Move-In Cleaning Tips & Tricks by Cleaner Network

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. Between packing, coordinating logistics, and settling into a new space, cleaning might feel like just another task on a never-ending to-do list. However, giving your new home a thorough cleaning before moving in is one of the most rewarding steps you can take. It ensures a fresh start and makes your new house feel like home.

At Cleaner Network, we understand the importance of a spotless move-in experience. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide filled with tips and tricks to help you clean like a pro—or take the stress off entirely by hiring our team of cleaning experts.

Why Clean Before Moving In?

• Easier Cleaning: An empty home allows you to clean every surface thoroughly without moving furniture or working around obstacles.
• Fresh Start: Eliminating dirt, dust, and lingering odors ensures you begin this new chapter in a pristine environment.
• Identify Problems Early: Cleaning before unpacking helps you notice stains, leaks, mold, or other issues that may need attention.

If your schedule is packed or the task feels too daunting, the professionals at Cleaner Network can step in to handle every detail.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist

A thorough move-in cleaning requires a plan. Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure no area gets overlooked:

1. Tackle the High Areas First

Cleaning high-to-low ensures that dust and debris settle downward, so you don’t need to clean surfaces twice. Start by:

• Dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents.
• Wiping down the tops of cabinets, shelves, and doorframes.
• Removing cobwebs from corners and ceiling edges.

Pro Tip: Use an extendable duster or a microfiber cloth to trap dust effectively without spreading it around.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important areas to clean thoroughly before moving in since it’s where you’ll prepare meals and store food. Here’s how to make it sparkle:

• Refrigerator: Pull the fridge away from the wall to clean behind and underneath it. Inside, remove racks and drawers, soak them in warm soapy water, and wipe down all surfaces.
• Oven and Stove: Use an oven cleaner to tackle grease and grime. Don’t forget to clean under and around the stove.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe down the interiors, exteriors, and handles with a gentle cleanser.
• Counters and Sink: Disinfect counters and scrub the sink with baking soda and vinegar for a natural shine.

Pro Tip: Line cabinets with shelf liners to keep them clean and make future maintenance easier.

Refresh the Bathrooms

Bathrooms often need extra attention before you move in. A clean bathroom not only looks good but also promotes a healthier home environment. Follow these steps:

• Inspect the area for leaks, mold, or damaged caulking.
• Scrub the shower, tub, and tiles with a powerful cleaner. Let tough stains soak before scrubbing to save time and effort.
• Use a toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant to clean the toilet inside and out.
• Clean the sink, faucets, and mirrors until they shine.
• Vacuum and mop the floors to finish.

Pro Tip: Use a grout cleaner or a mix of baking soda and water to restore the brightness of tiled areas.

Clean the Floors Thoroughly

Floors endure the most wear and tear in any home, so they need special attention before move-in day. Cleaning methods will vary based on the type of flooring:

• Hardwood Floors: Avoid soaking the wood to prevent warping. Use a damp mop and a gentle wood cleaner for a polished finish.
• Laminate Floors: A spray bottle and microfiber mop can remove dirt and dust without leaving streaks.
• Carpet: Vacuum carpets first, treat stains, and then use a carpet cleaner for deep cleaning. Allow carpets to dry completely before walking on them.

Pro Tip: Place rugs or runners in high-traffic areas once you’ve moved in to protect your floors from future wear.

Room-by-Room Breakdown

A detailed cleaning strategy for every part of your new home:

• Living Spaces: Dust window sills, baseboards, and ledges. Clean windows inside and out for a clear view. Vacuum or mop floors and wipe down light switches and outlets.
• Bedrooms: Check closets for dust and wipe down shelves. Vacuum or clean under where the bed and furniture will go. Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Utility Spaces: Clean the laundry room by wiping down the washer and dryer. Sweep and mop the floor, especially around appliances. Check for lint buildup in dryer vents for safety.

Expert Techniques for Pro-Level Cleaning

Professional tips and time-saving techniques:

• Dryer Sheets for Baseboards: Wipe baseboards with dryer sheets to repel dust and pet hair.
• Vinegar for Stains: Mix equal parts vinegar and water to remove hard water stains on faucets and shower doors.
• Lemon for Odors: Freshen up your garbage disposal by running lemon slices through it.

Feeling overwhelmed? Let Cleaner Network help! We specialize in tailored cleaning services to make your home sparkle.

A Fresh Start Awaits

Moving is a busy time, but starting with a clean home makes everything smoother. Whether you tackle the job yourself or let Cleaner Network handle the details, a sparkling clean house is the perfect way to begin your new chapter.

Ready to get started? Contact Cleaner Network today for a free quote and step into your new home with confidence and peace of mind.

Cleaner Network – Your partner in clean living.