Why Cleaning Should Be a Top Priority When Moving

We get it—you're probably thinking, "I'll just tidy up a bit and be done." But here's the thing: leaving or entering a home that's truly clean isn't just about appearances. It's about respect, peace of mind, and even your wallet.

Here’s why a solid pre move cleaning plan is worth it:

• Renters: Cleaning properly can help you get that security deposit back.
  
  
• Sellers: A clean house shows better and can boost your home’s value.
  
  
• Buyers or new renters: No one wants to move into someone else’s grime.
  
  
• Everyone: It just feels good to start fresh in a clean space.
  

What You’ll Need Before You Start Cleaning

Having the right supplies handy saves you tons of time and frustration. We recommend gathering:

• Vacuum, mop, and broom
  
  
• Microfiber cloths (they’re your best friend for dust)
  
  
• Sponges and scrub brushes
  
  
• Glass cleaner and all-purpose cleaner
  
  
• Disinfecting wipes or spray
  
  
• Baking soda and vinegar for tough spots
  
  
• Trash bags
  
  
• A step ladder for those hard-to-reach spots
  
  

Your Move Out Cleaning Checklist (Room by Room)

When it’s time to say goodbye to your old space, leave it looking better than you found it. Here’s our go-to move out cleaning checklist, broken down by area.



1. Living Room, Bedrooms, and Hallways

• Dust shelves, blinds, baseboards, and windowsills
  
  
• Wipe down walls, switch plates, doors, and handles
  
  
• Vacuum carpets (steam clean if needed)
  
  
• Mop any hard floors
  
  
• Empty closets and wipe inside
  
  
• Patch small holes from nails or screws
  
  
• Clean inside windows and glass doors
  
  

2. Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of all appliances (don’t forget behind them!)
  
  
• Wipe down cabinets and drawers
  
  
• Sanitize countertops and backsplash
  
  
• Scrub the sink and faucet
  
  
• Empty and disinfect trash cans
  
  
• Mop the floor and sweep under everything
  
  

3. Bathroom

• Scrub the toilet, sink, tub, and shower
  
  
• Wipe mirrors and clean glass
  
  
• Sanitize cabinet handles and drawers
  
  
• Disinfect light switches and door handles
  
  
• Mop the floors and clean behind the toilet
  
  
• Toss or clean bath mats and shower curtains
  
  

4. Extra Spaces (Laundry, Garage, Storage)

• Wipe down the washer/dryer
  
  
• Sweep or mop laundry room floors
  
  
• Clean out any remaining items in storage spaces
  
  
• Dust vents and ceiling fans
  
  
• Dispose of any leftover junk properly
  

Your Move In Cleaning Guide

So you've got the keys to your new place—congrats! But before you unload that moving truck, take the time to do a deep clean. Even if the place looks tidy, there's no telling what kind of mess was left behind.

Here’s a helpful move in cleaning guide to follow:

1. Start With High-Touch Surfaces

These spots are germ magnets:

• Door handles
  
  
• Light switches
  
  
• Cabinet and drawer knobs
  
  
• Thermostats
  
  
• Faucets and toilet handles
  
  

Wipe all of these with a good disinfectant.

2. Give the Kitchen Some Love

• Clean and sanitize the fridge, oven, microwave, and dishwasher
  
  
• Wipe inside all drawers and cabinets
  
  
• Scrub the sink and faucet
  
  
• Run a dishwasher cleaner cycle
  
  
• Mop the floors and clean baseboards
  
  

3. Freshen Up the Bathroom

• Disinfect everything—especially the toilet and sink
  
  
• Scrub the tub or shower
  
  
• Wipe mirrors and polish faucets
  
  
• Mop the floor
  
  
• Consider replacing the toilet seat—it’s an inexpensive way to start fresh
  
  

4. Don’t Forget the Floors and Walls

• Vacuum all carpets (or hire a pro for steam cleaning)
  
  
• Mop hardwood, tile, or laminate floors
  
  
• Clean the walls if there are any smudges or stains
  
  
• Dust baseboards and corners that often get missed
  

Pre-Move Cleaning Tips That Actually Help

Cleaning doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are a few tips we’ve learned over the years to make it easier:

• Start early. Begin cleaning one room at a time as you pack.
  
  
• Use a checklist. It’s easy to forget tasks when your mind’s spinning.
  
  
• Work top to bottom. Always clean ceiling fans and shelves before floors.
  
  
• Don’t forget vents and filters. They’re often the grimiest!
  
  
• Call in help. Whether it’s a friend or a pro like us, it’s okay to delegate.
  

Ready to Let the Pros Handle It?

Look, moving is hard enough. If cleaning is the last thing you want to worry about, we get it. At Northern Girls Cleaning Service, we specialize in pre move cleaning and deep cleanings for move-ins and move-outs. We bring all our own supplies, use safe and effective products, and take the job off your plate so you can focus on more important things—like settling into your new space

Final Thoughts

Moving is a big life change—and it can feel chaotic. But with a solid plan, the right tools, and a reliable move out cleaning checklist or move in cleaning guide, you can walk away from your old place with pride and walk into your new one feeling completely at home.



And if you’d rather skip the scrubbing? Northern Girls Cleaning Service is just a call away. Reach us at (231) 350-1689 or send an email at rsmryrogers@gmail.com to learn more about our services.  Let us help make your move a little cleaner, smoother, and a lot less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions