How Clean Should Your House Be When You Move Out?
5th November 2024
Want to move house with a clean conscience? Get a handle on how much cleaning and fixing you should do before you move.
Moving house is hard work and yes, having to clean adds even more to your already long to-do list. But there’s no avoiding it because leaving a clean house for the next owner or tenant is not only good karma, it’s often a legal obligation.
Working out how much you need to clean can be tricky – particularly when the definition of “clean” can be different from one person to the next. Generally though, there are some guidelines that you can follow whether you’re a renter wanting your bond back or a seller preparing your house for the market.
How clean is clean?
The type of cleaning you do when you’re moving out is more like a spring clean rather than your everyday household chores. It’s not just running around with a duster, vacuum and mop. A ‘moving out’ clean should aim to get rid of ingrained grime and dirt around your home.
So, it’s things like:
- Cleaning inside the oven and rangehood (and behind the oven, if you can get to it)
- Washing blinds or curtains
- Washing windows, inside and out
- Wiping out the insides of all cupboards and drawers
- Scrubbing all the grime and scale from wet areas
A deep clean will take you at least a day and a lot of elbow grease! Given the extent of it, many people choose to enlist the help of professional cleaners once all the boxes and furniture have been removed. If you’re unsure about move-out cleaning costs, shop around and get some quotes.
Don’t forget the garden, either. Outdoor areas should be left neat and tidy – which may mean you have to sweep hard surfaces, mow the grass and pull out weeds.
Selling your home? Here’s what clean means
If settlement day on your home is fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning your house before moving out.
Not only should it be clean, but any breakages or issues that have occurred since the contract was signed will also need to be fixed (as well as any special conditions mentioned in the contract). The buyer has the right to do what’s called a pre-settlement inspection in the few days leading up to settlement – if there’s anything that they think needs fixing or is missing compared to what’s in the contract, they could request a delay in settlement until it’s all fixed.
Remember; it’s nice to be nice! Another person or family will be excited to move into this property and call it their home. Leaving it free of stains, marks and rubbish will help their moving day run as smoothly as possible.
Ending a lease? Here’s what clean means
If your rental lease is ending and you’re preparing to move out, it’s crucial to start cleaning to ensure you get your bond back. Most states and real estate agents have specific rules about leaving the property clean and tidy, and you may be required to pay for professional cleaning.
If you’ve been living in the home for a long time, then the landlord will generally allow for some reasonable wear and tear on the property – such as carpet that is becoming thinner in high-traffic areas or timber window frames that are becoming weather-damaged. These types of things are beyond your control, whereas giving the property a good clean is something you can do.
If you’re unsure about how much detail you need to go into, check your tenancy agreement or with your agent.
Follow our end of lease cleaning checklist to make sure you cover off on all the main areas of the property.
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Moving out cleaning checklist
When preparing to move house, cleaning thoroughly is essential to ensure you leave the property in good condition. Here’s a checklist to help you tackle the cleaning process effectively:
General cleaning:
- Dust all surfaces, including ceilings, walls, and baseboards.
- Vacuum or mop all floors, including carpets, rugs, and hard surfaces.
- Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches.
- Clean and polish mirrors and windows.
Kitchen:
- Clean inside and outside of all kitchen cabinets and drawers.
- Wipe down countertops and backsplash.
- Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including the oven, refrigerator, and microwave.
- Scrub the sink and polish taps.
Bathroom:
- Scrub and sanitise the bathtub, shower, tiles, and grout.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, including around the base and under the seat.
- Wipe down bathroom cabinets and vanity.
- Polish mirrors and clean bathroom fixtures.
Bedrooms:
- Dust and clean all furniture, including inside closets.
- Vacuum or clean upholstery as needed.
- Wash curtains or blinds.
Additional Areas:
- Clean laundry room, including appliances and surfaces.
- Dust and clean any additional rooms or spaces used for storage.
- Dispose of any remaining trash and recycling appropriately.
- Sweep and clean outdoor areas like patios, balconies, or entryways.
Inspection Preparation:
- Ensure all repairs and maintenance agreed upon are completed.
- Document the condition of the property with photos for your records.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that you leave your old home clean and ready for the next occupants or inspection, helping you to potentially get your full bond back or leave a positive impression on buyers if you’re selling.
The final word
When you’re moving out, you should leave the property clean and tidy. For renters, this is important if you want your bond back in full; and for vendors, it’s important so that settlement isn’t delayed.
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