Move In Cleaning Checklist

A Smarter Move In Cleaning Checklist for Healthier Living From Day One

How A Move-In Cleaning Checklist Helps Create a Totally New Beginning — Before the Boxes Get There

Moving to a new house is supposed to be fun — not stressful. But far too many people find out too late that an empty house does not automatically equal a clean house. The inside of a house’s cabinets can have leftover residue; the floors can still be dirty from dust and dirt; and the high touch surfaces that everyone uses have been filled with bacteria from years of use. For this reason alone, making sure you get a professional Move-In Cleaning Checklist before you begin moving things into your new home will give you a head start to a healthy, happy home.

A Move-In Cleaning Checklist by Karen's Green Cleaning is much more than a simple "clean" of your new house. A Move-In Cleaning Checklist is designed to provide you with a clean slate - a blank canvas where you can start creating memories and enjoying your new home. Using our checklist means that you'll know that your home has been sanitized and prepared for the first day you walk through the front door.

Why Does Move-In Cleaning Matter?

Move-In Cleaning is Different Than Routine Cleaning. Once everything is moved into a new house and all the furniture, boxes, etc., are in place, cleaning the house is a lot more difficult and generally less effective. Therefore, a Move-In Cleaning Checklist concentrates on providing you with easy access to clean all surfaces of your new home, before you put anything in it.

Important Fact: Dust, Residue, And Allergens Buildup On Surfaces That Are Rarely Moved Or Accessible Such As Inside Cabinets, Behind Appliances And Along Baseboard. Moving-In Cleaning Is Designed To Help Improve Indoor Air Quality By Removing Those Types Of Particles From Your Home So They Don't Get Disturbed Later.

In addition to improving the overall air quality and reducing the amount of repeat cleaning needed to keep your home clean, a Move-In Cleaning Checklist will also protect your belongings. If you're putting your furniture, clothes and linens directly onto a surface that has residual dirt and grime on it, you could be exposing them to those contaminants right off the bat. A good Move-In Cleaning Checklist will help you avoid that by providing you with a totally clean environment when you bring your belongings into your home.

What Is The Right State Of Mind For Move-In Cleaning?

Move-In Cleaning Is Not Just About Cleaning Your House, It's About Creating A Clean Slate. When you move into a new house, you have the chance to create a brand new beginning. But, in order to take advantage of that, you have to make sure your house is completely free of dirt and grime, and that includes the parts of your house that you would normally overlook.

When you hire a professional cleaning company to come and perform a Move-In Cleaning Checklist, you can expect that the professionals will work with three main objectives:

• Remove Residual Dirt And Grime Not Just Visible Dirt

• Clean High-Touch Surface Areas Which Can Affect Your Health

• Clean Each Surface Area So It Will Be Ready For Daily Use And Long-Term Care

Many Disinfectants Require The Surface To Remain Visibly Wet For A Specified Amount Of Time To Work Effectively. That's Why Rushed Wipe-Downs During Move-Outs Often Leave Behind Bacteria Even Though The Home Looks Clean. A Move-In Cleaning Checklist Eliminates That Problem.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist For Kitchens: The Room Where Hygiene Matters The Most

The Kitchen Should Be The Most Thoroughly Cleaned Room In Your Home Before You Move In.

Some Key Tasks To Complete In Your Kitchen Include

• Countertops & Backsplash Clean & Sanitize

• Inside Cabinets & Drawers Clean & Sanitize (Especially Handles & Edges)

• Refrigerator, Oven, Microwave, Dishwasher Interior Clean & Sanitize

• Stovetop, Hood Surfaces, Walls Surrounding Stove Top Degrease

• Sink Basin, Faucet Handles, Drain Area Clean & Sanitize

• Light Switches, Door Handles & Nearby Walls Clean & Sanitize

• Floors Sweep, Vacuum, Mop - Make Sure To Clean All Edges

Leftover food residue and grease can remain long after a home appears empty. Cleaning those items before you use the kitchen will help eliminate odors and pests.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist For Bathrooms: The Room Where Freshness Really Matters

Bathrooms Often Have Mineral Deposits, Soap Scum, And Bacteria Left Behind After Years Of Use. Regular Cleaning May Not Remove All Of Those Items.

Some Bathroom Priorities Include

• Toilets, Sinks, Tubs, Showers Scrub & Disinfect

• Build-Up Around Faucets, Drains, Grout Lines Clean

• Inside Vanity Cabinets & Drawers Clean & Sanitize

• Mirrors, Light Fixtures, Switch Plates Clean & Sanitize

• High Touch Points (Handles, Flush Levers, Towel Bars) Clean & Disinfect

• Floors Mop With Special Attention To Corners & Behind Fixtures

A clean bathroom is important for both appearance and health and comfort.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist For Living Areas & Bedrooms: Dust & Comfort

Living Rooms And Bedrooms Can Look Clean, But They Often Hide Dust In Overlooked Places.

Some Essential Tasks Include

• All Surfaces (Top To Bottom) Dust

• Baseboards, Door Frames, Window Sills Wipe Down

• Inside Closets & Shelving Clean & Organize

• Carpeted Floors Vacuum Completely - Including Edges

• Hard Floor Mop After Vacuuming

• Vents & Return Air Grilles Clean & Dust-Free

Useful Tip: Indoor dust is made up of fibers, skin cells, soil brought in from outside, and airborne particles. When you disturb it, the particles stay in the air. Getting rid of that dust before you move in will improve the indoor air quality in your home.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist For High-Touch Zones: Reduce Germ Spreading

High-Touch Surfaces Are Some Of The Most Commonly Overlooked Areas During Move-Outs.

Prioritize The Following:

• Door Handles & Push Plates

• Light Switches & Thermostats

• Cabinet Pulls & Drawer Handles

• Appliance Controls

• Closet Door Tracks & Knobs

Cleaning these areas before move-in will reduce the transfer of germs in your new home and set a healthier standard for daily living.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist Supplies: What You Need

You don't need to buy dozens of products - you just need the right ones.

Karen's Green Cleaning Essentials Include:

• Microfiber Cloths (Reusable & Great At Picking Up Dust)

• Multi-Surface Cleaner (pH Neutral)

• Dish Soap (For Grease Removal)

• Baking Soda (Gentle Abrasion)

• Glass Cleaner (For Mirrors & Windows)

• EPA Registered Disinfectant (For High-Touch Surfaces)

• Vacuum With Crevice Tool (For Dust & Debris Between Furniture & Wall)

Using microfiber works especially well, because it provides increased surface contact and picks up the debris rather than spreading it.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist Timing: When To Do It To Get The Best Results

The best time to do a move-in cleaning is when the house is empty, but before you put any of your belongings in there. This way:

• You'll have full access to all surfaces.

• You'll be able to clean each area faster and more effectively.

• You won't risk contaminating the newly cleaned areas with boxes, etc.

Try to clean the house 1-2 days before you plan on moving in so that the surfaces are completely dry and clean, and ready to go.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist Consistency: How To Keep Your Home Clean & Easy To Maintain

Proper move-in cleaning lays the groundwork for easy maintenance of your home in the future. If you remove the grime and residue now:

• You'll spend less time cleaning weekly.

• Your surfaces will stay clean for a longer period of time.

• You'll have fewer odors in your home.

• You'll avoid having to do a deep cleaning of your home to catch up on messes.

Karen's Green Cleaning views move-in cleaning as part of a larger long-term cleaning rhythm.

FAQ: Move-In Cleaning Checklist Questions & Answers

Q1. Do I really need a Move-In Cleaning Checklist if the home looks clean?

Yes. Visual cleanliness does not account for dirt and grime residue and bacteria in hidden areas. A checklist will ensure that every surface is truly ready to be used.

Q2. Is move-in cleaning different from routine cleaning?

Yes. Move-in cleaning targets areas that are normally inaccessible - inside cabinets, appliances, closets and vents. It is more detailed and preventative.

Q3. Will move-in cleaning improve my indoor air quality?

Yes. Removing dust from floors, vents and surfaces before you move in will reduce the number of airborne particles and help your home feel fresher.

Q4. I'm short on time - what is the least I should do?

Kitchens, bathrooms, floors and high-touch surfaces should never be skipped. These areas affect hygiene and comfort the most.

Q5. When should I hire Karen's Green Cleaning?

If you want a real fresh start, are feeling overwhelmed, or don't want to risk missing important areas, we can help. Karen's Green Cleaning doesn't just clean - we use professional checklists to establish a clean baseline in your new home that will allow you to enjoy it from the moment you enter, and make it easier to maintain throughout the year.