Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Get Your Home Ready to Hand Back the Keys

Whether you are a renter hoping to get your security deposit back or a seller getting a house ready to show, a thorough move-out clean matters. This checklist covers what to clean, room by room.

Before you start

• Clean after your belongings are out. It is much faster in an empty home.
• Read your lease for any cleaning requirements.
• Take dated photos when you finish.

Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of the oven, stovetop and range hood.
• Empty and wipe the refrigerator and freezer.
• Wipe inside cabinets and drawers.
• Clean the microwave, dishwasher and sink.
• Wipe counters, backsplash and appliance fronts.

Bathrooms

• Scrub toilets, tubs, showers, tile and sinks.
• Clean mirrors and fixtures.
• Wipe inside vanities and medicine cabinets.
• Clean exhaust fans if they are accessible.

Bedrooms, living areas and the rest

• Dust ceiling fans, vents, blinds and light fixtures.
• Wipe baseboards, window sills and door frames.
• Spot-clean walls, switch plates and doors.
• Clean closets, including shelves and floors.
• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors last, so you finish at the door.

Final walk-through

• Check every room with the lights on and the blinds open.
• Take out all trash and leave nothing behind.
• Photograph each room.

Hire help if time is tight

Moving is stressful, and the cleaning usually lands at the end of a long week. Solas offers move-in and move-out cleaning for empty homes in Middle Tennessee, including Clarksville, Nashville, Franklin and Brentwood. Quotes are based on your photos or a short walkthrough. Inside the oven and refrigerator are available as add-ons. Request a quote and mention your move date.