Moving is a lot of work, and cleaning is usually the last thing on the list. But the condition you leave a home in matters. Whether you’re handing keys back to a landlord or to a buyer, a clean home makes for a smoother handover. Use this room-by-room checklist to make sure nothing gets missed.
Before you start
- Clean after the furniture and boxes are out, so you can reach every wall and floor
- Work top to bottom, so dust falls onto areas you haven’t cleaned yet
- Keep a small kit: microfibre cloths, all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, glass cleaner, scrub brush, vacuum and mop
- Leave yourself more time than you think. A full move-out clean often takes 4 to 8 hours or more
Kitchen
- Empty, wipe and dry the inside of every cabinet and drawer
- Clean the cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean inside and outside the fridge, including shelves, drawers and seals
- Clean inside and outside the oven and the stovetop
- Clean the microwave and dishwasher, inside and out
- Degrease the range hood and filter
- Scrub the sink, faucet and backsplash
- Wipe the countertops
- Wash the floor, including corners and under where appliances sat, if they can be moved safely
Bathrooms
- Scrub the tub, shower, tiles and grout
- Remove soap scum from glass doors and fixtures
- Clean the toilet inside, outside, behind and around the base
- Empty and wipe the vanity and medicine cabinet
- Polish the mirrors, faucets and fixtures
- Wipe the baseboards and wash the floor
Bedrooms and living areas
- Wipe the inside of closets, shelves and rods
- Dust the light fixtures, ceiling fans and vents
- Wipe the window sills, ledges and tracks
- Wipe the light switches, outlets and door handles
- Hand wipe the baseboards, doors and door frames
- Vacuum and wash the floors wall to wall
Final walkthrough
- Check for marks on walls and doors and spot clean where it’s safe to do so
- Make sure every cabinet, closet and drawer is empty
- Take out all garbage and recycling
- Take photos of each room once it’s clean, for your own records
Moving into a new home? Clean before you unpack
The same checklist works in reverse. Even if the last owner or tenant cleaned, a move-in clean means your dishes, clothes and family start fresh. It’s also much easier to do before the furniture arrives.
When to hire a professional move-out clean
If you’re short on time, juggling movers, or just want it done right, a professional clean takes it off your plate. Our move-in and move-out cleaning is a full deep clean plus the inside of cabinets and all appliances, inside and out. The home is left fresh and ready for someone to move right in.
- We bring all supplies and equipment
- You don’t need to be there. A key or lockbox works
- We’re fully insured and every cleaner is background checked
- If we miss a spot, tell us within 24 hours and we’ll come back at no charge
Move dates at the end of the month fill up quickly in the GTA, so book early. Not sure what it will cost? Read our guide on house cleaning costs in Etobicoke.
Book your clean with Watson’s
Watson’s All Star Cleaners serves Etobicoke, Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Scarborough and the surrounding GTA. We’re fully insured, every cleaner is background checked, and if we miss a spot you tell us within 24 hours and we come back at no charge.
Book your deep clean online or call us at 647-809-6479.