Move Out Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room

Whether you rent or sell, the last clean of a home matters. A clean handover helps you get your deposit back and leaves a good impression for the next people. This move out cleaning checklist covers every room, including the jobs most people forget when they are tired from packing.

Use it as a room-by-room plan, and tick each task as you go.

Before You Start

Clean after the furniture and boxes are out, if you can. Empty rooms are much faster to clean. Keep a small box of supplies aside so it does not get packed: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, a scrub brush, microfiber cloths, a mop, a vacuum and trash bags. If you rent, read your lease to see what the landlord expects.

Kitchen

• Empty and wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
• Clean the fridge inside and out, including shelves and the door seal
• Clean the oven, racks and stovetop (see how to clean an oven)
• Run the dishwasher empty and clean the filter
• Wipe the microwave inside and out
• Clean the sink, faucet and backsplash
• Wipe the cabinet fronts and handles
• Sweep and mop the floor

Bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet, including the base and behind it
• Clean the shower, tub, tiles and grout
• Clean the sink, faucet and mirror
• Empty and wipe the cabinet and drawers
• Wipe the light switches and door handles
• Clean the floor and baseboards

Our bathroom cleaning checklist has more detail for each step.

Bedrooms

• Empty and wipe closets, shelves and rods
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Wipe the windowsills and clean the windows (see how to clean windows)
• Vacuum the carpet or mop the floors, including corners

Living Areas and Hallways

• Dust shelves, baseboards and door frames
• Wipe light switches, outlets and door handles
• Remove nails or hooks if your lease asks for it, and fill small holes
• Spot clean marks on the walls
• Vacuum and mop all floors

Final Checks

• Clean the entryway and the front door
• Empty every trash can and take out all bags
• Check the balcony, garage or storage unit
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs
• Take dated photos of every clean room
• Leave the keys and any manuals as agreed

Tips to Make Move Out Cleaning Easier

• Declutter early so there is less to clean around. Our guide to declutter before moving helps.
• Clean from top to bottom in each room: ceiling, walls, surfaces, then floors.
• Split rooms between family members or friends.
• Use a printable moving checklist to plan the whole move.

Common Move Out Cleaning Checklist Mistakes

The biggest mistake is starting the move out cleaning checklist while boxes are still in the rooms. Clean after the rooms are empty. Another mistake is packing all the cleaning supplies. Keep one box aside. People also forget the inside of appliances, which is often the first thing a landlord checks. Use this move out cleaning checklist one room at a time and tick each task so nothing is missed. Print the move out cleaning checklist and keep it with your keys so it is ready on the last day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does move out cleaning take?

For an empty apartment, plan four to six hours. For a larger house, plan a full day or split it over two days.

What do landlords check after move out?

Usually the kitchen appliances, bathrooms, floors, walls and inside cupboards. These are the areas to focus on.

Should I hire a cleaner for move out?

If you are short on time or your lease requires a professional clean, it can be worth it. Otherwise, this move out cleaning checklist covers everything.

Do I need to clean the walls?

Spot clean marks and scuffs. A full wall wash is rarely needed unless the walls are very dirty.

Save This Checklist

Print or save this move out cleaning checklist before moving week. Ticking off one room at a time keeps the last day calm.

Download the free Calm Home Reset Checklist, or get The Calm Home Handbook with organizing guides and 15 printables.