The moment you hand back the keys to your landlord after vacating a rental property is both a milestone and a source of stress and anxiety.
A thorough move-out cleaning is crucial to ensure you get your full bond back and avoid any disputes. This guide will provide tips from start to finish to help you make the cleaning process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Planning your move-out cleaning
Before you start cleaning, it’s essential to plan your approach. Here are some key steps to consider:
- Make a list of all the areas that need to be cleaned, including the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
- You’ll need to round up the usual suspects of cleaning equipment and supplies, such as a vacuum, mop, bucket, rags, and chemicals.
- Make sure you give yourself enough time to clean everything. It could take a few hours to a full day; it all depends on the property’s square footage.
Tips for a Thorough Clean
With a strategy in place, you can work on tidying up. First, however, if you want a truly clean home, follow these guidelines:
- Start by decluttering and removing all your belongings from the property. It will make it easier to access all areas and ensure that nothing is left behind.
- Pay special attention to the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, as these require the most effort.
- Make sure you give yourself enough time to clean everything. It could take a few hours to a full day; it all depends on the property’s square footage.
- Remember to clean inside the cupboards, drawers, and the refrigerator.
- Clean windows and mirrors, both inside and outside.
- Vacuum and mop all floors, including under furniture and in hard-to-reach areas.
- Dust all surfaces, including light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Clean the walls, paying special attention to any marks or scuffs.
- Remove any fixtures you installed, such as shelves or curtains, and repair any holes or damage before returning the property to its original state.
- Wipe down all light switches, door handles, and frequently touched surfaces.
- Clean the carpets or replace them if necessary.
- Scrub the bathrooms, including the toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs.
- Sweep and clean the exterior, including the patio, balcony, and walkways.
- Check all appliances and make sure they’re in working order.
- Ensure all trash is disposed of properly and all recyclables are sorted.
- Take photos or videos of the property to document its condition before returning the keys to the landlord.
Importance of Professional Move-Out Cleaning
While cleaning your rental property yourself is possible, it’s always best to consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Here are some reasons why:
- A professional cleaning service can get the job done in a short amount of time because of their extensive training and experience.
- They have easy access to everything they need to make cleaning a breeze.
- A professional cleaning service will ensure that all areas are cleaned to a high standard, giving you peace of mind that you will get your full bond back.
- Hiring a professional cleaning service takes the stress and anxiety out of the process, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, move-out cleaning is an important part of the moving process, and it’s crucial to ensure it’s done properly. Whether you clean the property yourself or hire a professional cleaning service, following the tips outlined in this guide will help you get the job done easily.
If you’re based in Auckland, plenty of reputable move-out cleaning services like Premium Clean can help make your move as stress-free as possible.
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
