Moving into a new home is exciting, but before you start unpacking, take time to give your home a deep clean.
Even if the home looks spotless, there are many places that previous owners or tenants may have missed. Cleaning now is much easier than trying to do it after your furniture is in place.
Use this move-in cleaning checklist to start fresh in your new home.
26 Things to Clean Before You Move In
- Kitchen Backsplash
- Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers
- Dishwasher
- Behind the Stove
- Range Hood & Filters
- Oven
- Kitchen Faucets
- Garbage Disposal
- Behind the Refrigerator
- Refrigerator Water Filter & Ice Maker
- Ceiling Fans
- Door Handles & Cabinet Knobs
- Light Switches
- Blinds & Window Treatments
- Floors & Carpets
- Air Filters
- Baseboards
- Light Fixtures
- Windows
- Fireplace & Chimney
- Gutters
- Outdoor Light Fixtures
- Pool Filter (If Applicable)
- Showerheads
- Bathrooms
- Dryer Vent
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in any home, and it’s also where grease and grime tend to hide.
- ✔ Clean the backsplash behind the stove.
- ✔ Wipe inside every cabinet and drawer.
- ✔ Deep clean the dishwasher.
- ✔ Pull out the stove and clean underneath.
- ✔ Degrease the range hood and filters.
- ✔ Clean the oven.
- ✔ Scrub faucet aerators.
- ✔ Freshen the garbage disposal.
- ✔ Pull out the refrigerator and vacuum behind it.
- ✔ Replace the refrigerator water filter.
Need help after unpacking? Read our guide on what to do after moving into your new home.
Living Areas
Dust collects in places that are easy to overlook.
- ✔ Dust ceiling fans.
- ✔ Sanitize door handles and cabinet knobs.
- ✔ Wipe light switches.
- ✔ Clean blinds and window treatments.
- ✔ Deep clean carpets or mop hard floors.
- ✔ Replace HVAC air filters.
- ✔ Wash baseboards.
- ✔ Dust light fixtures.
- ✔ Clean inside and outside windows.
- ✔ Inspect and clean the fireplace if you have one.
Outside the Home
Don’t forget the exterior while you’re getting settled.
- ✔ Clean the gutters.
- ✔ Wipe down outdoor light fixtures.
- ✔ Clean the pool filter if your home has a pool.
Bathrooms & Laundry Room
Bathrooms deserve extra attention before they’re used.
- ✔ Clean or replace showerheads.
- ✔ Disinfect toilets, tubs, sinks, and countertops.
- ✔ Wipe medicine cabinets and mirrors.
- ✔ Replace the toilet seat if desired.
- ✔ Clean the dryer vent to reduce fire risk.
Quick Move-In Cleaning Checklist
- ✔ Kitchen appliances
- ✔ Cabinets and drawers
- ✔ Floors and carpets
- ✔ Air filters
- ✔ Windows and blinds
- ✔ Bathrooms
- ✔ Dryer vent
- ✔ Outdoor fixtures
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I clean before moving furniture in?
Yes. It’s much easier to clean every corner while the home is empty. Once furniture is in place, many areas become difficult to reach.
What’s the most forgotten area to clean?
Behind appliances, air filters, baseboards, light switches, and the dryer vent are some of the most commonly overlooked areas.
Should I replace the air filter after moving in?
Absolutely. A fresh air filter improves indoor air quality and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
Start Fresh in Your New Home
A few extra hours of cleaning before you unpack can make your new home feel cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable from day one.
Use this checklist as your guide, and you’ll know you’ve covered the places that many homeowners overlook.
A clean home is one of the best ways to start your next chapter.
