Moving home
How to prepare for a move-out cleaning
Coordinate boxes, access, and cleaning priorities before handing over the keys.
Read the property requirements first
Review your lease or the instructions from your property manager for cleaning expectations. Note any specific requirements for appliances, cabinets, floors, or keys. Keep these instructions handy when discussing your cleaning plan. Cleaning can address the condition of surfaces, but it cannot guarantee a deposit return or resolve unrelated damage.
Schedule around the movers
An empty home makes many areas easier to reach. Where possible, plan cleaning after furniture and boxes have left and before the final walkthrough. Leave enough time for floors to dry. Confirm access, parking, and whether electricity and water will still be available on the planned day.
Remove belongings and rubbish
Check cupboards, closets, drawers, and storage spaces for overlooked items. Empty the refrigerator if its interior is part of the agreed work, and remove personal belongings from bathrooms. Do not assume rubbish removal or moving heavy objects is included. Discuss these needs in advance so the cleaner knows what to expect.
Agree on the scope before the visit
Share your property requirements and identify the areas needing the most attention. Ask specifically about appliance interiors, cabinet interiors, and other detailed tasks rather than treating them as automatic inclusions. Gleam’s move-out cleaning page is a useful starting point for that conversation.