Move-In Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean Before You Unpack

You just got the keys. Before the boxes and the sofa come through the door, take a few hours to clean. An empty home is the easiest it will ever be to clean properly: no furniture to move, nothing on the counters and every cabinet open to reach. This move-in cleaning checklist covers what to clean before you unpack, whether you’re renting or buying in the US, Canada or the UK.

Why clean before you move in

• The last people’s mess isn’t yours. Even a home that was cleaned at move-out can have dust on top of cabinets, crumbs in drawers and buildup in the shower.
• It’s much faster when empty. Floors, baseboards and inside cabinets take half the time without furniture and boxes in the way.
• Your belongings start clean. Dishes go into wiped shelves, clothes into dust-free closets.
• Renters get a record. Cleaning gives you a close look at every room. Photograph any damage before you unpack and send it to your landlord or letting agent with your check-in inventory.

Before you start

• Do a walkthrough with your phone and take photos and video of each room, including marks, stains and damage.
• Check that water, power and heating are on.
• Bring supplies, a vacuum, a mop, trash bags and new shelf liners if you want them.
• Work top to bottom and back to front: high surfaces first, floors last, and finish at the front door.

Move-in cleaning checklist: room by room

Kusina

• Wipe inside and on top of every cabinet and drawer.
• Clean inside the fridge and freezer: remove shelves and drawers, wash them and dry before you plug back in or restock.
• Clean inside the oven, the racks and the stovetop. Check under burner grates.
• Run the dishwasher empty with a cleaner and clean the filter.
• Clean the microwave inside and out and the range hood filter.
• Scrub the sink and faucet, and wipe the backsplash and counters.
• Sweep and mop, including under the edge of the fridge and stove if you can reach.

Mga Banyo

• Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind it.
• Clean the tub, shower, glass and grout, and descale the shower head.
• Wipe inside the vanity and medicine cabinet.
• Clean mirrors, fixtures and the exhaust fan cover.
• Mop the floor.

Bedrooms and living areas

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and the tops of door frames.
• Wipe closet shelves, rods and the floor of each closet.
• Wipe light switches, door handles and outlet covers.
• Clean interior windows, sills and tracks, and dust blinds.
• Wipe baseboards.
• Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop hard floors.

Entry, laundry and the rest

• Wipe the front door, inside and out, and the entry closet.
• Clean the washer drum and door seal, and the dryer lint trap.
• Wipe the stairs and railings.
• Check and clean vent covers and returns.

Renting vs. buying: what’s different

Renters in the US, Canada and the UK usually sign a lease that says the home should be returned in the condition it was handed over. Clean, then document. Your photos and inventory notes from move-in day are what protect your deposit at the end. Keep them with your lease.

Buyers usually get a home “broom clean”, which means swept, not cleaned. Plan for a full clean, and think about jobs that are easiest before furniture: carpets, painting and any repairs.

Book a move-in clean before the furniture arrives

The best time for a professional move-in clean is after you get the keys and before the movers come. With Cleanster, the clean to book for a move-in is a Make-Ready clean. It’s built to get an empty unit ready for the people moving in. In the app, choose Make-Ready Cleaning and tap what’s included to see the checklist. Use the booking notes for access details and anything you want extra attention on.

• Book for the day you get the keys, or the day after.
• Make sure power and water are on.
• Leave access details and notes for your cleaner in the app.
• Schedule the movers for the next day if you can.

Moving into an apartment or condo? See paglilinis ng Apartment. Just need a regular clean once you’re settled? See paglilinis ng Bahay.

What a move-in clean costs

Make-Ready prices vary by location, home size and the hours you book. Most empty homes need more than 2 hours, so the app suggests hours for your home and shows the full price before you book. Every booking has a 2-hour minimum. See home cleaning pricing.

Why book with Cleanster

• Mga cleaner na may background check: bawat cleaner ay pumapasa sa ClearChecks background check at ID check, at may 3 o higit pang na-check na reference.
• 48-oras na Happiness Guarantee: tell us within 48 hours with photos if something isn’t right, and we’ll work with you to make it right.
• Support: 8:30 a.m. hanggang 9 p.m. Central Time.

Leaving your old place at the same time? See our local move-out cleaning checklists for Houston, Calgary at Philadelphia.

Move-in cleaning FAQ

Should I clean before I move in, even if the home was cleaned?
Yes. A quick check usually turns up dust, crumbs in drawers and bathroom buildup. It’s much easier to fix before you unpack.

How long does a move-in clean take?
It depends on the size and condition of the home. A small apartment can take a few hours; a larger house can take most of a day. The app suggests hours for your home.

Which clean do I book for a move-in?
Book a Make-Ready clean. It’s Cleanster’s move-in clean for an empty home. If you’re moving out of your old place, book a Move-Out clean there.

When should I schedule the cleaner?
After you get the keys and before the furniture arrives, with power and water on.

Do I need to be there?
Not always. Leave access details and notes in the app. See do I have to stay the entire time.

Book your move-in clean

Get the keys, book the clean, then unpack into a fresh home. Open the app to see the price for your new place.

I-download ang Cleanster app