How to Clean Your House Before Moving: A Complete Guide

Moving to a new home is both exciting and overwhelming, but one crucial step that often gets overlooked is cleaning your current home before moving out. Whether you’re a renter hoping to get your security deposit back or a homeowner preparing to sell, a detailed cleaning plan can save you money, stress, and time down the road.

Why Cleaning Before Moving Matters

When moving into a new place, it's important to remember that even if it appears clean, you can't be sure how the previous tenants actually maintained it. To ensure a safe and hygienic environment, disinfecting surfaces before unpacking your belongings is essential. This includes cabinets, countertops, and other areas where you will be storing your items.

A thorough cleaning not only helps you start fresh in your new space but also allows you to take stock of your belongings. It gives you the chance to decide what to keep and what to leave behind, ensuring you don’t bring unnecessary dirt and clutter into your new home.

For renters, a deep clean can also make a significant difference when it comes to getting your full security deposit back, as it may prevent you from incurring costly professional cleaning fees. Homeowners can enjoy the benefits of increased property value and quicker sales when potential buyers see a well-maintained, spotless home.

Step 1: Decluttering Before Cleaning

Before pulling out the cleaning supplies, start with decluttering. Sort items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or toss.

• Donate: Drop off clothes, furniture, or appliances in good condition to local charities.

• Sell: Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a garage sale to offset moving costs.

• Trash/Recycle: Dispose of broken or unusable items responsibly.

💡 Pro Tip: The fewer items you have, the less you need to clean, pack, and move. Many moving companies charge by weight or volume, so decluttering directly saves money.

Step 2: Kitchen Deep Cleaning

Kitchen before and after by itsGLO

1. Empty Cabinets & Pantry – Remove food, crumbs, and shelf liners.

   
   

2. Three-Towel Method for Cabinets:

   • First towel: microfiber cloth with dish soap.

   • Second towel: damp cloth to rinse.

   • Third towel: dry cloth for streak-free finish.

     
     

3. Stovetop & Oven:

   
   

   • Spray with degreaser (Easy Off or Zep).

   • Wipe with paper towels (to protect microfiber cloths).

   • Use a razor blade scraper for stubborn grease.

   
   

4. Sink & Faucet:

   • Scrub with baking soda + vinegar to remove stains and odors.

   • Polish faucets with a dry microfiber cloth for shine.

   
   

💡 Expert Hack: Attach a microfiber towel to a Swiffer mop head to clean cabinet exteriors and backsplashes quickly.

Step 3: Bathroom Sanitization

Bathrooms are prone to soap scum, mildew, and mold. Here’s a deep-cleaning approach:

• Shower/Tub: Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with a sponge.

• Grout: Use a toothbrush with a bleach-based cleaner. Rinse thoroughly.

• Toilet: Clean inside and out, paying attention to the base and behind the toilet.

• Exhaust Fan: Remove cover and vacuum dust buildup.

• Caulking: If moldy, reapply fresh caulk – this small effort makes bathrooms look “newer.”

Step 4: Living Areas & Bedrooms

These spaces often collect dust, scuffs, and hidden dirt. Focus on:

• Baseboards & Corners: Vacuum, then wipe with a damp cloth.

• Walls: Use a magic eraser for scuff marks. Fill nail holes with spackling paste, then touch up with paint.

• Carpets & Rugs: Rent a carpet cleaner for deep cleaning, or hire professionals if possible.

• Closets: Wipe shelves, vacuum corners, and check for cobwebs

Windows and Natural Light

Clean windows can dramatically improve how clean and bright your home appears. However, window cleaning has its pitfalls; streaks and residue can make windows look worse than before you started. According to Good Housekeeping's expert advice on common window cleaning mistakes, using the right technique and tools is crucial for streak-free results.

Here are some expert tips:

1. Clean on a cloudy day so the solution doesn’t dry too fast.

2. Use a squeegee in vertical strokes.

3. Don’t forget window frames, tracks, and sills.

4. Remove and wash screens with mild soap and water.

Step 6: Floors & Carpets

Each flooring type requires a different method:

• Hardwood: Use a wood-safe cleaner; avoid excess water to prevent warping.

• Laminate: Stick to laminate-specific products – too much moisture causes swelling.

• Tile: Scrub grout with baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste.

• Carpet: Deep clean with a rental machine or professional service.

💡 Bonus Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming to remove odors.

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Details

The difference between a good cleaning and an exceptional one lies in the details. These overlooked areas often make the difference between “clean” and “spotless”:

• Light switches, outlet covers, and door handles.

• Ceiling fans and light fixtures.

• Inside drawers, cabinets, and closets.

• Replace any burnt-out light bulbs.

And now you got it! A full clean home ready to move in.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

• DIY Cleaning: Best for budget movers, or people who enjoy hands-on work.

• Professional Cleaning: Worth it if you’re pressed for time, moving long-distance, or want guaranteed results for deposit recovery.

Many cleaning services, including itsGLO offer move-out cleaning packages with deposit-friendly guarantees.

FAQs About Cleaning Before Moving

1. Do tenants have to clean their rental before moving out?

Yes. Tenants are responsible for leaving their rental in a reasonably clean or broom-swept condition. This means removing all personal belongings and trash, sweeping or vacuuming floors, wiping down counters and sinks, and cleaning major appliances like the fridge and stove. You don’t have to leave it spotless, but it should be tidy and ready for the next tenant.

2. What does broom-swept condition mean when moving out on my lease?

“Broom-swept” condition is the standard landlords expect. It means:

• Floors are swept or vacuumed.

• Trash and clutter are removed.

• Surfaces like countertops and sinks are wiped.

• Appliances are free of food and obvious mess.

It does not mean professional-level cleaning. Think of it as the level of cleaning you’d do if a friend was moving in tomorrow.

3. Should I clean before or after the movers come?

The best approach is to do a deep clean before moving day, focusing on areas that will be hard to access once boxes and furniture are packed. After the movers leave, do a quick touch-up to catch dust, dirt, or scuffs caused during the move.

4. Is professional carpet cleaning required when moving out?

It depends on your lease agreement. Some landlords require carpets to be professionally cleaned and may even ask for receipts as proof. If your lease does not mention this, you are not legally required to hire professionals. Renting a carpet cleaner and doing it yourself is usually enough unless your landlord has written requirements.

These are not reasons a landlord can charge you cleaning or repair fees.

5. How long does a full move-out cleaning take?

Move-out cleaning times vary based on the size and condition of the home:

• Small apartment: 6–8 hours.

• Average-sized house: 10–15 hours (1–2 full days).

• Professional cleaning teams: Usually finish faster.

Planning ahead helps spread the work over several days instead of rushing at the last minute.

7. What counts as normal wear and tear in Ontario rentals?

Normal wear and tear refers to changes that happen with regular use of the property, such as:

• Faded paint or wallpaper.

• Light scuff marks on walls or floors.

• Minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas.

• Small nail holes from hanging pictures.

Landlords cannot charge tenants for these. Only damage or unusual mess can result in extra fees.

8. What should tenants do if their landlord gives a long cleaning checklist?

Some landlords provide detailed move-out cleaning lists with extra requirements. Tenants should:

• Complete a reasonable clean (sweep, mop, wipe surfaces, clean appliances).

• Ignore requests that go beyond “reasonable” cleaning, such as repainting walls or professional carpet cleaning (unless in the lease and legally valid).

• Document the condition of the unit with photos before leaving.

If the landlord tries to charge for unfair cleaning fees, you can dispute them at the LTB.

Moving Forward

A thoroughly cleaned home not only ensures you leave on good terms with landlords or impress potential buyers but also provides peace of mind as you transition to your new space. Taking the time to clean properly demonstrates respect for the property and consideration for whoever comes next.

The effort you put into cleaning your old home also sets a positive tone for settling into your new one. You'll appreciate starting fresh in a clean environment, and the organizational skills you've practiced during this process will serve you well when unpacking and arranging your new space.

Remember, moving doesn't have to be overwhelming when broken down into manageable tasks. A clean, organized approach to leaving your old home behind paves the way for an exciting new chapter ahead.