MOVING DAY
A calmer move-out cleaning checklist.
What to organise before the keys change hands, from empty cupboards to elevator access.
Plan the clean after the move.
Book the cleaning window after furniture, boxes and unwanted belongings have been removed. Empty rooms let the cleaner reach floors and edges, while empty cupboards make shelves and drawers accessible.
If the building requires an elevator booking, coordinate the truck, removal of belongings and cleaner access. Give yourself room between the clean and the final handover rather than placing every task in the same short window.
Build a room-by-room list.
Use your landlord or property manager's cleaning checklist if one is available. Compare it with the proposed cleaning scope and ask about any task that is not named.
- Kitchen counters, sink, backsplash and appliance exteriors
- Empty cabinets and drawers, if included in the quote
- Fridge and oven interiors as agreed extras
- Bathroom sinks, toilets, tubs and showers
- Reachable baseboards, doors and switches
- Accessible floors and any separately quoted carpet treatment
Keep the basics working.
Leave water and electricity connected. Provide a clear access plan and make sure the cleaner can use the permitted visitor parking or loading area.
Confirm whether the property is genuinely empty. A remaining sofa, storage room or packed balcony changes what is accessible and should be mentioned before the quote is agreed.
Separate cleaning from repairs.
Marks caused by removable residue are different from damaged paint, worn flooring, broken fittings or permanent stains. Raise maintenance issues with the appropriate person rather than expecting a cleaning visit to fix them.
A cleaning service cannot guarantee a deposit outcome. Agree on a checklist, review the completed scope and keep the cleaning arrangements separate from other handover requirements.