Move-out cleaning checklist (room by room)

Published Jul 15, 2026 · Updated Oct 14, 2026

A move-out cleaning gets a home ready to hand back to a landlord or new owner. It’s a deep clean focused on the spots a walkthrough or inspection will catch — inside appliances, baseboards, and fixtures, not just the surfaces. Use this room-by-room checklist yourself, or hand it to a cleaner so nothing gets missed.

Kitchen

Clean inside and outside of the oven, stovetop, and range hood.
Empty and wipe out the fridge and freezer (and behind/under if you can move it).
Run and wipe down the inside of the microwave and dishwasher.
Degrease cabinet fronts; wipe inside empty cabinets and drawers.
Scrub the sink and faucet; wipe countertops and backsplash.
Sweep and mop the floor, including under the fridge and stove.

Bathrooms

Scrub the toilet, tub, shower, and any glass doors; remove soap scum and hard-water spots.
Clean and shine the sink, faucet, and mirror.
Wipe cabinet fronts and clear out drawers and under-sink storage.
Wipe down tile and grout; clean the exhaust fan cover.
Sweep and mop the floor.

Bedrooms, living areas & throughout

Wipe baseboards, window sills, door frames, and light switch plates.
Clean interior windows and any sliding-door tracks.
Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, and the tops of doors.
Wipe out closets and shelving.
Vacuum carpets (and spot-treat stains); sweep and mop hard floors.
Remove nails/anchors and wipe scuff marks from walls if your lease requires it.

Often-missed spots inspectors check

Inside and on top of the fridge and oven.
Behind the toilet and around its base.
Baseboards and corners where dust collects.
Blinds and window tracks.
The laundry area, including the lint trap and behind the machines.
The patio, garage, or entryway if they’re part of the rental.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a move-out clean take?: For an empty 3-bed home, a thorough move-out clean usually takes a few hours; a larger or heavily-used home takes longer. It’s slower than a standard clean because of the inside-appliance and detail work.
What’s the difference between a move-out clean and a deep clean?: They overlap heavily. A move-out clean is a deep clean done on an empty home and aimed at inspection standards — inside all appliances, cabinets, and fixtures — to hand the place over spotless.
Will a move-out clean help me get my deposit back?: It helps a lot. Cleaning is one of the most common deposit deductions, so a thorough move-out clean that hits the spots inspectors check reduces the chance of a cleaning charge.
Can I hire a cleaner through Guildry for this?: Yes. Tell Guildry what you need and a person reads it — you will hear back within one business day.

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