Moving out is stressful enough to worry about cleaning. However, landlords and buyers expect the home to be in good condition and thoroughly clean. If you left a security deposit when you moved in, getting it back depends on leaving the place spotless! Tackle every task in our move-out checklist and your landlord will be amazed! 

Why should you clean before moving out?

The most important reason to clean before moving out is to avoid any cleaning fee. Landlords expect their homes to be as clean and in the same condition as when you move in. One of the reasons landlords ask for a security deposit is to cover any damage or expense after the tenant leaves the property. In Florida, a landlord could keep your deposit to cover any cleaning fee, giving you written notice within 30 days after moving out. 

A move-out cleaning is thorough and detailed. It should include all essential cleaning tasks plus less frequent chores like wiping baseboards or dusting high fixtures. If you are too busy to do the cleaning yourself, you could hire a professional cleaning company to do this time-consuming job. 

Include these tasks in your move-out cleaning and leave a spotless home!

Throughout the home

• Clean spots and stains in the wall.
• Wipe down baseboards.
• Clean the windows thoroughly, including the seals, ledges, window glass, and hard-to-reach corners of the window frame.
• If the curtains are washable, throw them into the washing machine. If not, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the curtains.
• Carefully reach ceiling fixtures to dust or wipe them, including ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Remove cobwebs with a vacuum cleaner.
• Wipe down doors and door frames. Spot clean any soiled surface inside the house.

Kitchen

• Clean inside cabinets and drawers.
• Disinfect countertops.
• Kitchen appliances often come with a furnished home. Leave the appliances empty and clean, while disposing of food residues.
  • Empty the fridge and freezer. Take out even the food in good condition—most likely the landlord will throw away any food left out. Wipe inside the appliance.
  • Wipe down outside and inside the microwave. Wash the plate.
  • Clean the stove-top removing the grates and burner caps. Scrub the grease and residues from the stove-top.
  • Many ovens have a self-cleaning function. Follow the self-cleaning instructions carefully to avoid fire hazards. 

Bathroom

• Clean the toilet thoroughly, including the base and behind.
• Wipe and disinfect the bathtub.
• Scrub the soap scum from the shower. Scrub the grout if necessary.
• Clean the faucet and sink. 
• Use a glass cleaner to wipe the mirrors.
• Empty and wipe the cabinets and drawers, take out personal items or medicine. 

Living room and bedroom

• Clean the furnishings included in the rental agreement.
  • Empty the bookshelves, dressers, closets, and drawers. Clean inside and outside every cabinet.
  • Vacuum the mattress from both sides
  • Throw washable rugs into the washing machine.
• For wall-to-wall carpets, rent a carpet cleaner.

Other areas of the home.

• If the rental is a house with a backyard and front yard, try to keep it as it was when you moved in.
• Take out of the garage or laundry room every tool, household supply, or junk before moving out. 

If you want to focus on moving to your new home, let Happy Home Cleaning Services take care of the cleaning. We are a local cleaning company serving the Tampa Bay area. Our services are transparent and guaranteed. Ask for a quote within seconds on our website!