Apartment move out cleaning can be a daunting task, whether you’re relocating to a new apartment or purchasing a new house. With a bunch of responsibilities such as packing, arranging renters insurance, and updating your address, cleaning can often become an afterthought. While hiring a cleaning service can alleviate some stress, opting to handle it yourself can save money and allow for a more flexible schedule. To simplify the process, we’ve put together a move-out cleaning checklist to ensure you cover all the frequently overlooked areas before you depart.

As you prepare to leave, it’s essential to have your cleaning supplies at the ready. A spotless apartment or condo is crucial for ensuring the return of your deposit money. With our comprehensive apartment move-out cleaning checklist, you’ll have everything you need to thoroughly clean your space. So grab your cleaning tools, cue up your favorite playlist, and let’s get started on making your space sparkle before you bid farewell and return your keys.

The Move-Out Check List you should follow:

The Move-Out Checklist mentioned below is essential to ensure that you don’t overlook any crucial cleaning tasks before leaving your old place. This comprehensive checklist covers all the necessary areas to clean, helping you to maintain the cleanliness standards required for a smooth move-out process. By following each step meticulously, you can rest assured that you’ve covered everything and maximized the chances of receiving your full deposit back.

Clean Your Walls and Ceilings

Cleaning your walls and ceilings is an essential step in ensuring a thorough move-out process. Start by inspecting the walls for any visible stains, marks, or scuffing. Use a mild detergent or wall cleaner diluted in warm water to gently scrub away any dirt or grime. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a slightly stronger cleaning solution, but be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first to avoid any damage.

Clean Your Windows

Cleaning your windows is an important part of preparing for a move-out. Begin by removing any dust, dirt, or debris from the window frames and tracks using a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth. Next, wash the windows inside and out using a glass cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar. Be sure to wipe the windows in a circular motion to prevent streaks. For hard-to-reach windows, consider using a windows cleaning tools with an extendable handle or a ladder. Don’t forget to clean the window screens as well, removing any buildup of dust or grime. Finally, polish the windows with a dry, lint-free cloth to achieve a sparkling finish. Clean windows not only enhance the appearance of your home but also allow more natural light to enter, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere.

Patch Holes in Walls

Patching holes in walls is an essential step to restore the appearance of your home before moving out. Start by inspecting the walls for any nail holes, screw holes, or larger dents or cracks. Use a putty knife to apply spackling compound or drywall patching compound to fill in the holes or damaged areas. Smooth the compound evenly over the surface, ensuring it is flush with the surrounding wall. Allow the compound to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, sand the patched areas gently to create a smooth finish. If necessary, apply a second coat of compound and repeat the sanding process. After sanding, wipe the walls clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris. With the holes patched and the walls smoothed your home will look fresh and well-maintained, ready for the next occupants to enjoy.

Mop Your Floors

Mopping your floors is a crucial step in ensuring a clean and welcoming environment as you prepare to move out. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Next, fill a bucket with warm water and add a floor cleaner or a mild detergent. Dip a mop into the cleaning solution, wring out any excess water, and start mopping the floors in small sections, working your way from one end of the room to the other. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and any spills or stains that may require extra scrubbing. For stubborn stains or grime buildup, use a scrub brush or a specialized floor cleaner as needed. Once you’ve mopped the entire floor, rinse the mop thoroughly and go over the floors again with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Clean All Cabinets

Cleaning all cabinets is essential to ensure that every corner of your home is sparkling clean before you move out. Begin by emptying the cabinets of any items stored inside, taking care to discard any expired or unused items. Next, use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove any dust, crumbs, or debris from the interior surfaces of the cabinets. Pay special attention to the corners and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Once the interiors are clean, wipe down the exterior surfaces of the cabinets, including the doors, handles, and knobs, using a mild detergent or a specialized cabinet cleaner. For stubborn stains or grease buildup, a mixture of water and vinegar can be effective. After cleaning, dry the cabinets thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water damage or streaking. 

Wash Bathroom Mirror

Washing the bathroom mirror is an essential step to ensure a clean and polished appearance before you move out. Begin by spraying a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar onto the mirror surface, ensuring even coverage. Use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe the mirror in a circular motion, starting from the top and working your way down. Pay special attention to any smudges, toothpaste splatters, or water spots, using gentle pressure to remove them effectively. For stubborn stains or buildup, you may need to spray the cleaner directly onto the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. Once the mirror is clean and streak-free, use a dry cloth to buff the surface to a sparkling shine.

Disinfect the Toilet

Disinfecting the toilet is a crucial step in ensuring a clean and hygienic bathroom before you move out. Start by putting on gloves to protect your hands from bacteria and germs. Then, spray a disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water inside the toilet bowl, covering the entire surface, including under the rim. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, paying close attention to any stains or buildup. Flush the toilet to rinse away the cleaner and any loosened debris. Next, spray the exterior surfaces of the toilet, including the seat, lid, and handle, with the disinfectant cleaner.

Clear Cobwebs from the Fans

Clearing cobwebs from the fans is an important step to ensure that your home looks tidy and well-maintained before you move out. Start by turning off the fan and allowing it to come to a complete stop. Then, use a duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove any cobwebs or dust buildup from the fan blades and motor housing. Pay special attention to the area around the fan where cobwebs tend to accumulate. Once you’ve cleared away the cobwebs, wipe down the fan blades and housing with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or debris. 

Clear exhaust fans

Clearing exhaust fans is an essential task to ensure proper ventilation and air quality in your home before moving out. Begin by turning off the power to the exhaust fan to prevent any accidents. Then, carefully remove the cover or grille from the exhaust fan to access the fan blades and interior surfaces. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a duster to gently remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the fan blades, motor housing, and surrounding area. Pay special attention to the vents and crevices where buildup tends to accumulate. Once you’ve cleared away the debris, wipe down the fan blades and housing with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust or grime. If the cover or grille is removable, wash it with warm, soapy water and allow it to dry completely before reattaching it to the exhaust fan.

Sanitize the dishwasher

Sanitizing the dishwasher is an important step to ensure that it is clean and ready for its next use. Begin by removing any debris or food particles from the dishwasher filter and drain. Next, place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Then, run a hot water cycle on the dishwasher, using the sanitize or high-temperature wash setting if available. The vinegar will help to disinfect and remove any lingering odors from the dishwasher. Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bowl of vinegar and wipe down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher, including the door gasket, spray arms, and utensil holders, with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to any areas where residue or buildup may have accumulated.