Move-out cleaning is the last big task of a move, and it usually lands at the worst time: after the boxes are gone and before you have caught your breath. It is also the task most closely tied to getting your security deposit back.
This checklist walks through every room in the order that works best, plus the documentation steps that protect you during the final walkthrough.
Plan your cleaning window
The easiest time to clean is after everything has been moved out. Empty rooms let you reach baseboards, closet floors, and the spaces behind appliances.
If you can, schedule your move so there is a separate block of time, or even a separate day, for cleaning before you return the keys. Trying to clean around a crew and a loaded hallway usually means cleaning twice.
Pack a cleaning kit and keep it out of the moving boxes: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, degreaser, microfiber cloths, sponges, a scrub brush, a mop, a vacuum, trash bags, rubber gloves, and a step stool.
Before you clean: read the lease and document
Moving in the Bay Area? Get a detailed written quote for your move.
Read your lease. Look for any move-out requirements, such as professional carpet cleaning, patching nail holes, or specific instructions for appliances.
Ask for a pre-move-out inspection. In California, tenants can request an initial inspection before moving out. The landlord walks the unit and points out issues you can fix before the final inspection.
Take dated photos and video. Photograph every room after you finish cleaning, including inside appliances, cabinets, and closets. Keep your move-in photos too, if you have them.
Kitchen
The kitchen takes the longest, so start here.
- Empty, unplug if instructed, and clean the refrigerator and freezer, including shelves, drawers, and door seals
- Clean inside the oven, oven racks, and broiler drawer
- Degrease the stovetop, burners, knobs, and range hood, including the filter
- Wipe inside and outside of the microwave
- Run the dishwasher empty and wipe the door, seals, and filter area
- Empty and wipe all cabinets and drawers, inside and out
- Scrub the sink and faucet, and run the garbage disposal
- Wipe backsplash, countertops, and outlet covers
- Sweep and mop the floor, including under the refrigerator if it can be moved safely
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
- Clean the shower, tub, tile, grout, and glass doors
- Remove soap scum and hard water spots from faucets and fixtures
- Clean the sink, vanity, and inside all drawers and cabinets
- Clean mirrors and the medicine cabinet
- Wipe the exhaust fan cover and light fixtures
- Mop the floor, including corners and behind the door
Bedrooms and closets
- Empty closets completely and wipe shelves and rods
- Vacuum or sweep closet floors
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, and doors
- Clean light switches and outlet covers
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges
Living areas
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
- Clean windows, window sills, and window tracks
- Wipe or dust blinds, and check for broken slats
- Spot-clean scuffs and marks on walls
- Handle nail holes and wall anchors as your lease requires
- Vacuum or mop all floors
Entry, hallways, and laundry
- Wipe the front door, door handles, and peephole
- Clean the entry closet and shelves
- Clean inside and outside the washer and dryer if they belong to the unit, including the lint trap and detergent drawer
- Wipe laundry shelves and sweep behind machines where you can reach
Outdoor and storage spaces
- Sweep balconies, patios, and entryways
- Empty and sweep your garage space, parking spot, or storage unit
- Remove everything from shared storage areas that belongs to you
Handle what you are leaving behind
Leftover furniture, broken items, and trash are some of the most common move-out problems. Plan for them before moving day.
- Furniture you are not keeping can be sold, donated, or removed. Arrange removal ahead of time so it is not left in the unit.
- Household hazardous waste, such as paint, solvents, and some cleaners, should go to your city or county hazardous waste program. Movers do not transport flammables.
- Trash and recycling should follow your building's rules. Do not leave bags beside full bins.
Common move-out cleaning mistakes
A few small misses cause most move-out cleaning disputes.
- Leaving cleaning until the last hour. Ovens, refrigerators, and bathrooms take longer than expected. Give yourself a full block of time.
- Using the wrong products. Abrasive powders and scrub pads can scratch glass cooktops, stainless steel, and some countertops. Check what a surface is made of before scrubbing.
- Forgetting the inside of things. Inspectors open cabinets, drawers, closets, and appliances. Clean the insides, not just the surfaces you can see.
- Painting without permission. Touch-up paint that does not match can look worse than a small scuff. Ask your landlord before painting anything.
- Removing smoke detector batteries. Leave smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place and working.
- Leaving burned-out bulbs. Check your lease, since many ask that light fixtures work when you leave.
How long move-out cleaning takes
It depends on the size of the home and how much cleaning was done during the tenancy. A studio or one-bedroom apartment often takes a few hours of focused work, while a larger home can take a full day. Kitchens and bathrooms take the most time, so start there and finish with floors.
The final walkthrough
Before handing over the keys:
- Walk every room one last time, opening every cabinet, closet, and appliance.
- Take a final set of dated photos and video.
- Return all keys, fobs, garage remotes, and mailbox keys, and get a written note of what you returned.
- Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing.
In California, landlords generally have 21 days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Deductions for cleaning are limited to returning the unit to the same level of cleanliness as when you moved in, and normal wear and tear is not a cleaning issue. For questions about your specific situation, contact your local rent board or a tenant resource center.
Make move-out day easier
A smooth move-out starts with a moving day that ends on time. Impel's apartment moves are planned around building move windows and elevator reservations, and furniture disposal can be scoped with your move so the pieces you are not keeping are not left behind.
