Moving? Here’s the Ultimate Home Cleaning Checklist
Moving into a new home can be an exciting time for you and your family. But the job’s not done until the old house is empty and the new house is set up and ready to go.
Cleaning the old house doesn’t have to be a dreaded task, though. This checklist will help you get your old house in tip-top shape so you can look back, smile, and move on without regrets.
Bedrooms
- Remove any trash and cobwebs.
- Clean the windows, blinds, and mirrors.
- Dust the light fixtures, closets, baseboards, windowsills, and shelves.
- Spot-clean the walls, doors, trim, and shelves.
- Vacuum or steam-clean the floors. Dust any ceiling fans and other fixtures.
- Remove any nails, and repair holes with spackle.
Laundry room
- Remove any trash and cobwebs.
- Clean the sink, windows, and exterior of the washer and dryer.
- Use the vacuum or extendable duster to remove lint from the vents.
- Dust the baseboards, windowsills, and shelves.
- Spot-clean the walls, doors, trim, and shelves.
- Vacuum or steam-clean the floor.
- If the dryer is removed, block off the vent to keep bugs and animals out.
Living room
- Remove any trash and cobwebs.
- Clean the windows and blinds.
- Dust the light fixtures, stair rails, baseboards, and windowsills.
- Vacuum or steam-clean the floor.
- Remove any nails, and repair holes with spackle.
- Dust the ceiling fan and other fixtures.
- Clean the light switches and outlets.
Kitchen and dining room
- Dust the baseboards, windowsills, and shelves as well as behind the appliances.
- Deep-clean the sink (including hardware) and appliances.
- Clean and disinfect the countertops and floors.
- Quick-clean the cabinets and drawers.
- Wipe down the pantry shelves.
- Spot-clean the walls, doors, trim, and shelves.
- Clean the light switches and outlets.
Bathrooms
- Clean the shower and tub to remove soap scum and grime.
- Clean the toilets, sinks, and hardware.
- Clean the windows and mirrors.
- Dust the blinds, light fixtures, baseboards, windowsills, and shelves.
- Clean the cabinets, drawers, countertops, and floors.
- Dust and clean the fan vent.
- Clean the light switches and outlets.
Working room by room will give you an easy-to-follow guide for cleaning your entire house, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying your new home in no time. You can also use this list at your new home before moving your belongings in for a fresh, clean start. Be sure to download and print the checklist below to keep you on task as you move through the house.