- Start your cleaning process early by decluttering and prepping to make the final move easier and less stressful.
- Use a detailed move-out and move-in cleaning checklist to cover every area and avoid missing anything during the transition.
- Hire a professional cleaning service like Five Star Clean LLC to save time and get a spotless home without the hassle.
Moving is one of those life tasks that always feels bigger than expected. Between packing, changing addresses, coordinating with movers, and handling utilities, cleaning might drop to the bottom of the list. But it shouldn’t.
A solid cleaning plan can make your move feel less overwhelming, whether you’re handing over the keys or walking into a new place. In this guide, we’ll break things down step-by-step so you know exactly what to do and when.
Two Weeks Before the Move
Two weeks before your move might sound too early for cleaning, but starting now makes everything smoother later. This stage is all about setting the foundation so your final cleaning isn’t rushed.
1. Declutter First
Cleaning around piles of stuff is frustrating and inefficient. Go through every room and set aside what you’re not keeping. Make separate boxes or bins for donating, selling, recycling, and trash. Be honest about what you really use—if it’s been sitting untouched for months (or years), it’s probably time to let it go.
Decluttering does two major things:
- Reduces how much you need to pack, saving time and effort
- Clears out surfaces and spaces so you can clean thoroughly without obstacles
Start with storage-heavy spaces like garages, attics, and basements. These often contain the most unused items and are easiest to clean once emptied.
Bonus: If you sell some items, you can earn a little cash to offset moving or cleaning costs.
2. Stock Up on Supplies
If you’re handling the cleaning yourself, make sure you’ve got everything ready. Running out of supplies mid-task can interrupt your momentum.
Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Microfiber cloths (for dusting and wiping surfaces)
- Glass cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner (choose one that’s safe for most surfaces)
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Floor cleaner (specific to wood, tile, or vinyl)
- Scrub brushes
- Sponges and magic erasers
- Vacuum with attachments
- Mop and bucket
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Protective gloves
Don’t forget extras like paper towels, a step stool for high areas, or knee pads if you’ll be scrubbing floors. Consider buying a caddy or tote to keep everything organized as you move from room to room.
3. Clean What You Don’t Use Often
With furniture still in place, now’s a great time to clean areas you won’t touch again before moving day. Focus on:
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Tops of cabinets and wardrobes
- High shelves and closet ledges
- Baseboards behind large furniture
- Air vents and return grilles
- Curtains or blinds (vacuum, dust, or launder as needed)
- Cobwebs in corners or near the ceiling
This is low-traffic cleaning, but it’s worth the time. You’ll be glad you tackled these now, especially when you’re in a time crunch later.
One Week Before the Move
With just a week to go, it’s time to dig in. Your home is probably in flux—half-packed boxes, open drawers, and taped-up bins. That’s okay. This is the week to focus on deeper cleaning and preparing the space for its final refresh.
1. Focus on Storage Areas
Start with storage-heavy zones like closets, drawers, cabinets, and the pantry. These often accumulate crumbs, dust, or stray items you missed while packing.
Empty every shelf and drawer completely and wipe the inside with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner. Wait till everything dries before closing up. You can also keep the cabinet doors open to air them out for a while.
If you’re leaving built-ins, organizers, or shelving behind, now’s the time to clean them thoroughly. New occupants will appreciate it—and so will your landlord if you’re renting.
2. Begin Cleaning Appliances
Appliances often need extra elbow grease, especially if they’ve seen heavy use. Focus on those staying at home, including:
- Oven: Use a degreaser or baking soda paste to scrub racks, the interior, and the door.
- Microwave: Heat a bowl of vinegar water for 2–3 minutes, then wipe it clean.
- Refrigerator: Remove all food, shelves, and drawers. Soak components in warm, soapy water. Wipe inside and outside surfaces and vacuum the coils behind or underneath.
- Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a cleaner tab.
- Washer/Dryer: Wipe down the drum, detergent drawer, and lint trap.
Doing this now gives you time to go back and touch up anything that needs a second pass later.
3. Check for Small Repairs
Walk through your space with a critical eye. Look for:
- Nail holes or wall damage from shelves or art
- Scuff marks on walls or trim
- Loose cabinet knobs or drawer tracks
- Small stains on carpet or tile grout
Spackle, sand, and touch up as needed. Even small fixes can make your space look cared for. If you’re in a rental, these efforts can help protect your deposit.
Do a Mini Deep Clean
Divide the remaining rooms and tackle one or two each day. You don’t need perfection, just a solid base layer. Focus on:
- Sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping floors
- Cleaning windows and windowsills
- Dusting corners, trim, and baseboards
- Wiping down doors and light switches
- Removing lingering cobwebs
Doing this now means you won’t be scrambling to clean your entire home the night before the move. Instead, you’ll just have to do a final once-over after your belongings are out.
Moving Day: Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Once your boxes are out and the space is empty, it’s time for the final clean. This is where a lot of landlords, buyers, or new tenants will be checking closely, especially if you’re hoping to get that deposit back.
This is also a perfect time to call in a move-out cleaning service if things feel rushed or too overwhelming.
Kitchen
- Wipe down all counters and inside cabinets
- Clean appliances inside and out
- Sweep and mop the floors
- Scrub the sink and remove any buildup
Bathrooms
- Scrub toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers
- Clean mirrors and any shelving
- Mop floors
- Wipe down all fixtures and handles
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust all surfaces, including windowsills and light fixtures
- Clean closets, inside and out
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Spot clean walls and doors
Entryway and Hallways
- Wipe down walls and corners
- Vacuum rugs or mop tile
- Clean switch plates and doorknobs
Final Walk-Through
Bring a checklist, and walk room by room. Open cabinets, drawers, and closets to check you didn’t miss anything. Sometimes, fresh eyes catch what a tired brain doesn’t.
Arrival Day: Move-In Cleaning Checklist
You’ve arrived at the new place. Boxes everywhere. Now what?
Before settling in, it’s smart to clean things thoroughly. Even if the home looks clean, you don’t know how much attention it actually got. This is where a move-in cleaning service can give you peace of mind.
Here’s what to clean before unpacking.
Start with High-Touch Surfaces
Wipe down light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles, and remote controls. Disinfectant wipes or a solution with vinegar can work well.
Kitchen
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
- Sanitize countertops
- Wipe inside the fridge and oven
- Scrub sink and faucet
- Mop the floors before bringing in your food supplies
Bathrooms
- Disinfect everything—sink, toilet, tub, and shower
- Wipe down walls and mirrors
- Mop floors
- Install your own toilet seat if that gives you more comfort
Living Areas and Bedrooms
- Dust and vacuum thoroughly
- Clean window tracks and ledges
- Wipe down baseboards
- Check and clean air vents
Air It Out
Open windows if the weather allows. Letting fresh air circulate in the home helps get rid of any musty odors that are often found in houses that have been closed for a long time.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning: What’s Better?
Doing it yourself sounds like a good way to save money. But sometimes it ends up costing more in time, stress, or even losing a security deposit.
Here’s when DIY makes sense:
- You have plenty of time, and the place is already in decent shape
- You’ve moved multiple times and have your own system
- You’re detail-oriented and don’t mind hard work
But hiring a professional cleaning company might be better when:
- You’re short on time
- The space is large or heavily used
- You want a thorough clean without missing spots
- You’d rather focus on packing, paperwork, or family
A move-out cleaning service can help you leave the place spotless. And a move-in cleaning service can let you settle into a space that feels truly clean.
When Should I Schedule the Cleaning?
The best time to schedule move-related cleaning depends on your timeline. If you’re moving out, book it for the same day as your move or the day after. Once everything is out, it’s easier to clean every corner. However, if you’re moving in, it’s good to schedule it the day before you move in, or first thing in the morning if you’re moving in later during the day.
It’s smart to reserve your spot early, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons when services fill up quickly.
Why Choose Five Star Clean LLC for Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning
Not every cleaning company delivers the same level of care. Some stick to surface-level work. Others may promise a lot but skip over the details that really count. Five Star Clean LLC takes a different approach. We focus exclusively on thorough, reliable cleaning that prepares your space for a smooth move.
Our team arrives on time, fully equipped, and ready to get the job done right. We tailor our services based on the size of your home and your specific requests, so you’re never paying for more than you need!
Moving doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right checklists, good timing, and the help of a trusted professional cleaning company, you can move in or out with less stress and more peace of mind.
Are you moving in or out anytime soon? Let Five Star Clean LLC handle the dirty work so you can focus on the move itself. Contact us today at (814) 769-3998 to schedule your personalized cleaning service.