While cleaning the home you’re about to move out of may seem like an unnecessary hassle, it is an important step to take before you leave. This is especially the case if you rent, in which case cleaning can help ensure that you can get your full deposit back. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a guide to help you leave the place spick and span.

General Guidelines

• Clean each room from the top down, starting with dusting high up areas and finishing with vacuuming and mopping in order to avoid getting dust or other grime on the floor you just finished mopping.

• If the weather permits, open up some windows as you clean to air out any lingering odors and allow the fumes from any cleaning products to dissipate.

• Get a fresh pair of eyes, maybe a friend or neighbor to look around when you finish cleaning and point out anything that you may have missed. It’s easy to miss those carpet stains you’ve been seeing for months or even years on end.

Spots to Remember

• If your kitchen appliances are staying with your house or apartment, be sure to thoroughly clean them inside and out. Be sure to get the microwave, oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator. This is also a great opportunity to throw out any food from your refrigerator that you no longer need!

• Be sure to scrub your walls and baseboards to remove any old stains and scuff marks. Products like these magic erasers can seriously speed up the process.

• While you’re working on the walls, remember to remove any nails and patch any holes. Use this wall repair kit to make your job a bit easier.

• Remember to scrub down and sanitize your toilets and showers. Be especially careful to eliminate any mold growing in the bathroom!

• While often overlooked, cleaning your glass doors and windows can make a space look and feel much cleaner, even if you never noticed that they were dirty.

• Don’t forget to dust your air vents, ceiling fans, and other elevated surfaces, and remove old cobwebs from the ceiling. For tough to reach spots use a duster and a stepladder or even a broom if you can’t quite reach everything.

For more advice and tips to save time and money when moving, check out some of our other articles from the experts here at Imlach and Collins Brothers.