Move-Out Cleaning: 7 Places You Shouldn’t Forget

There are two major cleaning moments in the life of a home that are impossible to avoid: the spring cleaning and the big cleaning before moving out. In both cases, it’s about cleaning all the spaces in your home in depth… no exceptions. And although the task may seem simple (after all, it’s just cleaning), you quickly realize that there’s always something else to be cleaned: a forgotten corner or a part that’s been left behind.

To make sure you’re leaving a space that’s totally clean down to the last nook and cranny for the future inhabitants of your house, we’ve prepared a list of 7 places that shouldn’t be forgotten to be used as a memory aid before the fateful day arrives.

Household appliances

We cut, cook, eat, and do so much more there. Despite regular cleaning, however, the kitchen is full of hard-to-reach areas that turn into real breeding grounds for dust. After cleaning the inside of the stove, the refrigerator, the microwave, and the dishwasher, it’s important to move them to clean the tops of the appliances, but also – and especially – the floor beneath them.

Air ducts

Another major breeding ground for dust, the ventilation and air conditioning inlets must be cleaned in depth before the new inhabitants arrive. Accessing the duct inlet is simple, so you can remove the grilles and clean them easily. However, we suggest calling in a cleaning specialist to reach the rest of the ventilation duct. Indeed, the dust is everywhere, and it’s hard to access it without professional equipment.

Windows and screens

The dirty panes are visible at first glance, but what about the rest of them? We often neglect the edges of the windows, the piles of dust and dirt from outside, and the screens. Before moving out, it’s important to clean all the windows in the house thoroughly. Depending on their height and arrangement, it may be necessary to call in a professional to reach all the areas of the windows.

Doors and handles

We touch them all day long, and yet, we rarely think to clean the doors and handles in our homes. Between the fingerprints and the dust piled up around the frames, the doors are areas to be cleaned with care.

Ceilings and heights

Although we don’t look at it very often, the ceiling, like the walls in a house, collects dust and dirt every day. However, it’s the tops of the cupboards and the furniture that accumulate the most. While you’re up high, make sure to clean the lamps and wall lights that attract dust and little pests; the same goes for the fans.

Deck and patio

With our long winters, the outdoor spaces can quickly become a breeding ground for pests, weeds, and other residue from outside. Before moving out, take the time to clean the outdoor living spaces by moving the furniture and plants and cleaning the floors as well as the walls.

Garage

One of the most controversial rooms in the house! The garage often tends to become a storeroom for old items and unfinished projects. It’s also usually a colder and more humid space where a lot of dirt accumulates over time that very few people clean regularly. At the same time, make sure to clean the bins and spaces reserved for the garbage and recycling by cleaning and disinfecting the inside and the outside.

Any big project deserves at least some organization, and with a little planning, your big move-out cleaning will be even faster and more pleasant. We therefore recommend dividing your space into sections and listing the different tasks and areas to be cleaned accordingly.