Moving Out? Follow these steps to properly clean your rental property to ensure you receive your security deposit back!
When moving out of your rental, cleaning is one of the most important final steps! Once you have moved your furniture out, you will want to make sure to clean each of these listed areas. This list is what we send to our tenants but we also suggest reaching out to your landlord if you do not rent with us!
1. Stove Top/Oven
This is one of the main areas tenants forget to clean! You will want to make sure the stove is cleaned inside and out. Any food particles should be cleaned away.
2. Refrigerator/Freezer
Another big area tenants forget to clean is their refrigerator and freezer. Just removing your food will not do the job. Be sure to thoroughly clean each shelf and make sure no food particles remain when you are done!
3. Bathrooms
Sinks, toilets, tubs/showers, vanities, etc must all be cleaned in your bathroom! Don't forget to clean your toilet too!
4. Cabinets/Countertops in Kitchen, Bathroom, etc
All cabinets should be emptied and cleaned throughout! Make sure any leftover food is disposed of and cleaned.
5. Baseboards
Many tenants do not clean baseboards often but you want to be sure to clean these before you move out! Over time they will collect dust and need a good vacuum and wipe down.
6. Garage/Storage Areas
Make sure to clean out anything you have stored in either of these areas and clean after it is empty! Depending on the area, you will want to vaccum, mop, etc.
7. Floors
Whether you have a carpeted rental or hardwood floors, you will need to make sure they are freshly cleaned. If your landlord requires you to get your carpets professionally cleaned that is a great idea to proceed with to ensure you receive your security deposit back. If they do not require professional carpet cleaning, be sure to vacuum and use stain remover if any stains have occurred. If your floors are hardwood, sweep/vacuum and mop!
8. Windows/Window Coverings
Windows and window sills must be cleaned inside and out along with any window covering in your rental! Be sure to dust any blinds!
9. Walls/Doors
If there are any marks or scratches on your walls or doors you will want to clean them off as best as possible! Using a magic eraser is a great way to quickly remove these scruffs.
10. Lights/Switch Plates
All light fixtures will need to be dusted off in your rental. You will also want to wipe down any switch boards!
Moving out can be a daunting and stressful task making cleaning your rental fall to the back burner. We hope these reminders will keep you on track to properly move out of your rental property and receive your security deposit back!
