Move-In Cleaning Checklist (Before You Unpack)

Stop! Before you unpack, there’s a crucial task you must not forget: move-in cleaning. Moving into a new home is exciting, but taking care of this essential step ensures a smooth transition. Cleaning is critical for both physical and mental health. We spend most of our lives indoors, between 80 and 90 per cent of the time. New research reveals how damaging indoor pollution, dust, and poor hygiene can be over time, underscoring the need for cleanliness more than ever.

Do New Properties Need Move-In Cleaning?

One in four (23%) of the public still have a view hygiene in the home is not important.

To your surprise, even new properties that appear clean have several cleaning issues and require move-in cleaning. Hidden dirt, bacteria, and allergens may be hiding there, which may not be apparent. There might even be leftovers and bin bags that must be removed before you take charge of your new home.

Factors such as long periods of vacancy and previous occupants can lead to hygiene issues. You might wonder why you must clean the new property before you move in, when it can be done after you settle in. Well, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea, but it has several problems.

If you clean your new home before your boxes, furniture, and other belongings arrive, it will create a lot of mess. You will not be able to clean problem areas or discover spots that need proper cleaning. In addition, placing your belongings in a dusty or filthy place is not a good choice at all. Thorough move-in cleaning is the most practical, safest and wisest approach, helping you avoid potential risks of moving into a new property that may have several hygiene issues.  

So, before you start setting up your new home, make sure you complete the move-in cleaning.

Importance of Move-in Cleaning

Too clean or not too clean? 

We spend most of our lives indoors, between 80 and 90 per cent.

The importance of cleanliness cannot be overstated. Many people who overlook cleaning often regret it later. In addition to leading to serious health issues such as asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems, dirt and dust can also damage your belongings over time. Messy homes also increase stress and negatively affect mood. Particularly when you are moving into a new place, cleaning is something you cannot ignore. In fact, it is the best thing you can do to ensure your future life in your new place is perfect in every way.

“Whereas cleaning means removing dirt and microbes, hygiene means cleaning in the places and times that matter – in the right way – to break the chain of infection whilst preparing food, using the toilet, caring for pets etc.” (BBC)

Protects Your Health. Cleaning is highly important because it helps you stay safe from various health issues. Dust mites, mould spores, and allergens are common in homes. Particularly, in older or rented properties, these problems are widespread. Move-in cleaning reduces the risk of several health issues, including asthma, allergies, and respiratory problems. It will also save you from skin allergies and other health risks.

Hidden Dust and Damp. Dust and damp often hide in homes. Most people fail to see these issues and only see the apparent cleanliness. Older properties, in particular, are prone to mould and dust buildup. Proper cleaning will help identify early signs of these problems, allowing you to take action and avoid health risks.

Quicker Cleaning. If you clean your new property before you move in, you can save time and effort. Since the property is empty at this stage, cleaning can be done much more conveniently. So before unpacking, make sure you clean everything thoroughly.

Varying standards. Though your new home may look clean, it does not mean that it is truly clean. The hygiene standards of estate agents, landlords, and sellers may differ. What may appear to be “thoroughly cleaned” to one person may not be perfectly clean to another. So, a move-in cleaning is essential to ensure that everything is perfectly clean, in the right sense and according to your own standards.

Improved Air Quality. New research from the University of Birmingham shows that pollution in our homes may be damaging our brains. Air quality is very important for our health. Cleaning helps remove dust, dirt, and stale air. Make sure you clean carpets, vents, and surfaces, as this will help improve overall air quality, which is essential for healthy living.

Protection of Your Belongings. Nobody likes moving into a place with dirt, dust, or allergens. Placing furniture, clothing, and household items into dirty cupboards or dusty rooms is strongly discouraged. Move-cleaning will help ensure the safety and hygiene of your belongings. It will also help prevent unnecessary damage.

Reduced Stress. Another reason why you must ensure cleaning before you move in is that it helps reduce stress. Simply knowing that your new home is clean to your own standards and ready to move in removes a major worry from your mind. It helps you focus on the joy of moving to a new place and look forward to organising and settling in, rather than worrying about cleaning tasks.

Considering all these advantages, move-in cleaning is indispensable. Spending time or money on cleaning tasks beforehand will provide several benefits, helping you protect your belongings and ensuring a smooth transition.

What exactly do you need to clean and how? It is a question most people ask when they are about to start cleaning. Here is a complete move-in cleaning checklist to help focus on the right cleaning areas and items, rather than cleaning randomly, which may not yield the desired outcome. Whether you choose DIY or hire a professional cleaner, make sure you follow this cleaning checklist to stay on target.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist

1. Kitchen Deep Cleaning

As soon as you move, you will have to use your kitchen. It deserves the most cleaning, as this is where you cook, prepare food, and sometimes even eat. A whopping 32 percent of kitchen worktops tested positive for coliform bacteria in a 2011 study. That is why it needs thorough cleaning before moving in.

Here is what you need to do:

• Clean worktops and splashbacks thoroughly
• Deep clean cupboards and drawers inside and outside
• Clean sinks, taps, and drains properly

It will help you remove all residues and dirt left by the previous occupants, ensuring your kitchen is completely hygienic and safe to use.

Also Read: Deep cleaning checklist

2. Deep Clean Bathrooms

It is essential to fully disinfect bathrooms so you can use them without any health risks. Start by cleaning and disinfecting:

• Baths, sinks, and taps
• Toilet
• Shower screens and trays
• Tiles and grout

If you think that you cannot handle a bathroom deep clean, you can always seek professional assistance.

3. Clean the Carpets and Floors

Carpets must be deep cleaned before you move in, while the hard floor must be mopped thoroughly. If you cannot handle deep cleaning, hire a professional cleaning company. On the whole, make sure to

• Vacuum carpets
• Mop hard floors with proper cleaners
• Clean edges and corners

Deep cleaning carpets and floors will help remove dust, pet hair, and allergens. A professional cleaner can handle deep cleaning very well. If you think DIY cleaning won’t work for you, seek professional support.

4. Dust from Top Surfaces

Since certain areas above the left eye are often left dirty, make sure you pay attention to them when you start cleaning. Empty properties, in particular, accumulate dust everywhere. So the best way to start cleaning is to focus on high surfaces. You need to dust:

• Skirting boards and door frames
• Light fittings
• Curtain rails
• Ceiling corners
• Shelves

Thorough dusting will help you remove all filth and dust from your property. Once you remove this dust from the higher surfaces, you can clean the carpets and mop the floors to remove the dust that has fallen.

5. Clean Inside Appliances

When it comes to move-in cleaning, you must always pay attention to hidden areas rather than to visible items and surfaces. Make sure you clean the insides of the appliances, even if they look clean on the outside. Make sure you:

• Clean the oven and hob inside and outside
• Deep-clean fridge and freezer thoroughly  
• Clean the dishwasher and washing machine well

More than 40 percent of homes failed tests on bacteria and mould build-up inside fridges in a 2010 Hygiene in the Home Study. You need to disinfect any surfaces that might be contaminated. Deep clean will help eliminate bacteria and bad odours, making your appliances entirely safe and clean.

6. Clean Windows

Among other move-in cleaning tasks is cleaning the windows and frames. It will not only help you ensure a hygienic environment, but also allow you to enjoy natural light. Focus on cleaning:

• Window frames and sills
• Inside glass
• Any dirt buildup or mould

Proper cleaning will improve air quality in your new home, helping you and your family live a healthier, safer life.  

7. Clean Handles and Switches

Door handles and switches are high-touch areas. They often carry most germs, so they require thorough cleaning. Remember to clean:

• Light switches
• Door handles
• Stair rails

Cleaning will help ensure that these high-touch areas are safe to use. Since many people visit a property before it is finally rented, proper cleaning is critical to eliminate any risks posed by such surfaces.

8. Clean Vents and Extractors

Cleaning extractor fans and air vents is also very important before you settle into a new property. As they often collect grease and dust, they need proper attention and cleaning. Thorough cleaning will help improve airflow and prevent damp and condensation, too.

9. Clean Wardrobes/Storage Areas

Empty and wipe out all wardrobes and storage areas before arranging your items. Ensure rails, drawers, and shelves are thoroughly dusted and cleaned.

• Remove dust and odours
• Vacuum or wipe shelves thoroughly
• Clean rails and drawers

Placing your items in clean cupboards and wardrobes is the best way to ensure a hygienic, safe living environment.

10. Remove Leftover Items

In most cases, former occupants leave some of their belongings or rubbish when they vacate a property. Make sure you remove:

• Rubbish and packaging
• Unwanted items

Empty all bins and clean the bin areas to prevent odours and pests.

This move-in cleaning checklist can help you ensure proper cleaning without any stress. You will not miss any important areas that need attention, and focus on cleaning hotspots, ensuring you move into a safe, healthy place.

How Long Does Move-In Cleaning Take?

The time required depends on property size and condition:

• Studio / 1-bed: 3–5 hours
• 2–3 bedroom home: 5–8 hours
• Large homes: 8+ hours

Cleaning an empty property is faster, but deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms may take longer.

How Much Does Move-In Cleaning Cost in the UK?

Move-in cleaning costs vary based on property size and level of cleaning required:

• 1-bedroom property: £80 – £150
• 2–3 bedroom property: £150 – £300
• Larger homes: £300+

Costs increase if deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, or appliance cleaning is included.

Hiring professionals can save time and ensure a higher cleaning standard.

DIY or Professional Move-In Cleaning?

Moving into a new property has several challenges, from packing to changing address and unpacking. While some people choose to do the move-in cleaning themselves, hiring a professional cleaner can be a wise decision. It will not only help you save time and effort, but also allow you to focus on more important things while you move out and settle into a new property.

DIY is not a bad idea if you have the time and you do not mind getting involved in all the cleaning tasks. For smaller homes, it can be fairly practical. However, for large homes or people pressed for time, hiring a professional cleaner is the right course of action for managing move-in cleaning.

Why Hire a Professional Cleaning Company?

While a professional cleaning service may seem like an unnecessary expense, an expert can provide several benefits, both short- and long-term.

• Specialist equipment and products. One of the best things about hiring a professional service is that they help you have access to specialist equipment and products. They clean your property with the right equipment, helping you achieve better results than you would with DIY.
• Save time and effort. When you seek professional support, you can certainly save more time and effort. There is no need to personally handle physically demanding, time-consuming cleaning tasks. You can simply let an expert handle move-in cleaning while you sit back and relax.
• Injury prevention. DIY cleaning can pose several risks, including injury. You may hurt yourself while lifting heavy items to conduct a deep clean, or you may fall if you don’t know how to clean the kitchen and bathrooms properly. A professional service, on the other hand, can help you handle all risky cleaning tasks, helping you avoid injury or accidents when using improper cleaning techniques.
• Safety of your belongings. Since a professional cleaning company knows how to clean various items safely, they help ensure your items and surfaces are properly cleaned. They use the right equipment and products for different surfaces, preventing damage and ensuring the long lifespan of your belongings.
• Long-term benefits. By ensuring proper cleaning covering all important areas and surfaces, a professional cleaner can provide you with several long-term benefits. Professional cleaning will ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned and safe, helping you stay healthy. You and your loved ones will be able to lead a healthy, active life in a clean environment, free from the problems that can arise from improper cleaning.

Move-in Cleaning – The Much-Needed Reset for Your Home

Whether you choose to take a DIY course or hire a professional, move-in cleaning is a critical part of your move. However, it is still overlooked as people underestimate the importance of cleaning. A thorough clean is the best and the only way to ensure a safe move. It will make your transition smooth and stress-free, allowing you to lead a healthy, happy life in your new home for years.

The move-in cleaning checklist is mandatory for everyone. Remember that spending a little time cleaning is worth it, as it helps protect you from several potential risks, from harming your health to damaging your belongings.

Professional cleaning companies can make move-in cleaning effortless. Thanks to their experience, expertise and professional cleaning equipment. They can thoroughly clean your new bathrooms, kitchen, storage areas, carpets, floors, wardrobes, and other areas before you move in, leaving you with a perfectly clean, hygienic home.

Also Read: Move-out cleaning checklist

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