Moving home is a time-consuming and stressful time, requiring attention to many details. One of the main factors that oftentimes get overlooked is the importance of cleaning house when moving. Whether you are currently renting or selling your home, if you want to avoid losing your rental deposit or boost opportunities for a sale, you will need to clean up before you can move out. Continue reading our tips for cleaning house when moving to get an overall idea of what awaits you. You can also use the tips below to create a checklist and stay organized during this overwhelming time.
- Cleaning supplies you will need:
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Bucket
- Scrubbing sponges
- Microfiber cloths
- All purpose cleaner
Important Tip ⇒⇒⇒ Try to void using harsh chemicals when cleaning your home. The manufacture and disposal of these chemical based products not only contribute to environmental pollution but to adverse side effects in people who use them regularly as well. According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, 1 in 3 people suffer from allergies, asthma, sinusitis or bronchitis in the United States.
There are many non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products available on the market. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner is free of chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Natural essential oils are instead used to give this product its pleasant smell and aromatherapeutic properties. Shaklee is another eco-friendly company producing various biodegradable cleaners. Their Get Clean Basic H2 is a concentrated, organic formula that can be used to clean multiple surfaces that require degreasing, including windows, and mirrors. Baking soda and lemon are another great and inexpensive alternatives that can be utilized to clean many different surfaces in your home.
Kitchen
- Clean your kitchen appliances thoroughly, taking special care of tough oil stains. Main appliances like the fridge, microwave, and stove, should be cleaned a few days before the actual move to be ready for transport on moving day. Be sure to also clean any appliances you are leaving behind, especially if you are currently renting from a landlord. Make proper arrangements for any appliances you are throwing out.
- Cleaning your refrigerator should be straightforward. Begin by removing all of the shelves and drawers. Thoroughly clean the interior of the refrigerator, freezer, and shelves. Wipe dry and place them back in the refrigerator.
- Spray your oven inside and out way with the all natural cleaner and let it is for about one hour. Take this time to clean the next item on the list. Using a sponge and paper towels, wipe down all surfaces. Rinse with clean water. Repeat the process until the oven is completely clean. Don’t forget to clean the vent above the stove as well.
- Drain the water from the sink and spray down with all-purpose cleaner. You may use a scrubbing sponge to get the edges of fixtures and the sink. Afterwards, wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
- Thoroughly clean the interior and the exterior of the cabinets, drawers and countertops.
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floor. Carefully, as to not scuff up the floor, pull out large appliances, such as the stove and refrigerator to clean the floor underneath.
Bathroom
Thoroughly scrub the sink, bathtub, toilet and shower. Make sure you have removed any buildup and mildew. Wipe down everything from mirrors, hooks, to light fixtures. Your all-purpose cleaner should be adequate to get the job done, therefore no need for a more abrasive substance. Sweep and mop the floor, especially minding those tight corners around the toilet and sink.
The rest of your home
After removing all your clothing from the closets, wipe clean all the shelves as needed. Once the furniture has been dismantled and moved out of the room(s), sweep and mop the floors. If you are leaving some furniture behind, carefully move that furniture over to clean the floor underneath. Clean the windows and the blinds. Wipe down blades of the ceiling fan and light fixtures in each room. Replace burnt out or dull light bulbs if necessary. Remove all staples and nails you may have in the walls, ceilings, or doors. Spot treat any noticeable holes and scuff marks left behind.
Professional cleaning services
If cleaning your place when moving is all too much, consider hiring a cleaning crew. The costs of professional cleaning services very, but they typically start at upwards of $300. If you are interested, contact numerous companies and discuss the stipulations in detail. Keep in mind, you may also need to fumigate your home when moving!