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cleaning before a move.

How to Clean an Apartment Before Moving Out

You’ve packed and moved out all of your personal possessions, but moving out of your apartment doesn’t end there. If like most people, you are looking to get your security deposit back after your lease ends, don’t forget to clean your old place before handing over your keys.

We understand. It’s easy to overlook spots or forget to clean areas of your home. That’s why this month, we bring you a handy checklist to help you prepare your home for the next tenants.

Clean Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the smallest, but hardest-to-clean rooms in your whole apartment. Remember to:

• Use bleach to clean and disinfect any hard-water, grout and mold buildup in your shower, bathtub, and floor tiles.
• Clean out, or throw away all items inside your bathroom drawers and cabinets. Wipe down the interior of all drawers and cabinets once they’ve been emptied.
• Clean out all hair from drains to avoid blockage.
• Clean the toilet, countertops, mirrors, and floors.
• Toilet seats are inexpensive to replace, so if yours is loose or broken, replace it.

Clean Your Bedroom and Living Area

• Remove all nails, thumbtacks, and screws out of walls, and putty/paint any remaining holes.
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Dust and wipe down all windows and window ledges.
• Wipe down walls and ceilings and get rid of any cobwebs.
• If your apartment has carpet, vacuum thoroughly. If you find any stains or excessive dirty areas, shampoo the carpets or hire professional cleaners to do this for you.

Clean Your Kitchen

Pay extra attention to your kitchen, as it is probably one of the dirtiest areas of your home. Be sure to:

• Scrub your refrigerator and oven, making sure to wipe down any food spills, grime, and burnt food.
• Don’t leave any food for the landlord or future renters, even if you’re trying not to be wasteful. Either pack it up, donate it or throw it away. It’s not uncommon for landlords to charge you extra fees for leftover items.
• Wipe down and disinfect all cabinets, countertops, sinks and appliances.
• Clean your dishwasher, if you have one. A quick way to do this is to use vinegar or baking soda and run the empty dishwater through a hot-water cycle.

Clean Your Garage & Yard

If you have a garage or shed, don’t forget to:

• Completely empty and sweep your garage
• If you’re responsible for maintaining your yard, make sure to trim the grass around your home and pull out any weeds. Use an old broom to sweep your front and backyard areas, and if they are especially dirty use a hose and scrub your entryways.

Your Trusted Tucson Movers

There is nothing glamorous or exciting about cleaning your house or apartment before moving out, but it has to be done if you ever want to see your security deposit again. Reference, this checklist before your next move, to make sure you don’t miss anything. If you can afford it, consider skipping this list and hiring a team of professional movers instead.

Need help moving? We can help get you to wherever you’re going. Let our team of experienced moving professionals take care of your next move, so you won’t have to. Call us today at (520) 822-6140 for a free moving quote!

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