Move-out cleaning checklist: room by room

An empty home shows everything: crumbs in drawer corners, dust on top of door frames, the ring inside the fridge you never noticed with groceries in it. Whether you’re handing keys to a landlord or a buyer, this is the checklist our crews use for every move-out clean.

Work top to bottom and dry to wet in each room: dust high surfaces first, then wipe, then do floors last.

Kitchen

The kitchen takes the longest, so start here while your energy is high.

• Empty, wipe and dry every cabinet and drawer, inside and out.
• Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, including shelves and drawers. Leave the doors open if the power will be off.
• Degrease the oven interior, racks and the stovetop. Lift burner grates and clean underneath.
• Wipe the range hood and filter, microwave inside and out, and dishwasher door and edges.
• Scrub the sink, polish the faucet and wipe the backsplash.

Bathrooms

• Scrub the tub, shower walls and grout. Remove soap scum from glass doors and tracks.
• Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it.
• Empty and wipe vanity drawers, cabinets and the medicine cabinet.
• Polish mirrors and fixtures, and wipe the exhaust fan cover.

Bedrooms and closets

• Dust closet shelves, rods and the tops of door frames.
• Wipe light switches, outlet covers and door handles.
• Clean window sills, tracks and blinds.
• Check for nail holes and scuffs your lease asks you to repair.

Living areas and floors

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents before you touch the floors.
• Wipe baseboards, door frames and stair railings.
• Vacuum carpets, then mop hard floors, finishing at the front door.

Before you hand over the keys

Walk through every room with your lease or listing agreement in hand. Many leases spell out specific cleaning items, like carpet shampooing or oven cleaning, so compare line by line. Take date-stamped photos of every room once you’re done. They’re your best record if questions come up later.