Move Out Cleaning Checklist

An end-of-tenancy move out cleaning checklist to pass inspection and secure your deposit.

Published June 22, 2026

Whole-Home Prep

Remove all furniture, belongings, and trash from every room
Patch small nail holes and touch up scuffed paint if your lease requires it
Dust ceiling corners, fans, and light fixtures throughout
Wipe down all walls, doors, frames, and light switches
Clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
Take dated photos once each room is cleaned
Photos protect you if there is any dispute over the deposit.

Kitchen

Clean the oven interior, racks, broiler, and door glass
Pull out the stove and fridge to clean behind and underneath
Empty, defrost, and wipe the refrigerator and freezer
Degrease the range hood and replace or wash the filter
Empty and wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
Scrub the sink, descale the faucet, and clean the disposal
Wipe countertops, the backsplash, and cabinet fronts

Bathrooms

Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind it
Deep clean the shower, tub, and remove all soap scum
Scrub grout lines and treat any mildew
Descale the showerhead, faucets, and fixtures
Clean the mirror, vanity, and inside the cabinets
Clear and disinfect all drains
Clean the exhaust fan cover and mop the floor

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Wipe down baseboards, trim, and door frames
Clean inside and outside of all closets and shelving
Dust and wipe window sills, ledges, and built-ins
Remove any wall hooks, mounts, and adhesive residue
Spot-clean walls and remove scuff marks
Vacuum or steam-clean carpets to lift stains

Windows, Doors and Fixtures

Wash interior windows and wipe them streak-free
Vacuum and wipe window tracks and sills
Dust blinds and launder or wipe curtains if they stay
Clean light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs
Wipe down all doors, handles, and frames
Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces

Floors and Final Walkthrough

Sweep and vacuum every room, including closets and corners
Mop all hard floors and spot-treat stains
Steam-clean or shampoo carpets if required by the lease
Clean and disinfect any outdoor patio, balcony, or entry
Remove all trash and leave bins clean
Do a final inspection room by room against your lease checklist

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A move out cleaning checklist is a room-by-room, end-of-tenancy deep clean designed to pass a landlord's inspection and secure your full deposit back. It covers the detailed tasks rental walkthroughs check for — clean appliances, scrubbed bathrooms, wiped baseboards, and spotless floors.

Unlike routine cleaning, a move-out clean is done with empty rooms, so you can reach every surface, inside every cupboard, and behind every appliance. Clean after furniture is removed for the best results.

This printable checklist is ideal for renters who want to leave the property spotless and avoid deductions. Print it or save the PDF and tick off each room before your final inspection.

Go top to bottom, leave floors for last, and use it alongside your lease's cleaning requirements so nothing the inspector checks gets missed.

FAQ

What does move out cleaning include?

It includes deep cleaning every room, the inside of appliances, bathrooms, baseboards, windows, and floors, plus patching small holes and removing all trash. The goal is to return the property in inspection-ready condition.

How do I make sure I get my deposit back?

Clean thoroughly with rooms empty, follow your lease's cleaning requirements, repair small damage, and take dated photos after cleaning as proof. A detailed checklist helps you cover everything inspectors look for.

Should I clean before or after moving furniture out?

Clean after furniture and belongings are removed so you can reach every surface, inside cupboards, and behind appliances. Empty rooms make a thorough move-out clean far easier.

How long does a move out clean take?

A full move-out clean usually takes a full day for an average home, longer for larger properties. Starting early and working room by room keeps it on track before your inspection.

Is this move out cleaning checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF and check off each room and task before your final walkthrough.