Are you preparing to move?

So, you have found a new place to call home. Everything is packed, wrapped, and loaded into your moving vehicle ready to be unleashed into your new space. Unfortunately, there is still one major thing left to do… Put those rubber gloves on and get cleaning!

Cleaning before you move can be overwhelming. Is it time to call for back up? Are you going to face it head on yourself? Taking into consideration a number of supplies, strong organizational skills, and timeline that plays into the stress of moving, we’ve assembled a list of tips and tricks to help you prepare for your move.

Cleaning Supplies

It’s always good to come prepared with the essentials. Remember to bring your glass cleaner, cleaning wipes, mop, vacuum, Swiffer, trash bags, magic erasers (which work wonders!) and any other cleaning solutions that you might need.

Room by Room

Try tackling one room at a time. This will simplify the task. If you have multiple levels, work your way down and leave all floors to be mopped or vacuumed until last. This way it helps prevent the overwhelming desire to give up before you’ve even begun!

Living room, bedrooms and dining rooms

• Spot clean walls, doors and cabinets with a Magic Eraser
• Dust all baseboards, window sills, and shelves throughout the room (kitchen shelves, bookshelves, etc)
• Dust light fixtures (and if they are up high, it’s always good to have someone around to help prevent any unnecessary injuries!)
• Dust and sweep out closets
• Clean mirrors
• Vacuum all carpets and mop the floors
• Remove all trash

Hallways

• Dust all baseboards
• Spot clean walls with Magic Eraser
• Dust light fixtures and any shelving
• If you have a storage room remember to dust those baseboards, spot clean the walls, sweep and mop the floor

Bathrooms

• Clean sinks, shower head, and bath tub
• Clean the toilet (there are many great products out there that allow you to let the toilet and tub soak while continuing with your other tasks. Some that change color when they are ready to be rinsed!)
• Dust the light fixtures and change any bulbs if necessary
• Spot clean walls and doors
• Dust baseboards, windowsills (if any), linen closets and shelving
• Once you’ve packed all your belongings that were in the bathroom cupboards, remember to dust and quickly clean the inside and outside of the cabinets and drawers
• Wipe countertops
• Vacuum if necessary and mop the floor
• Remove all trash

Kitchen

• Dust, dust, dust! Dust the cabinets (top of the cabinets), appliances, walls behind appliances, blinds, baseboards, windowsills, light fixtures, and shelving
• Clean any windows of fingerprints and dust
• Clean the inside and the outside of the appliances (fridge, stove, microwave, etc.) by pulling them out slightly from the wall
• Dust and wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinets and drawers
• Spot clean walls, doors, cabinetry if needed
• Wipe countertops and backsplash
• Clean sinks and sink hardware (drain stopper, dish racks, etc)
• Vacuum and mop the floor
• Remove all trash

Once you have completed your check list, each room will gleam from floor to ceiling with an aroma of freshness. Typically, when renting you will be provided a move out check list. We recommend following that check list as well to make sure that you are not disregarding any other required move out cleaning steps your landlord is asking you to complete.  Don’t be afraid to go over the check list with your landlord if you are unsure of something. They’ll be happy to provide you with advice on how to complete the task or what they are expecting. Don’t be afraid to call in the troops – get some of your friends, order a pizza, turn up the volume on the radio and make it less of a chore and more of a party! When all is said and done, remember to take your cleaning supplies and trash when you leave. Your new home and new memories are waiting!

What tips would you give to someone that is moving? Let us know on Facebook!