Moving can be stressful, but cleaning before a move helps the entire process go a bit smoother. Even though cleaning when moving out requires time and energy, it can ultimately save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
But where do you start? What actually needs to be cleaned? What are the best products and techniques to use? Do you have to do it all yourself? These are some important questions we aim to answer in this article.
Decluttering
One of the best ways to get started on the right foot is to begin decluttering and tidying up your space. This includes getting rid of anything that is outgrown, worn out, no longer used, or unwanted. While a cleaning service can handle some steps in the cleaning process, this initial step is most effective when done yourself with your own things in your own home.
First, designate how items that are going to be thrown away or donated are going to be collected and where items that are going to be saved but belong in another place should be placed until they can be put away properly. After that, there are many different ways to tackle decluttering.
You could employ the KonMari approach to decluttering, made popular by Marie Kondo, which has six simple rules for decluttering and keeping your home in order:
- Commit yourself to tidy up.
- Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
- Finish discarding first.
- Tidy by category, not location.
- Follow the Right Order.
- Ask yourself if it sparks joy.
If properly done, you will end up with a clean, organized home that includes the things you appreciate and none of the clutter.
Another approach that can be helpful in the decluttering process is the “follow the wall” method. Pick any wall in your home as a starting point and begin by inspecting each item to evaluate whether you would like to keep it and, if so, ensure it is in the correct place. Then, follow the wall in one direction and continue sorting and tidying up until you have taken care of everything in the room.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the clutter and placed everything back where it belongs, you can begin a thorough deep cleaning in preparation for your move. Here is a simple cleaning checklist for moving.
- Appliances — If you’re leaving appliances behind, make sure to clean them thoroughly before the new homeowners arrive. This includes the refrigerator, stove, oven, and dishwasher.
- Bathrooms — Use a disinfecting cleaning solution to wipe down all the surfaces in the bathroom. You should thoroughly clean the toilet, sink, and shower or tub. Make sure to sweep and mop the floors, as well.
- Closets — Go through all your closets and drawers and get rid of anything you don’t need or want. This will help you pack more efficiently and make it easier to unpack and organize in your new home.
- Surfaces — Be sure to dust and clean all surfaces, including countertops, tables, and shelving. This will help reduce the amount of dust and dirt that gets packed into boxes and transported to your new home.
- Windows — Take some time to wash the windows and window sills inside and out. This will help let in more light and give your home a fresh, clean look.
- Floors — Make sure to sweep, mop, or vacuum all the floors in your home, including carpets, hardwood, and tile. This will not only make your home look better, but it will also help protect your floors during the moving process.
Move-out Cleaning Services
There are several reasons why you may only want to complete some of the cleaning tasks in addition to packing and moving forward with the rest of the moving process. It may be time constraints, physical limitations, or the desire to hire someone to care for it all. Whatever the reason, a move-out service can be very convenient and worth the expense.
Hiring a move-out cleaning service can be a convenient and stress-free way to ensure that your home is clean and ready for the next occupants. Some benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service include the following:
- Time-saving: Cleaning an entire home can be time-consuming, especially if you’re also trying to pack and prepare for a move. Hiring a cleaning service allows you to focus on other tasks and saves time.
- Professional results: Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean your home, ensuring that it looks its best for the next occupants.
- Attention to detail: A professional cleaning service will pay attention to all the little details, such as wiping down baseboards, cleaning inside cabinets and drawers, and washing windows.
- Peace of mind: Hiring a professional cleaning service gives you peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands and that it will be thoroughly cleaned before you move out.
- Convenience: Many cleaning companies offer flexible scheduling and can work around your schedule, making the process convenient.
Overall, hiring a move-out cleaning service can be an excellent investment to ensure that your home is clean and ready for the next occupants and to make your moving process as stress-free as possible.
Remember, the cleaner your home is before you move, the easier the moving process will be. So whether you decide to tackle it on your own or choose to enlist the help of a move-out cleaning service, be sure to take the time to do a thorough cleaning and decluttering before the big day.
Daisy Maids
With over 15 years of experience, Daisy Maids offers licensed and insured house cleaning services by a team of professionals. We provide cleaning services for the occasional deep clean and move-in and move-out cleaning. We also offer disinfecting services to keep your home and family safe during this unprecedented time.
Daisy Maids is locally owned and operated right here in Utah. Our professional house cleaning services are available in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding cities, including Taylorsville, West Jordan, and Sandy. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning service or get an estimate for your customized deep cleaning!
