How to clean house before moving

How to Clean a House Before Moving Out 

Tips, timelines and a checklist for cleaning your rental before moving

Whether your lease is up or you're ready to sell your house, moving out can be a stressful experience. However, with a bit of planning and effort, you can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. We may not be experts on moving, but we do know a thing or two about cleaning and getting rid of rubbish.

One of the most important tasks ahead of you is ensuring that your house is clean and in good condition. You’ll need to, if you’re going to get that deposit back.

In this guide, we’re going to give you:

• A two-week timeline for cleaning your house
• A comprehensive cleaning checklist with everything you need to remember

Before we get stuck into it, remember that all that cleaning waste and rubbish has to go somewhere. Book a skip bin for hard rubbish. We’ll help you pick the right size for your home, and we can even let you keep it for two weeks (or longer) so that it’s always there when you need it.

A two-week timeline for decluttering your home before moving
Two weeks before moving

Gather your cleaning supplies

First things first, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies. Having everything on hand will save you time and make the cleaning process more efficient. Some essential items include:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponges and scrub brushes
• Mop and bucket
• Vacuum cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Glass cleaner
• Trash bags

Eco-friendly options are a great choice for a greener clean. Preparing a cleaning caddy with all your supplies can make it easy to move from room to room.

Create a cleaning checklist

Having a structured plan is crucial. Create a cleaning checklist that covers all rooms and common areas. This will ensure you don't miss any spots. A good checklist includes tasks like:

• Dusting furniture
• Cleaning windows and mirrors
• Vacuuming carpets
• Mopping floors
• Wiping down surfaces

Scroll to the bottom of this page, and you’ll see we’ve created a checklist for you. Remember to add and remove points to make sure it’s appropriate for your home.

Start with decluttering

Before you start deep cleaning, declutter each room. Sort your items into categories: keep, donate, and trash. This step makes cleaning easier and reduces the amount of stuff you need to move.

Deep clean the kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home and requires a thorough cleaning. Focus on:

• Cleaning inside and outside of all appliances (oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher)
• Defrosting and cleaning the refrigerator and freezer
• Cleaning the stovetop, burners, and range hood
• Wiping down cabinets, countertops, and sinks
• Sanitising floors and emptying trash cans

Scrub the bathrooms

Bathrooms need special attention due to the buildup of soap scum and mould. Here’s what to do:

• Scrub and disinfect toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers
• Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
• Wipe down cabinets and drawers
• Clean and sanitise floors
• Remove soap scum and hard water stains

Using the right products and tools will make this task easier and more effective.

One week before moving

Clean carpets and floors

Clean carpets and floors make a huge difference in your home's overall appearance. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and consider hiring professional carpet cleaners if needed. For hard floors, sweep and mop carefully.

Wash windows and mirrors

Clean windows and mirrors can brighten up any space. Use a streak-free window cleaner and microfiber cloth to get the best results. Don’t forget to:

• Clean window tracks and sills
• Dust and clean blinds and curtains

This step will leave the house looking fresh and airy.

Dust and wipe down surfaces

Dusting and wiping down surfaces is essential to remove accumulated dirt. Focus on: 

• Dusting furniture, light fixtures, and baseboards
• Wiping down walls to remove scuff marks
• Cleaning light switches and door handles 

Thorough dusting enhances the cleanliness of the home.

Three days before moving

Don’t forget outdoor areas

Outdoor areas often get overlooked, but they are just as important. Make sure to:

• Sweep and clean patios, decks, and balconies
• Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown plants
• Dispose of all trash and debris
• Clean out the garage and ensure it’s empty

Maintaining the exterior leaves a good final impression.

Comprehensive checklist of housecleaning and repairs

To make sure nothing is missed, follow this comprehensive checklist:

Documentation:

• Take lots of pictures of each cleaned-up space for evidence

Kitchen:

• Clean inside and outside of all appliances (oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher)
• Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer
• Clean stovetop, burners, and range hood
• Clean countertops, sinks, and faucets
• Wipe down cabinets, inside and out
• Clean and sanitise floors
• Empty and clean trash cans
• Clean light fixtures and switches
• Polish stainless steel appliances

Bathrooms:

• Scrub and disinfect toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers
• Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
• Wipe down cabinets and drawers
• Clean and sanitise floors
• Clean light fixtures and switches
• Remove soap scum and hard water stains
• Clean showerheads and faucet aerators
• Replace worn-out shower curtains or liners

Living Room and Bedrooms:

• Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and baseboards
• Clean windows, tracks, and blinds
• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
• Wipe down walls and remove any scuff marks
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Empty and clean closets and storage areas
• Wash or dry-clean curtains and drapes
• Clean under furniture and move it if possible
• Patch up holes and touch up paint on walls

General Areas:

• Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Clean or replace air filters
• Remove all cobwebs
• Clean door handles and switches
• Vacuum and clean vents
• Wash and sanitise trash bins
• Clean laundry area, including washer and dryer
• Empty and clean medicine cabinets
• Ensure all smoke detectors are working and replace batteries if needed
• Clean the thermostat and any control panels
• Remove any modifications made to the property

Repairs:

• Patch up holes in walls
• Fix any leaky faucets
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Ensure all door handles and locks are working
• Repair any broken or loose tiles
• Fix or replace damaged blinds or curtains
• Ensure all doors and windows open and close properly
• Repair any damaged furniture or fixtures
• Check and repair any plumbing issues
• Make sure all electrical outlets are functional

Outdoor Areas:

• Sweep and clean patios, decks, and balconies
• Mow the lawn and trim any overgrown plants
• Dispose of all trash and debris
• Clean out the garage and ensure it's empty
• Wash exterior windows
• Clean and organise any outdoor storage areas
• Repair any damage to fences or gates
• Power wash driveways and walkways
• Check and repair outdoor lighting
• Ensure gutters are clean and free of debris
• Secure and repair any outdoor furniture

Documentation:

• Take lots of pictures of each cleaned-up space for evidence

Ready to get started?

Cleaning can be sweaty, grotty work, but it’s not all a nightmare. With proper time management, it’ll go by in a breeze. Gather a few friends around you and order a couple of large pizzas, and you’ll be through in no time. We hope this guide has made planning your clean-out a little easier.

Remember, our hard rubbish skip bins can take all general household waste. Book yours today, and we’ll make sure it’s ready in time for your big clean.