Move-In Cleaning Checklist — What You Can Only Clean in an Empty Home

The moment the movers arrive, the inside of cabinets, closet shelves and the floor behind the washer become places you will rarely see again. That is why move-in cleaning is all about the one day before your furniture arrives. Even if you hire cleaners, walking through with this list helps you spot anything they missed.

The rule of order

Top to bottom, inside to out. Dust the ceiling and moldings first so you do not dirty floors you have already cleaned. Work from the far rooms toward the front door so you leave no footprints. Mopping always comes last.

Only possible when the home is empty

Inside cabinets and closets. Previous occupants often leave dust and crumbs. Wipe with a damp cloth and leave the doors open to dry before unpacking.
Window tracks and screens. Furniture will block the windows. Do the tracks and screens now.
Bathroom grout and caulk. If the mold is bad, before moving in is the best time to recaulk. See cleaning bathroom tile grout.
Where the washer and fridge go. Once placed, they rarely move for years. Clean the floor, wall and drain thoroughly.
Hood and exhaust fans. The previous kitchen’s grease is still there. Start fresh with range hood filter degreasing.

In a newly built home

In a brand-new home, the new-building smell is often more noticeable than dust. Closing the windows, turning the heating up for a few hours and then airing it out fully, repeated over several days before moving in, helps reduce odors from building materials. Keep ventilating several times a day for a while after moving in too.

If you are moving out

Move-out cleaning is a courtesy to the next occupant, and it can affect your deposit. Photograph the whole home after the furniture is out, and deal with heavy mold and grease beforehand to avoid disputes.