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Moving Out? 10 Areas People Commonly Forget to Clean
Updated: Oct 2
Moving is exciting, but it can also be exhausting. Between packing boxes, coordinating movers, transferring utilities and preparing for your next home, it's easy to overlook some of the cleaning tasks that need attention before you hand over the keys.
Even homeowners who keep their houses exceptionally clean are sometimes surprised by what they discover once the furniture is gone.
Dust collects behind appliances. Crumbs accumulate in kitchen drawers. Baseboards that were hidden by furniture suddenly become visible. And those empty closets you haven't thought about in years? They probably need some attention, too.
Whether you're selling your home, moving into a new property or preparing to return the keys to a rental, a thorough move-out cleaning can help leave the property in good condition for its next occupants.
Here are 10 areas that people commonly forget to clean when moving out.
1. Inside Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
Kitchen cabinets and drawers are easy to overlook because they're usually filled with dishes, utensils and pantry items.
Once everything has been packed, however, you may discover crumbs, dust, sticky residue and other buildup that wasn't visible before.
Pay particular attention to:
Interior cabinet shelves and corners.
Utensil and silverware drawers.
Pantry shelves.
Cabinet doors, handles and exterior surfaces.
The areas beneath and around frequently used drawers.
Allowing time to clean these areas after the kitchen has been emptied can make a significant difference in how the space looks and feels.
For homeowners preparing to sell, clean cabinets also help make a positive impression when prospective buyers or new owners begin opening storage spaces.
2. Behind and Beneath Appliances
When was the last time you looked behind your refrigerator?
For many homeowners, the answer is probably not recently.
Refrigerators, stoves and other large appliances can conceal surprising amounts of dust, food debris and grease.
If the appliances have been safely moved or removed, the newly exposed flooring and surrounding surfaces may need additional attention.
Check the spaces beside and beneath appliances, along with any accessible areas behind them.
Avoid attempting to move heavy appliances yourself if doing so could damage the flooring, plumbing or electrical connections. Discuss appliance access and any necessary moving arrangements with your cleaning provider in advance.
3. Baseboards and Floor Edges
Baseboards are one of those household features that tend to disappear into the background when furniture is in place.
Once a room is empty, however, dusty baseboards and dirty floor edges become much more noticeable.
Walk through each room and inspect the baseboards, particularly behind beds, sofas, dressers and other large pieces of furniture.
Pay attention to corners, doorways and areas where dust and pet hair tend to accumulate.
In Prescott-area homes, where outdoor dust can easily find its way indoors, these overlooked surfaces may need extra attention after furniture has been removed.
4. Inside Closets and Storage Areas
Closets are often among the last areas packed and the first areas forgotten when cleaning begins.
Once you've removed clothing, shoes, storage bins and other belongings, take a closer look at the shelves, rods, walls and flooring.
Don't forget smaller storage spaces, such as linen closets, hallway cabinets and utility cupboards.
These areas can collect dust, cobwebs and debris over time, particularly in corners or on high shelves.
If you're moving out of a rental, check your lease or move-out instructions for any specific requirements regarding closets and storage areas.
5. Light Switches, Door Handles and Doors
Frequently touched surfaces can accumulate fingerprints, smudges and everyday grime.
During a move, these areas may become even dirtier as people carry boxes, move furniture and repeatedly enter and exit rooms.
Before leaving the property, inspect light switches, door handles, door frames and the doors themselves.
Look for fingerprints around handles, marks near door edges and dust along the tops of door frames.
Use cleaning methods appropriate for the surface and finish, especially on painted doors or specialty hardware.
6. Bathroom Cabinets, Drawers and Fixtures
Bathrooms may receive regular cleaning, but the spaces beneath sinks and inside vanity drawers often receive less attention.
Once toiletries, towels and personal belongings have been removed, inspect these areas for hair, dust, product residue and other buildup.
Also check around faucets, shower fixtures, towel bars and toilet bases.
Hard-water deposits and soap residue can become more noticeable when the bathroom is completely empty.
If you're preparing a property for sale or rental turnover, these details contribute to the overall appearance of the bathroom.
7. Window Sills and Interior Tracks
Window sills and tracks can accumulate dust, dirt, insects and debris over time.
Because they're not always part of a homeowner's everyday cleaning routine, they're easy to miss during a move.
Inspect the accessible interior sills and tracks throughout the home, particularly in rooms where windows are opened frequently.
Prescott's dry climate and seasonal winds can contribute to dust buildup in these areas.
Window sills and interior tracks can require additional attention during a move-out cleaning. If these areas are important to you, discuss them during your consultation so we can clarify the cleaning scope. Pristine Spaces Cleaning does not provide interior or exterior window cleaning.
8. Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures and Air Vents
When you're busy packing, it's easy to focus on everything at eye level and forget to look up.
Ceiling fan blades, accessible light fixtures and vent covers can accumulate dust that becomes especially noticeable in an otherwise empty room.
Inspect these areas before your final walkthrough.
Cleaning elevated fixtures may require appropriate equipment and safety precautions. Avoid climbing on unstable furniture or attempting to access fixtures that are difficult to reach safely.
For professional cleaning, confirm which elevated surfaces and fixtures are included in your service.
9. Laundry Rooms and Utility Areas
Laundry rooms often become temporary storage spaces during a move.
Boxes, cleaning products and miscellaneous household items can conceal dusty shelving, lint buildup and dirty flooring.
Once the room is empty, inspect the accessible surfaces around the washer and dryer, laundry sink, shelving and baseboards.
If appliances are being removed, additional areas of flooring may become accessible.
Avoid disconnecting appliances or attempting to clean inside electrical or mechanical components unless you're qualified to do so.
10. The Floors After All the Furniture Is Gone
Even if you've been vacuuming and mopping regularly, it's difficult to thoroughly clean every section of flooring while your furniture is still in place.
Once the movers have finished, you'll have access to areas that may not have been cleaned in months or even years.
Inspect the spaces where beds, sofas, dining tables and large appliances once stood.
Look for dust, pet hair, debris and marks that may have been hidden beneath furniture.
For the most thorough results, schedule your final floor cleaning after the majority of your belongings have been removed.
This also helps prevent movers and repeated foot traffic from undoing your cleaning efforts.
When Should You Schedule Your Move-Out Cleaning?
Timing can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of a move-out cleaning.
Whenever possible, we recommend scheduling the cleaning after your belongings have been removed but before your final walkthrough, closing or key handover.
An empty home gives cleaning technicians better access to floors, baseboards, cabinets, closets and other areas that may have been blocked by furniture.
It also reduces the likelihood that moving activity will introduce additional dirt after the cleaning has been completed.
If your schedule doesn't allow for the entire property to be emptied beforehand, discuss the circumstances with your cleaning provider so the scope and timing can be planned accordingly.
For rental properties, be sure to review your lease and any move-out instructions provided by your landlord or property manager.
Should You Clean the Property Yourself or Hire a Professional?
There's no single answer that works for everyone.
If you have sufficient time, the necessary supplies and a relatively small property, handling your own move-out cleaning may be a reasonable option.
However, moving is physically demanding, and the final cleaning often requires more time than homeowners anticipate.
A professional move-out cleaning service can help address the detailed cleaning tasks that are easy to overlook while you're managing the rest of your move.
At Pristine Spaces Cleaning, we provide customized move-in and move-out cleaning estimates based on the property's size, condition and specific cleaning requirements.
Our complimentary in-home consultations allow us to evaluate the property and discuss the scope of work before providing an estimate.
Because every property is different, it's important to confirm exactly which services are included. Interior appliances, detailed window-related work and other specialty tasks may require separate arrangements or may not be offered by every cleaning company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Move-Out Cleaning
How far in advance should I schedule a move-out cleaning?
As soon as you know your anticipated moving date, it's a good idea to contact your cleaning company. Scheduling in advance gives you more flexibility, particularly when your cleaning must be completed before a closing, final inspection or key handover.
Should the house be completely empty before a move-out cleaning?
Ideally, yes. An empty property provides better access to floors, closets, cabinets, baseboards and other surfaces. If the property won't be completely empty, let your cleaning company know in advance.
Is move-out cleaning the same as regular house cleaning?
Not necessarily. A move-out cleaning often involves more detailed attention to areas that may not be included in routine maintenance cleaning, such as empty cabinets, closets and previously inaccessible floor areas. The exact scope depends on the property and the services agreed upon.
Does move-out cleaning include the inside of the oven and refrigerator?
It depends on the cleaning company and the estimate. At Pristine Spaces Cleaning, interior oven and refrigerator cleaning are optional add-on services. If these areas need attention, be sure to request them when discussing your cleaning requirements.
Will a professional move-out cleaning guarantee the return of my security deposit?
No cleaning company can guarantee the return of a security deposit. Deposit decisions may depend on your lease, property condition, applicable laws and other factors beyond cleaning. However, a thorough cleaning can help you address the property's cleaning requirements before your final inspection.
Do I need a cleaning consultation if the property is already empty?
An empty property is often easier to evaluate. At Pristine Spaces Cleaning, we prefer to conduct a complimentary in-home consultation so we can assess the property's condition, discuss your requirements and prepare an accurate estimate.
Make Your Next Move a Little Easier
Moving involves enough work without having to worry about every overlooked cabinet, closet or dusty baseboard.
With a little planning and a thorough cleaning checklist, you can leave your previous home ready for its next chapter.
If you're preparing to move in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley or Dewey-Humboldt, Pristine Spaces Cleaning would be happy to help.
We offer customized move-in and move-out cleaning services and complimentary in-home consultations to help you understand the scope and cost before scheduling.
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About the Authors
Jeff & Alita Schaid are the owners of Pristine Spaces Cleaning, serving homeowners and businesses throughout Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona.
Through the Pristine Spaces Cleaning blog, they share practical cleaning advice, helpful homeowner resources and information about professional cleaning services in Northern Arizona.
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