Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Ensure Full Deposit Return

Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Ensure Full Deposit Return

Cleaning Checklists
100 Items
Comprehensive move-out cleaning guide covering all areas from ceilings to floors, ensuring full deposit return and property restoration.

Complete Move Out Cleaning Guide

Comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist covering every area of the property from ceilings to floors, ensuring thorough cleaning for maximum deposit return and property restoration to original condition.

1. Pre-Cleaning / Planning

1Remove all personal belongings, trash, and clutter from all rooms
2Gather and organize all cleaning supplies, tools, microfiber cloths, buckets, etc.
3Check and replace any burned-out light bulbs
4Remove picture hooks, nails, screws from walls and fill holes / patch paint
5Take "before" photos of each room (for deposit / records)
6Plan an order (top to bottom, back to front) to avoid re-soiling cleaned areas
7Unplug and pull out large appliances (refrigerator, stove) for access behind/underneath
8Label or bag small hardware, screws, parts from removed fixtures
9Close and seal unused vents or registers to prevent blowing dust
10Open windows/ventilation to let fresh air in while cleaning

2. Ceilings, Walls & High Surfaces

1Remove cobwebs from corners, light fixtures, and ceilings
2Dust or wipe ceiling fans, blades, and light fixtures
3Wipe down walls (spot clean stains, marks, smudges)
4Clean baseboards, trim, molding along all floors and door frames
5Clean both sides of doors, door edges, and door hardware
6Clean light switches, electrical outlet covers, and wall plates
7Dust and clean window frames, sills, and tracks
8Clean blinds, shutters, and window treatments (or remove and wash)
9Clean inside window panes and frame (as much as reachable)
10Touch up scuff marks, repaint small patches if needed

3. Floor & Carpet Cleaning

1Vacuum or sweep floors thoroughly (corners, edges)
2If carpeted: steam clean or shampoo carpets and rugs
3Spot-treat carpet stains before full cleaning
4Mop hard floors with appropriate cleaner (tile, wood, laminate)
5Wipe floor along baseboards and behind doors
6Moveable furniture: slide, clean beneath, then restore
7Dry floors fully to prevent streaks or water damage
8Clean transition strips between floor types
9Clean area rugs (vacuum, shake, wash if possible)
10Clean thresholds and door sills

4. Kitchen

1Empty all cabinets, drawers, and pantry; wipe inside/outside
2Clean countertops, backsplashes, and sink thoroughly
3Clean inside & outside of refrigerator & freezer (remove drawers)
4Clean stove, oven, burner elements, and hood (inside & outside)
5Clean dishwasher (inside tub, racks, door)
6Clean microwave inside & out
7Clean small appliances (toaster, kettle, etc.) and wipe them dry
8Clean cabinet fronts, handles, and knobs
9Clean under and behind appliances (move them)
10Sweep and mop kitchen floor

5. Bathrooms

1Scrub showers, tubs, tile, and grout; remove soap scum / mold
2Clean toilets (bowl, seat, tank exterior, base)
3Clean sinks, faucets, and countertops
4Clean mirrors and glass surfaces streak-free
5Wipe cabinet interiors and exteriors
6Clean exhaust fan / vent cover
7Clean or replace shower curtains / doors / tracks
8Clean floor, baseboards, and corners
9Clean walls, switches, door, and hardware
10Descale faucets, showerheads, and drains

6. Bedrooms, Living Rooms & General Rooms

1Clean closets: shelves, rods, interior walls
2Dust all furniture, shelves, and built-ins
3Vacuum or clean upholstery (couches, chairs)
4Clean windows, blinds, and sills
5Dust and clean light fixtures, ceiling fans
6Wipe down electronics (TVs, remotes, cables)
7Clean decorative elements (mirrors, picture frames)
8Wipe baseboards and trim
9Clean floors (vacuum / sweep / mop)
10Ensure no nails, hooks, or debris left behind

7. Utilities, Laundry & Appliance Rooms

1Clean washing machine interior, detergent tray, gasket
2Clean dryer lint trap, vent, and exterior
3Wipe exterior of washer and dryer
4Clean utility sink, pipes, and drains
5Clean water heater access areas
6Dust or wipe HVAC vents or filters
7Sweep/mop floor of utility room
8Clean any storage cabinets or shelves
9Clean access panels, fuse boxes or meters
10Ensure all appliances are disconnected and safe

8. Garage, Basement & Storage Areas

1Clear out all leftover items, debris, and trash
2Sweep or vacuum floor, including corners
3Clean walls and remove cobwebs
4Wipe down shelves, cabinets, and storage racks
5Clean any utility appliances located there
6Check drainage, sump pits, or floor drains and clear blockages
7If concrete floor: consider pressure wash / scrub if needed
8Clean garage door interior surface
9Clean door tracks, hinges, and hardware
10Check for stains (oil, chemicals) and treat them

9. Outdoor, Porch, Patio, Driveway

1Sweep porch, driveway, walkway, stairs, patio
2Remove weeds, debris, leaves from outdoor areas
3Clean rails, banisters, and posts
4Wash exterior doors, door frames, and hardware
5Clean light fixtures, exterior bulbs, and sensors
6Clean windows from outside (if accessible)
7Rake or tidy yard, trim grass, bushes, hedges
8Remove nails, hooks, cords from exterior walls
9Power wash driveway, sidewalks, or patios if needed
10Clean outdoor storage, shed, or outbuildings

10. Final Inspection & Touch-Ups

1Walk through every room checking for missed spots
2Re-wipe high-touch surfaces (switches, handles, railings)
3Touch up scuffs or marks in walls, trim, baseboards
4Replace any burned-out bulbs left or recheck lighting
5Clean fingerprints off glass, mirrors, surfaces
6Vacuum/mop floor one more time after dust settles
7Put back moved furniture in original or clean positions
8Clean and empty all trash bins, remove trash
9Close all windows, lock doors, and double-check keys
10Take "after" photos of all rooms to document condition
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