You signed the papers, hired the movers, packed the dishes, and cleared the garage. Now what?
You still have something left that is very important to do before you leave. That is to do a deep cleaning of your old and new apartment.
Deep cleaning your apartment before you move in is a win-win, especially if you have a security deposit on the line. However, moving out clean is easy to ignore. After all, you have a lot to worry about, like moving into your new apartment.
Whether you’re considering move-in cleaning or move-in cleaning, just read the following guidelines to make sure your apartment is sparkling clean.
1. Moving
Now that the rooms are empty or nearly empty, it’s time to make your apartment look even better than it did before you first moved in.
Standard Move-In Cleaning Checklist:
• Pack and remove all personal items
• Remove all rubbish from the apartment
• Cancel all utilities for that specific apartment
• Dust thoroughly
• Remove nails from walls
• Recheck carpets for possible stains and do what you can to remove them.
• Clean kitchen appliances
• Clean cabinets
• Clean sinks and countertops
• Shower and whirlpool bath
• Sinks for washing up
• Clean baseboards
• Sweep and vacuum the entire floor
2. Moving
Cleaning during the moving phase can be tricky. It depends a lot on when your lease starts and when you physically move into your space. If time allows, you should take the time to visit the apartment in person and do a comprehensive cleaning and double check the utilities, appliances, faucets, and other things in the apartment that need to be checked before you start using them. This ensures that every inch of the rental apartment receives the attention it seeks. If you find something that wasn’t a problem earlier during your tour, be sure to talk to the owner or property manager to make sure it’s fixed before your official move-in date.
Standard moving in cleaning checklist:
• Open a window to let in fresh air.
• Vacuum or steam clean the carpet
• Clean bathtub and toilet
• Lightly clean surfaces
• Check vents, air filters, faucets, etc.
• Clean the refrigerator and freezer.
After you move your things, cleaning will become a bit more detail-oriented. Since the space is officially yours, you are the one who will be tracking the dirt in your space on a daily basis.
Remember that you were not the first person to live in the rental space and you most likely will not be the last, so treat the rental apartment as if it were your permanent residence or will be your permanent residence.