The Moving House Cleaning Checklist

Moving house is stressful enough without scrubbing two properties at once. A clear plan keeps the job manageable, protects any deposit on the home you are leaving, and gives you a fresh, hygienic start in the new one. Here is a checklist that works for renters and buyers alike.

Before you start

• Clean in stages as rooms empty, rather than leaving it all to the end.
• Pack a "cleaning box": cloths, sponges, gloves, bin bags, an all-purpose spray, a bathroom cleaner, a limescale remover and a vacuum.
• Work top to bottom, so dust and drips fall onto surfaces you have not cleaned yet.

Cleaning the home you are leaving

An empty property is far easier to clean and shows every mark, so do this once the removal van is loaded.

Kitchen

• Oven, hob, extractor and splashback degreased.
• Fridge and freezer defrosted, emptied and wiped.
• Cupboards cleared and wiped inside and out.
• Sink and taps descaled.

Bathroom

• Limescale removed from taps, tiles and glass.
• Toilet, bath and shower disinfected.
• Mirrors and cabinets polished.

Every room

• Skirting boards, sockets and switches dusted.
• Windows, sills and frames cleaned.
• Floors vacuumed and mopped, carpets cleaned if the tenancy needs it.
• Marks wiped off walls and doors.

Cleaning your new home

Even a freshly vacated property benefits from a clean before your things arrive. It is the one time every cupboard and corner is reachable.

• Wipe inside all cupboards, wardrobes and drawers before you fill them.
• Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces, and run an empty hot wash in the washing machine and dishwasher.
• Clean the oven and fridge before your first food shop.
• Clean or replace the toilet seat for peace of mind.
• Vacuum and mop all floors, and wipe light switches and door handles.

A handy timeline

1. One week before: deep clean rooms you have already packed up.
2. Moving day: final clean of the old property once it is empty.
3. Arrival: clean the new home before unpacking, starting with the kitchen and bathroom.

Final checks before you hand back the keys

• Take dated photos of every room once it is clean and empty.
• Read the gas, electricity and water meters and note the figures.
• Check the loft, garden, shed and any outdoor bins are clear.
• Bag up rubbish and take it with you, as leftover waste is often charged for.

Save your energy where it counts

Moving day is long, and cleaning two homes on top of lifting boxes is a lot to take on. Splitting the job helps: many people clean the new home themselves and bring in a professional for the move-out clean, which also protects a rental deposit. Whatever you choose, keep dated photos of the property you leave.

GlowSpark covers West and South West London, including cleaners in Hounslow, so help is usually close by on a busy moving day.

Too much to do at once? You can book a GlowSpark cleaner for the move-out or move-in clean. Cleaners are vetted, prices are clear in pounds, and the first hour of your first Home Cleaning booking is £9.