Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room
A room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist for renters, sellers and landlords — kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, closets and floors.
By WellCleaners Team Published
Short answer
A move-out clean should cover every room after belongings are removed: inside kitchen cabinets and drawers, appliances, bathrooms including vanities and fixtures, closets and shelving, baseboards, doors, light switches, window sills and all floors. Check your lease or sale agreement for specific requirements before you start.
Before you start
- Review your lease or purchase agreement for cleaning requirements
- Remove all belongings, trash and bulk items first
- Confirm utilities (water and power) are still on
- Schedule cleaning after the movers and before the final walkthrough
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
- Clean cabinet fronts and handles
- Degrease backsplash and countertops
- Clean the sink, faucet and drain area
- Clean inside and outside the refrigerator (unplugged only if your lease allows)
- Clean inside and outside the oven, stovetop and microwave
- Wipe the dishwasher exterior and door edges
- Sweep and mop the floor, including under movable appliances where accessible
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base
- Clean the tub, shower walls, doors and fixtures
- Empty and wipe inside vanities and medicine cabinets
- Clean mirrors and counters
- Wipe light fixtures and switch plates
- Clean the floor, especially behind the toilet
Bedrooms and living areas
- Wipe inside closets, shelves and rods
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures where reachable
- Wipe baseboards, doors and door frames
- Wipe light switches and outlet covers
- Clean window sills and tracks
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
Final walkthrough
Walk through each room with your checklist, open every cabinet and closet, and take date-stamped photos for your records. If you are renting, the final assessment of the property's condition is made by your landlord or property manager, so compare the property against the lease requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move-out clean take?
It depends on the size of the home and its condition. Empty homes with heavy buildup take longest. Leave a buffer between moving out and your walkthrough.
Should I clean before or after the movers?
After. Moving furniture reveals dust and debris, and movers track dirt in and out.