Moving In Cleaning Checklist

Moving into a new home should feel like a fresh start. That’s why we recommend a thorough cleaning before bringing in your belongings. In New York’s fast-paced environment, taking time to create a clean slate can make all the difference in how quickly you settle in.

Use this move-in cleaning checklist we’ve created that’s based on our years of experience helping people move in and out of their homes. It tells you everything you need to do before moving into your new place.

Pre-Cleaning Preparations

Budget about $75-100 for a complete set of cleaning supplies if you’re starting from scratch. The good news? These supplies will last well beyond your move-in day. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Gather Supplies

Before getting down and dirty with moving in, start with your cleaning products. You’ll need an all-purpose cleaning solution, disinfectant, and glass cleaner to start. That will help you clean shower walls and glass doors. You might also need special cleaning products for surfaces like granite countertops and hardwood floors.

You’ll also need essential cleaning supplies like a mop, broom, vacuum, microfiber cloth, sponges, and a dustpan. Don’t forget to buy protective gear like gloves and masks, especially if your new place is dusty.

Assess the Space

Whether you’re moving into a pre-war building in the Upper West Side or a modern high-rise in FiDi, each space has its unique cleaning challenges. Take 15-20 minutes to walk through your new home and note any special attention areas.

For pre-war buildings, pay extra attention to radiators and window frames. In newer buildings, check the ventilation systems and built-in appliances.

Note: Use this stage of the cleaning process to determine whether you need to avail yourself of move-in cleaning services. You should realize the scale of the project after a quick assessment.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Tasks

Use this move-in cleaning checklist to work your way through your new home. We have listed the things you need to work on before bringing in your belongings.

Living Area

You’ll be spending a lot of time in your living area. It only makes sense to thoroughly clean it before moving in. It’s the first room guests interact with which gives you yet another reason to prioritize this space.

Don’t leave it cluttered as that can impact your mental health and leave you stressed.

• Dust high-surface areas like fans, light fixtures, and crown molding.
• Wipe shelves, mantels, and tabletops.
• Clean electronics that come with the house.
• Use glass cleaner on windows and mirrors.
• Vacuum your carpet to remove dirt and debris.
• Disinfect tiles and other high-contact surfaces.
• Clear vent covers of dirt. Use a vacuum cleaner if necessary.
• Wipe down your baseboards with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Make sure the light switches are clean and working.

Kitchen

A clean kitchen sets the foundation for your new home life, whether you’re a dedicated home cook or a takeout enthusiast.

If you’d like a deep clean of this area, consider hiring move-in cleaning services. They’ll know exactly what needs to be done and do a good job at it.

• Wipe your countertops to remove any dirt.
• Disinfect all surfaces with food-safe cleaning products.
• Polish countertops, especially if they’re made from materials like stone or stainless steel.
• Clear cabinets of junk from the previous owner.
• Wipe down the cabinet’s interior and exterior with a damp cloth.
• Clean faucets and other plumbing fixtures with the correct cleaning tools to remove water stains. Baking soda and vinegar might help.
• Perform a deep cleaning of the oven. Check the user manual if you’re not comfortable taking it on by yourself.
• Check the light switches in the room.
• Use disinfectant to clean the whole refrigerator before you place food inside.
• Heat a bowl of water with lemon juice using your microwave for a few minutes. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth afterward.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another area in which you want to spend time cleaning. Check all the light fixtures and wall outlets to make sure they still work. Look at the state of your bathroom hardware and see if you need to replace them.

Again, you can get house cleaning services if you’re overwhelmed by the idea.

• Spray the toilet bowl with cleaning products then use a scrub brush to remove tough stains.
• Wipe down the toilet seat and tank.
• Scrub down tiles. Use bleach if needed. If you’re not a fan of using harsh chemicals, use organic cleaning materials.
• Clean the faucets and remove watermarks. Unclog the drain to remove hair and other stuff that might cause blockage.
• Scrub your bathtub if your new bathroom comes with one.
• Use grout cleaner to bring your grout back to life.
• Clean your showerhead to remove any buildup.
• Use microfiber cloths to clean your mirrors and glass partitions. Don’t use paper towels as that could scratch them.
• Scrub your sink, walls, and baseboards.
• Clean your windowsills. And don’t forget to include the window tracks.
• Pay close attention to your floor tiles when you clean them, especially the corners.
• Replace old towels with new ones.
• Remove old medicine when you clean cabinets in the bathroom.

Bedrooms

You’ll want to sleep at night knowing you’re in a clean space. That’s wy we suggest that you start cleaning your bedrooms first and work your way to the living room. That way, you can move in bulky furniture like bed frames a lot sooner.

Some professional cleaners can help bring in furniture. You better ask before hiring them so you know how else they can help come move-in day.

• Clean all cabinet interiors and exteriors. The same goes for nightstands and dressers.
• Check all the door frames and lubricate the hinges if needed.
• Do a thorough job of wiping the headboard and bed frame.
• Sweep hard-surface floors and wax them (if applicable).
• Check all electronic devices if there are any.
• Clean windows in all the rooms.
• Wash or replace curtains, blinds, or shades.
• Vacuum all carpets. Hire professional cleaning services if you can’t remove stains on your own.
• Remove clothing left behind by the previous owner.

Additional Cleaning Tasks

If you have the time to do more work, you can begin working on cleaning other areas in your home. For instance, you can look at your HVAC system and replace the filters. This is even more important if you’re moving in with kids or live with anyone who has allergies.

Your cleaning checklist should also include the following tasks.

• HVAC Filter Replacement: Replace your HVAC filter to improve air quality and reduce allergens.
• Air Duct Cleaning: This will help get rid of dust, mold, and other allergens. Use a professional cleaning service if you need help getting this done.
• Spot Cleaning: Use a magic eraser or similar products to remove marks from walls and other areas of your home.
• Lightbulb Replacement: Replace old bulbs before moving in, especially if they’re still not LED.
• Garage and Attic Cleanup: Go through all the junk in the garage and throw out stuff you won’t need.

Note: You can also refer to this post if you need a move-out cleaning checklist.

Final Touches

Before patting yourself on the back for the cleanup job well done, we have compiled a few more things for you to do to create a welcoming environment. This will make your efforts more rewarding while ensuring that every corner of your space feels inviting and well-kept.

Odor Elimination

Strong odors can sometimes mask underlying problems, such as mold or mildew. By eliminating odors, you can identify and address potential issues.

• Air Fresheners: Use natural air fresheners like reed diffusers or scented candles.
• Baking Soda: Place bowls of baking soda in closets, refrigerators, or other enclosed spaces to absorb odors.
• Essential Oils: Diffuse essential oils like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus to freshen the air.

Post-Cleaning Inspection

Even the most meticulous cleaning can sometimes miss a spot or two. We advocate for a post-cleaning inspection, which allows you to identify any areas that may have been overlooked. Carefully inspect the cleaned areas, evaluate the quality of the cleaning job, and determine if it meets your standards.

If you find any issues such as mold or water damage, you can address them immediately to prevent further problems.

• Visual Inspection: Walk through each room to ensure everything is clean and tidy.
• Detailed Check: Pay attention to details like baseboards, corners, and under appliances.

Need to Save Time?

A professional move-in cleaning service typically costs $200-400 for a standard 1-bedroom NYC apartment. While doing it yourself saves money, consider hiring help if you’re on a tight moving schedule. Local cleaning services can usually complete these tasks in 3-4 hours, compared to 6-8 hours for a DIY job.

And for those relocating within New York, contact us at Oz Moving and Storage. We can coordinate your cleaning and moving services together. Our trusted cleaning partners offer competitive rates for move-in services.

Call us today to learn how we can help make your move stress-free. Local moving quotes start at $300.