What Is a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist?
A move-out cleaning checklist is essential when preparing to leave your rental property. While cleanliness standards may vary between individuals, landlords typically have specific expectations that must be met to receive your full security deposit back. Move-out cleaning involves a comprehensive deep clean of your entire rental property, including all rooms, appliances, fixtures, and surfaces.
According to a survey by the National Apartment Association, cleaning issues are the most common reason tenants don’t receive their full security deposit. Using our move-out cleaning checklist can help you avoid becoming part of this statistic.
While a clean home can mean different things to different people, there are still some standard spots you’ll want to address when performing a move-out cleaning. Move-out cleaning involves a comprehensive and deep cleaning of your entire rental property, including thoroughly cleaning all rooms, appliances, fixtures, and surfaces and ensuring the property meets specific cleanliness standards set by the landlord or property management.
To make things easy on you, use this 11-step move-out cleaning list to make your rental look spic and span in no time. Don’t let the number of steps intimidate you; you don’t have to follow them in any specific order, though we recommend working from top to bottom — ceilings to floors — to avoid cleaning up more than once.
Your Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
To make your final clean manageable, we’ve created this 11-step move-out cleaning checklist. Don’t feel intimidated by the number of steps—you don’t need to follow them in any specific order. However, we recommend working from top to bottom (ceilings to floors) to avoid cleaning the same areas multiple times.
1. Remove All Nails From the Walls and Patch the Holes.
Decorating your walls is one way to make a space your own, and you’re taking all those wall decorations with you to the new digs, right? So what does that leave behind? Damage to the walls. The same goes for any extra fixtures you used to jazz the place up — think towel hooks, hat racks, clocks, furniture anchors, shower caddies, etc. And remember when it took you a few tries with the drill to get those holes just right for the TV mount? Yeah, they’ll be pretty obvious when you take it down. Case in point: You’ll need to fill in all those holes, repair any damage to the sheetrock or other wall surfaces, and then touch up the paint.
Personal decorations make a rental feel like home, but they leave behind damage when removed. The first item on your move-out cleaning checklist should be addressing:
- Wall hanging holes
- Anchor points from furniture
- Drill holes from TV mounts
- Damage from hooks, racks, or shower caddies
Fill all holes, repair any sheetrock damage, and touch up the paint to match the existing wall color. For small holes, products like Dap Patch-N-Paint can provide easy fixe
2. Repaint, If Needed.
Most rentals use standard, neutral paint colors in their units, so if you’ve changed the paint colors to suit your color preferences a little more, it’s totally understandable. However, now’s the time to for the next tenants. This is a requirement in most leases in order to get your deposit back, since non-neutral paint colors could affect the appeal (read: rentability) of the home. Now, if your landlord says it’s okay to keep the custom colors, by all means, keep it colorful — just get that approval in writing to avoid any miscommunication.
Some landlords allow custom colors to remain, but get this permission in writing to avoid misunderstandings. Quality paint like Benjamin Moore Regal Select offers excellent coverage for restoration projects.
3. Deep Clean All Appliances
Appliances require special attention on your move-out cleaning checklist:
- Refrigerator: Remove all food, defrost freezer, clean shelves, drawers, and door seals
- Oven: Run self-cleaning cycle or use oven cleaner, clean stovetop and drip pans
- Microwave: Remove food residue from interior, clean turntable and exterior
- Dishwasher: Clean filter, wipe door seals, and run an empty cleaning cycle
Cleaning appliances thoroughly extends their lifespan and prevents odors for the next tenant.
4. Clean All Floors Thoroughly
Different flooring requires different cleaning approaches:
- Carpet: Vacuum thoroughly and consider professional steam cleaning
- Hardwood: Sweep, mop with appropriate wood cleaner
- Tile: Clean grout lines and mop with disinfectant
- Vinyl/Laminate: Sweep and mop with suitable cleaner
Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt accumulates.
5. Address Bathroom Fixtures and Surfaces
Bathrooms require intensive cleaning:
- Scrub shower/tub to remove soap scum and mildew
- Clean toilet inside and out, including the base
- Wipe down sinks, faucets, and countertops
- Clean mirror and glass surfaces
- Mop floors and clean baseboards
6. Dust and Clean All Surfaces
Part of your move-out cleaning checklist should include:
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Window sills and tracks
- Door frames and baseboards
- Cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Shelving and closet areas
7. Clean Windows and Window Coverings
Don’t forget about:
- Interior and exterior window glass
- Window screens
- Blinds (dust or wash depending on material)
- Curtain rods if they’re staying
8. Address Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)
If you’re responsible for outdoor maintenance:
- Mow lawn and trim bushes
- Clear patios and balconies
- Clean outdoor furniture that stays with the property
- Remove all personal items
9. Empty and Clean Storage Areas
Don’t neglect:
- Basement areas
- Attic spaces
- Garage or carport
- Storage closets
10. Check Smoke Detectors and Replace Bulbs
Small details matter:
- Replace dead light bulbs
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Replace batteries if needed
11. Final Walkthrough Using Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Before submitting your keys:
- Take detailed photos of the clean property
- Compare to your move-in condition report
- Address any overlooked areas
- Check for any personal items left behind
Why Following a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Matters
Using a thorough move-out cleaning checklist ensures you don’t miss important details that could affect your deposit. According to our tenant resources guide, approximately 75% of deposit disputes involve cleaning issues.
