A Cleaning Checklist For Students - How To Clean Before Moving Out
So you have finally moved out and are now living alone or with flatmates?
One of the most common struggles and need-to-knows for students that just moved out to university is to manage housework. Even after a few years of living without parents, most young people can’t handle cleaning chores on their own.
At homes for students we know that’s why many university students end up with ever-increasing piles of clothes, dishes, and dust.
The transition from having little to no household responsibilities to having to clean, do the dishes, laundry and other household chores can be tough.
By leaving those things to get out of hand you make university life even more stressful. If you live with a roommate chores dirt can pile up even faster. And sometimes it is tough to distribute responsibilities and tasks evenly.
To make sure that the people responsible are doing their part is even more tricky. We have covered how you can live with your flatmates’ bad habits here.
Even if you don’t mind living in a bit of a mess procrastination when it comes to cleaning will surely get back at you. At the very least when the time comes for you to move out. Then you will undoubtedly have to deal with that end of tenancy cleaning.
Tips to clean and move out quickly:
We consulted cleaning professionals from the Fantastic Cleaners Company for know-how and advice:
- When it comes to cleaning one of the fundamental tips is to do one room at a time. This will help you focus and clean effectively.
- Also, put chores moving out checklist and working according to it will motivate and help with organising the whole process.
- Plan the supplies you’ll need and prepare those in advance. That can include detergents, glass cleaners, gloves, cleaning cloths, scrubbers, a bucket, etc.
- Don’t put off everything for the last possible moment. This will result in rushed, half-done cleaning that won’t please anyone in the case of a short-notice inspection.
- Always clean from top to bottom and back to front. Otherwise, you may spread dirt to a freshly cleaned space and have to wipe it again.
- Finish the “dry” cleaning tasks first – start with dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming. You can effectively mop and wash surfaces if there’s no dirt or dust around.
General move out cleaning requirements and advice:
- Remove dust and cobwebs – make sure to look thoroughly for cobwebs. Remove all you can find and dust nearby surfaces.
- Clean the floors – vacuum carpets and area rugs, try to get out any stains you might have caused with a suitable cleaning detergent. If you don’t want to risk the carpet getting even worse you should consider hiring professional cleaners.
- Wash the windows, glass doors, and any other glass surfaces you have.
- Pay attention to the light fixtures – dust the ceiling fans, replace burned out bulbs, wash the lampshade covers if possible;
- Your move out cleaning checklist may include additional items, depending on the rented property and the lease contract;
- Some tenancy contracts require a professional post tenancy cleaning service to be performed. In that case, you will have to hire professional end of tenancy cleaners;
- Check your contract to make sure you meet all requirements to receive your tenancy deposit in full;
- You should take pictures of the condition in which you leave the house or apartment.
Move out cleaning checklist for tenants:
Now that you know the basics you can check out our detailed cleaning list. It will assist you when you start preparations for your move to clean in an organized and efficient manner.
It is significantly easier to do a move out cleaning when all of your personal belongings are packed and, if possible, relocated out of the property. That way you have empty rooms, floors, and surfaces which makes it a lot faster to clean.
Let’s go room by room:
Move out kitchen cleaning checklist:
- Empty the cabinets and drawers if you still have stuff inside. Use a soft sponge and a mild detergent to clean them;
- Replace liners when cabinets are completely dry;
- Clean the countertops with soapy water;
- Use disinfectant to make sure you remove stains, food residue, mould and bacteria;
- Clean the glass elements in the kitchen (windows, glass doors, tabletops, etc.) with a specialized glass cleaner;
- Scrub the faucets and sink with a powdered cleaning product;
- Drop slices of lemon in your garbage disposal to get rid of accumulated grime and bad odours;
- Empty and defrost the fridge;
- Remove shelves and drawers and wash them with soapy water.
- Wash the fridge from the inside and outside with soapy water as well;
- Place back the drawers and shelves when the refrigerator is dry;
- Remove stove racks, grills, and pans.
- Leave to soak if they need a serious cleaning.
- Wash them with soapy water and let them dry. For the stove use steel wool or a sponge;
- Remove the built-up grease from the glass door, control panel, hood, and the area behind the stove;
- Use baking soda or powdered cleaner on a sponge to scrub the walls of your dishwasher;
- Put a bowl filled with water and some lemon juice or dish soap in your microwave and turn it on for a few minutes. This will loosen the grime and allow for easier cleaning;
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the exterior;
- Finish the kitchen by sweeping and mopping the floor;
Move out bathroom cleaning checklist:
- Scrub the tiles with a strong detergent and rinse them well;
- For the tub and shower, fixtures, shower head, and rod, use a strong detergent to get rid of soap residue and mould.
- Get a hold of limescale remover to tackle limescale if needed;
- For sinks – scrub it as well as the faucet and little nooks where mould tends to grow;
- Cabinets, countertops, and vanities – use a damp cloth or sponge to clean them from the inside and outside;
- Toilet – for the bowl use a strong detergent and scrub on the inside. Sanitize the bowl and seat. Wipe the tank and toilet roll holder or scrub them with a sponge if needed;
- Vents – dust and wash the vents. Take down and clean the exhaust fans if possible.
Move our bedroom and common living area:
- Wash and dry the curtains and dust the blinds;
- Clean doors, windowsills, casings and glass panels;
- Wipe down air conditioners and vents;
- Clean wardrobes, closets, drawers inside and out (after you have packed/moved your belongings);
- Clean the furniture – polish wood and shine glass surfaces;
- Steam clean the upholstery;
- Wash area rugs and sweep/mop the floor.
To wrap up, if you’re renting, you definitely want your deposit back so you get your old home clean. A thorough end of tenancy cleaning can be the difference between you getting your deposit back or nothing at all.
So, when it comes to your last inspection of rental condition, follow our move out checklist make sure you have all bases covered.