Moving Cleaning Checklist Printable
One-Minute Summary
This printable moving cleaning checklist covers both move-in and move-out. Room-by-room tasks for kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living areas — everything landlords and buyers expect. Print on U.S. Letter paper, check off as you go, and leave (or arrive at) a spotless space. Designed for U.S. renters securing deposits and homeowners preparing for sale or new occupants.
Preview & Download
Print Settings
- Paper: U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11")
- Orientation: portrait
- Scale: 100%
- Margins: Default (0.5")
- 💡 Print and check off as you go. Take photos of each room after cleaning for deposit documentation.
What’s on this moving cleaning checklist
This checklist covers both move-in and move-out cleaning. Room-by-room tasks that landlords and buyers expect — nothing vague, everything specific.
The kitchen includes inside fridge, oven, and microwave, plus counters, cabinets, sink, and floors. The bathroom covers toilet (bowl, tank, base), shower/tub, sink, vanity, mirrors, and floor. Bedrooms and living areas include closets, baseboards, windows, and floors. Final walkthrough prep covers light bulbs, smoke detectors, keys, and documentation.
How to use this checklist — 2 real scenarios
Scenario 1: Renter securing security deposit
You’re moving out. The checklist ensures you hit every item landlords inspect — inside fridge, inside oven, toilet base, shower doors. Work room by room, check off each task, take photos. Walkthrough goes smoothly; deposit returned.
Scenario 2: New tenant move-in clean
You’re moving in. The previous tenant’s “clean” may not meet your standard. Run through the checklist before unloading — wipe surfaces, clean inside fridge and oven, scrub bathroom. Start your tenancy in a space you’ve personally cleaned.
Example fill-out
Kitchen: Fridge interior, oven interior, microwave, counters and cabinets, sink, floor.
Bathroom: Toilet full clean, shower/tub, sink and vanity, mirror, floor.
Bedroom/Living: Closets empty and swept, baseboards, windows, vacuum/mop all floors.
Final: All bulbs working, smoke detectors tested, keys and remotes ready, photos for documentation.
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
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Skipping inside appliances. Landlords look inside fridge and oven. Grease and spills cost deductions. Clean them.
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Forgetting baseboards and light fixtures. Dust stands out in empty rooms. A quick wipe takes 10 minutes per room.
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Not documenting. Take before and after photos. Timestamped. Protects your deposit if there’s a dispute.
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Leaving everything for the last day. Spread over 2–3 days. Bathrooms one day, kitchen another, floors last. Better work, less panic.
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Assuming ‘broom clean’ is enough. Many leases say “broom clean” but landlords expect more in kitchens and bathrooms. This checklist meets typical expectations.
Customization tips
Move-out photos: Document each room after cleaning. Save to cloud storage.
Landlord checklist: Some provide their own. Use ours as a supplement — often more thorough.
Professional option: Short on time? Hire move-out cleaners. Give them this checklist. $150–300 can save your deposit and sanity.
Printing Tips
- Print on U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11") in portrait orientation
- Scale: 100% (do not use "Fit to Page")
- Margins: Default (0.5")
- 💡 Print and check off as you go. Take photos of each room after cleaning for deposit documentation.
Next step in your meal prep workflow:
Move complete — set up a weekly cleaning routine for your new place →
Related Templates You Might Need
Most people use 2–3 of these together:
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Helpful Guides
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between move-in and move-out cleaning?
Move-out focuses on leaving the place in condition that satisfies the landlord — inside appliances, thorough bathroom, baseboards. Move-in is doing the same for yourself before you unpack — ensuring you start in a clean space the previous tenant may not have left perfectly.
How long does move-out cleaning take?
For a typical 2-bedroom apartment: 4–6 hours. Spread over 2 days is easier — Day 1: kitchen and bathrooms. Day 2: bedrooms, living, floors, final touches. Don't leave it all for moving day.
Should I clean before or after moving furniture out?
Mostly after. Empty rooms are easier to clean — you can reach baseboards, under where furniture was, and do a proper floor clean. Do a quick wipe of surfaces before moving out if you want, but the real clean happens when the space is empty.
What if the landlord still withholds part of my deposit?
Document everything. Photos before and after. Keep receipts if you hired cleaners. Many states require landlords to itemize deductions and return the rest within 30 days. Know your local laws. A checklist and photos strengthen your case.
Do I need special cleaning products for move-out?
Standard all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and a good scrub brush cover most tasks. For oven grease, use an oven cleaner or baking soda paste. For hard water in showers, vinegar spray helps. No need for expensive specialty products.
Can I use this for a house I'm selling?
Yes. Buyers notice the same things landlords do — clean appliances, spotless bathrooms, dust-free baseboards. A thorough pre-listing clean improves perceived value and can affect offers. Use the checklist before photos and showings.