back in.
Suggested cleaning timeline:
- 2–3 days before your move-out date: Schedule cleaning (or cleaners).
- Day before the walkthrough: Final touch-ups.
- Day of move-out: Dispose of remaining trash and check all rooms one last time.
Move-Out Cleaning FAQ
Do I have to clean if I’m selling my house?
Legally, no. But it’s courteous — and expected. Clean homes leave a good impression and can prevent disputes during closing.
What happens if I don’t clean my rental before moving out?
You could lose part or all of your security deposit. Many leases include clauses requiring a “broom-clean” or “professional clean” condition upon move-out.
How long does a move-out clean take?
Here’s an approximate rundown, but, of course, the time it would take to clean for the move-out depends on how frequently you’ve been cleaning the property to begin with:
- Studio/1-bedroom: 3–5 hours
- 2–3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours
- Larger homes: Full-day or multi-day effort
What supplies do I need for move-out cleaning?
You’ll likely need:
- Vacuum and mop
- Broom and dustpan
- Microfiber cloths
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes/spray
- Spackle, putty knife, and sandpaper
- Paint (for touch-ups)
For a full list of cleaning supplies, please check out our guide to 34 essential cleaning products every home needs.
Can I clean while still packing?
It’s better to wait until everything is packed and removed. If needed, clean in zones—starting with unused rooms.
The Bottom Line
A thorough move-out clean is worth the time, especially if money or reputation is on the line. Use this checklist to stay organized and reduce stress during the transition. Whether you do it yourself or hire help, leaving your home spotless ensures a smoother move and a fresh start for everyone involved.
Moving Soon?
To help make your upcoming move easier, we recommend hiring professionals to handle the heavy lifting. Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.
Best of luck and happy moving!