Cleaning Your New Home Before Moving In
5th November 2024
Before you unpack boxes and arrange the furniture, give your new home a thorough scrubbing to remove any residue dirt and grime left by the previous residents.
Got the keys to your new place? Congratulations! Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but before you fully settle in, take some time to ensure your new space is as clean as you’d like it to be. Some people’s standards of cleanliness may not match yours, so a half-day’s effort can make a big difference in making your new home feel truly yours before moving in properly.
We’ve provided a moving in cleaning checklist to help you tackle the essential tasks and make your new home feel fresh and welcoming.
Why should you clean before moving in?
Moving into a new home marks a fresh start, and a thorough cleaning can set the tone for a welcoming space free of the previous occupants’ remnants. Here are our top reasons to pause on the unpacking and fast-forward the cleaning:
- Get to know the home: A ‘move-in clean’ isn’t just about tidying up but also an opportunity to familiarise yourself with every nook and cranny of your new space. As you meticulously wipe down surfaces and inspect corners, take note of any quirks or maintenance needs, such as loose door handles or overlooked repairs. Addressing these early ensures your home is in top shape before settling in.
- Get rid of lingering germs: Even if the previous residents left the place tidy, conducting your own deep clean, especially in high-use areas like bathrooms and kitchens, ensures a germ-free environment. Using quality cleaning products and disinfectants guarantees every surface is sanitised to your standards.
- Prepare storage areas: Before filling drawers and cabinets, ensure they're thoroughly cleaned and free of dust. This prevents transferring dirt or allergens into your belongings and makes organising easier from the start.
How much to clean a house before moving in
Deciding how much cleaning is necessary before settling into your new home depends on its current state. If it’s relatively tidy, a quick wipe-down of surfaces, vacuuming, and dusting may suffice. For homes needing a deeper clean, especially if there are stubborn stains or accumulated dirt, consider more thorough tasks like mopping floors, deep-cleaning bathrooms, and ensuring no dust bunnies are left behind in hidden spots.
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Move in cleaning checklist
The best way to give your new home a thorough clean is to tackle it methodically, room by room. Follow this step-by-step guide to make sure every corner shines:
Kitchen:
- Stove and rangehood: Soak and scrub elements well.
- Oven: Clean with an over-cleaner if needed.
- Appliances: If you can, clean behind and under appliances like ovens and microwaves, as a lifetime of dust and dirt may have collected in these dark places.
- Cupboards and drawers: Remove all dust, crumbs and grime.
- Walls and splashbacks: Wipe them down to remove any residue.
- Floor: Mop to ensure cleanliness.
Bathroom and laundry:
- Toilet: Scrub inside and out with disinfectant; consider replacing the seat and cover.
- Shower and bath: Remove mould and soap scum with a strong cleaner, especially in corners and grout.
- Cupboards and drawers: Thoroughly wipe clean.
- Walls: Wipe down all surfaces.
- Floor: Mop to ensure cleanliness.
Living areas and bedrooms:
- Walls: Wipe clean and check for holes from screws.
- Light fittings and fans: Dust or wipe them down.
- Shelves and other surfaces: Use a microfiber towel to remove dust.
- Floor: Vacuum thoroughly and mop if necessary.
General cleaning:
- Windows and window sills: Clean both inside and outside, including sills and frames.
- Ceilings and corners: Remove cobwebs and dust from ceiling corners.
- Light switches and doorknobs: Wipe down to disinfect these high-touch areas.
- Air vents: Vacuum or wipe down to remove dust buildup.
- Baseboards: Wipe down to remove dust and dirt.
- Mirrors and glass surfaces: Clean with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine.
If you have the time and energy, make sure the garage is spic and span. You might want to do a lap around the outside of the house, too, checking for cobwebs, cracks and any other things that need attention (you can tackle these jobs once you’ve unpacked a few boxes!).
This move-in cleaning checklist ensures your new home is spotless from the start, creating a comfortable and welcoming living space.
The final word
Giving your new home a thorough clean before you start unpacking is a great idea. It gives you the reassurance that important areas like the kitchen and bathroom are germ-free; and it helps familiarise yourself with the home’s features, fixtures and fittings.
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About Red Energy
Red Energy is 100% owned by Snowy Hydro Limited, who own, manage, and maintain the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme in New South Wales. Our Customer Solutions team is 100% based in Australia.