When planning a move, make sure to assign time for cleaning once your belongings are moved out. Whether you have a security deposit on the line or not, cleaning your vacated home is a common courtesy. Ideally, investing in a professional cleaning service is preferred; however it may not be a reality in your financial budget. At 1-800-PACK-RAT, we understand a move can be overwhelming and financially taxing, so here are 8 DIY tips to help you clean like a pro when moving out. One positive thing to remember is cleaning is easier without clutter. So grab the cleaning supplies, recruit family and friends to help, turn up your music playlist and get to work!
Specific Rooms:
1. Clean the kitchen - Wipe down the inside and outside of kitchen cabinets and drawers. Scrub countertops, appliances, and sinks. Clean out the oven, stove, and burners. If you leave a refrigerator, ensure all items are removed and clean inside and out. If time allows, unplug to defrost the freezer and wipe down. Freshen up the garbage disposal with lemon juice.
2. Clean the bathroom(s) - Scrub the toilet, sink, and tub/shower. Use a glass cleaner to clean the mirrors. Clean any shower doors that tend to collect soap residue. Wipe down the inside and outside of bathroom cabinets and drawers. Clean any tile in the shower or bathroom floor, including the tiles' grout.
The Rest of the Home:
3. Dust - Dust all flat surfaces, light fixtures, and blinds. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, remove any ashes and dust around the screen and mantle (this is not only for cleanliness but can also be the removal of a potential fire hazard for the next owner).
4. Clean the windows - Clean the inside and outside of windows throughout the house. Don’t forget any garage or storage shed windows. If you have windows that aren’t easy to reach and don’t have a long ladder, you may need to consider a professional window cleaning service. Pressure washing might also do the trick for tougher to clean spots.
5. Clean the walls - Remove any stains, scuff marks, or smudges on walls throughout the house with magic erasers. For tough spots that can’t be removed, use touch-up paint.
6. Sweep/Vacuum - Sweep and vacuum the entire house, including the garage and any porches. Even just a quick run of the vacuum through the home can be a big help.
7. Clean the carpet - Remove any carpet stains. Consider renting a steam cleaner from your local grocery store for tough stains or investing in a professional carpet cleaning service.
8. Mop - Mop non-carpeted areas such as hardwoods, tile, and laminate floors. Nobody wants to walk into a new home and see footprints everywhere! You can get a quick mop that sprays cleaning solution and you simply wipe it away - gets the floors clean quickly!
We know the last thing you want to do when planning a move is clean once your items have been moved out. By following these cleaning tips, you can leave your home clean and ready for the next residents, and they will thank you for it! You will appreciate the same courtesy when you move into your new home. To learn more, contact 1-800-PACK-RAT today and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you.