Moving Day: Your Essential Guide for a Smooth Transition

Moving is a huge undertaking, but don’t let cleaning fall by the wayside! A strategic clean-out of both your old and new homes can save you stress, ensure deposit returns, and create a truly fresh start.  Here’s to  Moving Day Clean-Out: Old & New Home Cleaning Guide

Part 1: Leaving Your Old Home Spotless

The Goal: Leave it sparkling for new occupants or to secure your security deposit.

1. The Pre-Packing Purge (2-3 Weeks Before):

• Declutter FIRST: Less stuff means less to clean around. Donate, sell, or discard anything you don’t need.
• Wipe as You Empty: As cabinets and drawers are emptied, give them a quick wipe-down.
• Appliance Prep: Start eating down fridge contents. Run oven’s self-clean cycle or use cleaner early.

2. The Deep Clean (As Rooms Empty – 1 Week Before):

• Top-to-Bottom: Always clean from high (fans, light fixtures) to low (floors).
• Walls & Windows: Spot clean walls, clean windows and blinds.
• Kitchen & Bathrooms: These are priority. Deep clean inside cabinets, appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher), sinks, counters, showers, toilets, and mirrors. Disinfect everything!
• Flooring Last: Vacuum/sweep all floors, then mop hard surfaces. Consider professional carpet cleaning if required or heavily soiled.

3. Moving Day Wipe-Down (Final Touches):

• Last Sweep: Do a final sweep or vacuum after everything is out.
• High-Touch Surfaces: Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and banisters.
• Final Check: Do a quick walk-through to ensure nothing is missed and all surfaces are clean.

Key Old Home Supplies: All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, oven cleaner, vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths, scrub brush, trash bags, gloves.

Part 2: Starting Fresh in Your New Home

The Goal: Ensure your new space is truly clean, hygienic, and ready for you to move in.

1. Pre-Move-In Deep Clean (IDEAL – Before Boxes Arrive):

• If you have access, this is the best time!
• Prioritize Kitchen & Bathrooms: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces, inside cabinets, and appliances.
• All Surfaces: Wipe down walls, doors, baseboards, windows, and blinds.
• Flooring First: Vacuum/sweep, then mop hard floors. This is the absolute best time for professional carpet cleaning.

2. Post-Move-In Spot Clean & Unpacking Clean:

• Protect Floors: Lay down cardboard in high-traffic areas during moving.
• Wipe as You Unpack: Give new shelves and drawers a quick wipe before putting items away.
• High-Touch Surfaces: Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, and counters as you use them.

Key New Home Supplies: Disinfectant spray, kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, vacuum, mop, microfiber cloths, paper towels, trash bags.

General Tips for a Smooth Clean-Out:

• Cleaning Caddy: Keep all supplies together for easy transport.
• “First Night Box”: Pack essential cleaning items (and TP!) for immediate needs.
• Consider Professionals: If possible, hire cleaners for either home to reduce stress.
• Work Systematically: Focus on one room or area at a time.
• Document: Take photos of your old home after cleaning, especially if renting.
• Be Realistic: Moving is tiring. Do the most important tasks thoroughly, and don’t stress about perfection on day one.

A little planning and effort in your clean-out will ensure a much smoother, happier transition into your new home!

Remember if you want to get your house Sparkling Cleaned without moving a finger, don’t hesitate and call Cleany! 

To purchase the best Cleaning products recommended by professionals, go to our Cleany Store!

https://www.shopcleany.com/

Got Questions About Our Cleaning Services? Check out our FAQs here.