Whether you are moving out of a rental house or an apartment, you most likely need to clean the place before you hand it over to the next occupant – especially if you are looking to have a security deposit returned.
Getting organized and making a plan is essential to the success of your move. Unfortunately, for most movers, the cleanup stage of the process is a challenge.
Here are some tips that can make it easier for you.
Tips for Cleaning After You Move Out
1. Find out what your landlord’s cleaning policy is.
Many landlords provide tenants with a move-out inspection sheet which includes exactly what you need to clean to get your security deposit returned.
It may be tempting to grab the scrub brush and get to cleaning, but hold off for a minute. Some landlords, particularly in apartment complexes, include a cleaning fee in the rental agreement – a fee that you will have to pay regardless of whether you clean or not.
If you are going to have to pay a cleaning fee, you still may need to do some general cleaning depending on the wording of the lease. But only do what is necessary since you are paying a cleaner regardless.
2. Get the right cleaning supplies.
Trying to clean the whole place with a rag and some cleaning spray is not the way to go. Proper cleaning supplies are relatively inexpensive and make the work faster and more thorough. Here are a few of the supplies you should consider:
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Mop and mop bucket
- Broom
- Brushes
- Cloths
- Glass cleaners
- Paper towels
- Magic erasers
- Cleaning products – toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant spray, oven cleaner, etc.
3. Make a plan.
You don’t want to miss anything important. It’s helpful to create a list of things that need cleaning so you can make sure you get all of them. Some things you might want to include on your list are:
- Windows
- Bathroom
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Living Room
- Dining room
- Carpets
- Tile
- Surfaces
- Walls
PRO TIP: Plan to transport your vacuum cleaner last on your final trip out of your rental. That way you will have it at your rental property to make a final pass on the floors as you head out the door.
4. Remove nails and patch the walls.
Your gallery wall may have looked outstanding in your rental, but now the wall is left with nails and holes. It’s time to remove the nails and patch up the holes left behind. Use commercial putty to fill in the holes and paint in the same color as your wall. Check with your landlord to see if they will provide this matching paint. to restore it to its original state. Be sure to use a putty knife to prop
5. Don’t forget to clean outside.
If you have an exterior space that is included with your rental property, such as a porch, garage, or yard, you will want to make sure it’s cleaned as well. You might need to clean up the yard and mow, for example. It all depends on what your specific circumstances are. Just make sure that any area you are responsible for is cleaned so you aren’t knocked for it later.
6. Consider hiring a cleaning service.
Not everyone is willing or able to go on a cleaning spree. You might prefer to have someone else do it, either out of necessity or because you just want to make sure it’s done right. A cleaning service can help you out for a fee. The right cleaning service will be able to clean everything we have discussed here and then some, so it might be worth it to talk to a few and get some estimates. You may discover that it makes more sense for you to pay some money and save some time and effort.
Moving? Contact Us!
If you are moving we would like to help. Please contact our professional moving team today to discuss your options and find out what we can do for you.
Getting organized and making a plan is essential to the success of your move. Unfortunately, for most movers, the cleanup stage of the process is a challenge.
Here are some tips that can make it easier for you.
Tips for Cleaning After You Move Out
1. Find out what your landlord’s cleaning policy is.
Many landlords provide tenants with a move-out inspection sheet which includes exactly what you need to clean to get your security deposit returned.
It may be tempting to grab the scrub brush and get to cleaning, but hold off for a minute. Some landlords, particularly in apartment complexes, include a cleaning fee in the rental agreement – a fee that you will have to pay regardless of whether you clean or not.
If you are going to have to pay a cleaning fee, you still may need to do some general cleaning depending on the wording of the lease. But only do what is necessary since you are paying a cleaner regardless.
2. Get the right cleaning supplies.
Trying to clean the whole place with a rag and some cleaning spray is not the way to go. Proper cleaning supplies are relatively inexpensive and make the work faster and more thorough. Here are a few of the supplies you should consider:
- Rubber or latex gloves
- Mop and mop bucket
- Broom
- Brushes
- Cloths
- Glass cleaners
- Paper towels
- Magic erasers
- Cleaning products – toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant spray, oven cleaner, etc.
3. Make a plan.
You don’t want to miss anything important. It’s helpful to create a list of things that need cleaning so you can make sure you get all of them. Some things you might want to include on your list are:
- Windows
- Bathroom
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Living Room
- Dining room
- Carpets
- Tile
- Surfaces
- Walls
PRO TIP: Plan to transport your vacuum cleaner last on your final trip out of your rental. That way you will have it at your rental property to make a final pass on the floors as you head out the door.
4. Remove nails and patch the walls.
Your gallery wall may have looked outstanding in your rental, but now the wall is left with nails and holes. It’s time to remove the nails and patch up the holes left behind. Use commercial putty to fill in the holes and paint in the same color as your wall. Check with your landlord to see if they will provide this matching paint. to restore it to its original state. Be sure to use a putty knife to prop
5. Don’t forget to clean outside.
If you have an exterior space that is included with your rental property, such as a porch, garage, or yard, you will want to make sure it’s cleaned as well. You might need to clean up the yard and mow, for example. It all depends on what your specific circumstances are. Just make sure that any area you are responsible for is cleaned so you aren’t knocked for it later.
6. Consider hiring a cleaning service.
Not everyone is willing or able to go on a cleaning spree. You might prefer to have someone else do it, either out of necessity or because you just want to make sure it’s done right. A cleaning service can help you out for a fee. The right cleaning service will be able to clean everything we have discussed here and then some, so it might be worth it to talk to a few and get some estimates. You may discover that it makes more sense for you to pay some money and save some time and effort.
Moving? Contact Us!
If you are moving we would like to help. Please contact our professional moving team today to discuss your options and find out what we can do for you.