Moving house is one of life's most exciting and stressful experiences. Between packing boxes, coordinating with movers, and signing paperwork, one crucial task often gets overlooked: cleaning. Whether you're moving out of a rented property and aiming to get your deposit back, or preparing your new home for a fresh start, a deep clean can make a world ofdifference.
At Coxhead Cleaning Services, we know what it takes to leave a home spotless. To help make your transition as smooth as possible, we've created the ultimate moving house cleaning checklist. Let's get stuck in!
Why Cleaning Before and After a Move is Essential
Before diving into the checklist, here's why this task deserves your attention:
- End of tenancy obligations: Landlords often require a thorough clean before returning a deposit.
- First impressions: Cleanliness sets the tone when you're handing the keys over to new owners or moving into a new place yourself.
- Hygiene and health: A deep clean eliminates allergens, dust, pet hair, and bacteria left behind by previous occupants.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your old or new space is clean allows you to relax and focus on settling in.
The Ultimate Moving House Cleaning Checklist
Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional like Coxhead Cleaning Services, here's what needs to be covered room by room:
Whole House
- Dust ceilings, light fixtures, and ceiling fans
- Wipe down walls and skirting boards
- Clean all light switches and plug sockets
- Dust and clean all vents and air ducts (if accessible)
- Vacuum and mop all floors, including under furniture and appliances
- Remove cobwebs from corners and behind doors
- Clean windows, inside and out (if safe to do so)
- Clean all internal doors and door frames
- Empty and clean wardrobes, cupboards, and shelves
- Clean radiators and behind them if accessible
Pro Tip: Start at the top and work your way down - ceilings first, floors last.
Kitchen
The kitchen is often a home's most heavily used (and judged) area. It requires some serious elbow grease.
- Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers
- Wipe down countertops and backsplashes
- Deep clean the oven, including racks and trays
- Clean the hob/stovetop, extractor fan, and filters
- Clean inside, behind, and under the fridge/freezer (defrost first!)
- Clean microwave, dishwasher, and any other built-in appliances
- Disinfect the sink and polish the taps
- Empty and disinfect bins
Don't skip: Oven cleaning. Landlords often deduct from deposits for unclean ovens!
Bathroom(s)
A spotless bathroom says everything about a property's cleanliness. Scrub everything until it shines.
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, sink, bath, and shower
- Clean shower screens and remove limescale
- Polish mirrors and any glass surfaces
- Wipe down all tiles and remove mould if present
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Mop floors and disinfect thoroughly
- Replace toilet roll holders or towel rails if damaged
Bonus Tip: Use white vinegar or lemon to naturally remove limescale.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
These areas are usually easier to clean but still need a thorough once-over.
- Dust and clean built-in wardrobes, drawers, and shelves
- Hoover carpets or clean hard flooring
- Spot-clean walls and remove any scuff marks
- Clean curtains or wipe down blinds
- Ensure all personal belongings and rubbish are removed
Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)
If your property includes a garden, patio, or balcony, don't forget these:
- Mow the lawn and trim hedges
- Sweep patios and walkways
- Clean outdoor windows and frames
- Remove any rubbish or debris
- Clean outdoor furniture or storage units
Should You Hire a Professional Cleaning Service?
Let's face it - moving is exhausting. Cleaning on top of everything else can feel impossible. That's where Coxhead Cleaning Services can step in.
We offer end of tenancy cleaning, deep cleans, and pre-move cleans tailored to your exact needs. Our experienced team covers everything on this checklist (and more), using professional-grade equipment and eco-friendly products to leave your property spotless and stress-free.
Final Checklist Before You Lock the Door
Before you leave, double-check:
- All personal belongings are removed
- Bins are emptied
- Keys, manuals, and remotes are left for the new occupant
- Meter readings are taken and recorded
- You've walked through the home one last time
Let Coxhead Take the Cleaning Off Your Plate
Whether you're moving in, moving out, or just need help staying on top of your cleaning, Coxhead Cleaning Services has got you covered. Based in Preston, we're proud to serve the local community with honest, high-quality cleaning that goes the extra mile.