Are you moving into a new house and ready to settle in? But wait! You are missing the most essential step, which is a thorough move-in cleaning of your home.
Before you unpack and start decorating, you should complete the house-cleaning task. This process is like hitting the refresh button on your new space. This process ensures your house is clean and ready for you to make it your own.
But you don’t know where to start? This problem can be solved by using a detailed cleaning checklist. The new house cleaning checklist will ensure no corner is overlooked and you clean your house thoroughly.
Whether your new home appears clean or not, taking the time to do it yourself offers peace of mind, and your home even looks more open and shiny.
This blog will include a complete move-in cleaning checklist, which will come in handy when you move into your new home.
What is Move-In Cleaning?
Unlike regular cleaning, move-in cleaning refers to a home or apartment's thorough cleaning process before settling into your new home. It is done to ensure the place is clean, fresh, and ready for you to live in.
This cleaning is usually done after the previous owners have moved out but before you bring in your belongings. Even if the home appears clean at first glance, move-in cleaning provides a deeper clean that targets hidden dirt and neglected areas.
The process creates a healthy environment for you and your family and prepares the home for organizing and decorating.
What Does a Move-In Cleaning Include?
Move-in cleaning is a deep cleaning of the home and ensures every corner of your home is clean. But what does it include? The move-in cleaning consists of the following:
▪️Cleaning the kitchen by wiping down countertops, cleaning the inside and outside of appliances like the fridge, oven, and microwave, and washing the sink.
▪️In the bathrooms, it means scrubbing the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub and cleaning mirrors, counters, and shelves.
▪️The floors are swept and mopped, including carpets and hard floors.
▪️Windows are cleaned inside and outside, and window sills and blinds are wiped down.
▪️Dusting is done on furniture, shelves, baseboards, and light fixtures; door handles and light switches are cleaned.
▪️The walls are checked for stains and wiped down, and ceiling fans are cleaned.
▪️Air vents are dusted, and filters might be replaced.
▪️Finally, all trash is removed, and the home is checked to ensure it is clean and ready for you to move in.
How to Prepare for Move-In Cleaning?
Move-in cleaning requires you to prepare before you start cleaning your new home. Here is what you need to do.
Gather Your Supplies
First, having all the necessary housekeeping tools and products at your fingertips is essential. Running back and forth to grab supplies mid-clean will increase the time taken for cleaning and add unnecessary stress. Gather the following supplies.
▪️All-purpose cleaner
▪️Window cleaner
▪️Disinfectant wipes
▪️Microfiber cloths
▪️Mop and bucket
▪️Broom or Vacuum cleaner
▪️A vacuum cleaner with attachments
▪️Baking soda and vinegar
If you're eco-conscious, consider buying non-toxic cleaning products. These cleaning tools are safe for the environment and are also gentler on your skin.
Assess the Space
Before you clean, check each room and evaluate its condition. Are there stubborn stains in the kitchen? Any leftover grime in the bathrooms? This will help you know which tasks need to be done on priority and manage time efficiently.
Essential Cleaning Supplies You Will Need
Apart from the cleaning supplies mentioned above, here are some additional house cleaning tools and equipment you may need.
Tools You Will Need
▪️A vacuum with different nozzles for thorough cleaning
▪️Microfiber cloths for dusting and wiping surfaces
▪️A mop for cleaning hardwood or tiled floors
Products to Stock Up On
▪️White vinegar and baking soda for natural cleaning
▪️Disinfectants for sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens.
▪️Specialized cleaners for wood, glass, and stainless steel surfaces.
Additional Items
▪️Scrub brushes for tough stains.
▪️Sponges for multiple cleaning tasks.
▪️Protective gloves to keep your hands safe.
These tools and products will make your cleaning process more efficient and effective.
General Cleaning Tips Before Moving In
Cleaning an empty space is a golden opportunity. This is because you will have unrestricted access to every surface, making it easier to clean thoroughly. Here are some tips that are a part of your move-in cleaning checklist.
▪️Work from Top to Bottom: Start from the highest points in the room, like ceilings, ceiling fans, shelves, and light fixtures, before cleaning walls and floors. Dust and dirt will fall as you clean, so this method prevents double works and ensures every surface stays clean.
▪️Clean Before Unpacking: Without furniture or boxes in the way, cleaning every corner and surface will become easier and more convenient. This way, you don’t trap dust or grime under furniture or in hidden spots.
▪️Use Quality Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies like multi-purpose cleaners, microfiber cloths, sponges, and gloves. Natural substitutes such as white vinegar and baking soda are also effective for many cleaning tasks.
▪️Focus on Commonly Touch Areas: Doorknobs, light switches, railings, cabinet handles, and more often collect dirt and bacteria. Disinfect these areas thoroughly to make your home hygienic.
▪️Inspect as You Clean: As you work, take the opportunity to look for issues such as peeling paint, leaks, damaged fixtures, or pest signs. This will help you address problems early on before settling in.
Room-by-Room Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Moving into a new home is the perfect chance to clean each room from top to bottom. This room-by-room new house cleaning checklist will help ensure you don’t miss out on any areas and surfaces.
1. Kitchen Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Let’s start by cleaning the kitchen, which is an essential part of any home. Follow the below move-in cleaning checklist for the kitchen and gather all kitchen cleaning tools.
▪️Appliances: Scrub the inside of the refrigerator, freezer, and oven. Remove old food smells and stains with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
▪️Cabinets and Drawers: Empty these spaces and wipe them clean. Wipe out crumbs, sanitize, and consider lining drawers for added cleanliness.
▪️Countertops and Backsplashes: Scrub with disinfectants and ensure no sticky residue. If you want to clean stubborn grease, make a paste of baking soda and water and let the magic happen.
▪️Sink and Faucets: Sanitize sinks using a bleach solution and polish faucets to make them look shiny for thorough kitchen cleaning.
2. Bathroom Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Another room that is included in the new house checklist is the bathroom. However, they require extra attention due to high moisture levels.
▪️Toilets, Sinks, and Tubs: Scrub with strong cleaners that remove stains and sanitize surfaces. Scrub grout to remove dirt or mildew buildup.
▪️Mirrors and Fixtures: Clean with a glass cleaner for a shiny, streak-free look.
▪️Cabinets: Remove dust and sanitize storage spaces to prepare them for your toiletries.
▪️Shower Curtains: Replace old liners or wash existing ones in the machine.
Living Room Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Now, let’s come to the main area and center of the house: the living room. This room is more likely to accumulate dust, which makes thorough pre move-in cleaning essential.
▪️Ceilings and Light Fixtures: Dust thoroughly and wipe down all fixtures.
▪️Windows and Blinds: Clean the glass inside and out, and wipe down blinds or window frames.
▪️Floors: Start by sweeping and mopping the floors. Ensure to use wood-safe products for hardwood floors. Carpets should be vacuumed and steam-cleaned if possible.
Bedrooms Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Bedrooms are where you sleep, and cleaning them ensures a calming and peaceful atmosphere.
▪️Closets: Wipe shelves and vacuum corners. Consider adding closet fresheners or liners for a pleasant smell.
▪️Windows and Doors: Wash windows inside and out and vacuum window tracks. Clean door frames.
▪️Floors: Vacuum or sweep floors and carpets or polish hardwood surfaces. If cleaning the floors looks tiring, you can always get help from the floor cleaning services in Delhi and Noida.
Hallways and Entryways Move-In Cleaning Checklist
The next thing you need to tick under the move-in cleaning checklist is cleaning hallways and entryways. These are the areas where germs, dirt, and dust accumulate faster.
▪️Doors and Handles: Disinfect doorknobs and clean doors to remove grime.
▪️Floors and Rugs: Sweep, vacuum, or mop depending on the flooring material. Entry mats should either be cleaned or replaced.
Move-In Cleaning Checklist: Handling Specific Areas
Your move-in cleaning doesn’t end here. There are some areas of a new home cleaning that require more attention during the cleaning process. Here are those specific areas.
▪️Windows: Use a streak-free glass cleaner to clean and wipe windows and wipe down the frames and sills with a microfiber cloth.
▪️Baseboards: Dust and clean baseboards using a damp cloth and mild soap.
▪️Air Vents and Filters: Dust vents thoroughly and change filters if needed. Vacuum around air intake areas to ensure proper airflow.
Time-Saving Tips
If you are short on time or energy, you can use these shortcuts to save time during the move-in cleaning process.
▪️Focus on Priority Areas: Begin with the areas you use most, like the kitchen and bathroom. Cleaning these spaces first allows you to start settling in while you can continue doing other tasks.
▪️Use Multi-purpose Cleaners: Choose products that work on multiple surfaces, such as an all-purpose spray that works well for counters, walls, and even appliances.
▪️Work Efficiently: Start at one end of the house and clean systematically. You should handle one room at a time, as it will help keep you organized and prevent overlooked areas.4.
▪️Delegate or Share Tasks: You can take the help of your family or friends to help with your new home cleaning. Assign each of them a particular room or task. Working together gets the job done quickly, less tiring, and more enjoyable.
▪️Hire Professional Services: Another time-saving tip is hiring a move-in cleaning service. They will manage the home cleaning task and ensure a thorough cleaning.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service
If your new home is cleaned quickly, you can move in and settle into your house sooner. A professional cleaning service can complete tasks quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on other tasks such as packing and paperwork.
Professional cleaners use high-quality tools and products to deep-clean areas you often don’t pay much attention to.
You can choose the right professional cleaning service by:
▪️Looking for services specializing in move-in cleanings.
▪️Reading customer reviews online to check their reliability and work quality.
▪️Comparing multiple quotes to find one that meets your needs and budget.
What is Included in These Services?
Most cleaning services offer packages that include dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing appliances, bathrooms, and living areas.
Some also offer extra services like carpet shampooing, tile grout cleaning, or window washing, but for an additional fee.
What is the Move-In Cleaning Service Cost?
The cost of move-in cleaning can vary based on the property size, location, and the service provider.
However, the average move-in cleaning service cost ranges between ₹2,000 and ₹7,000 for an apartment or small house, while the price can increase up to ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 or more for larger homes. Some cleaning services charge hourly, ranging from ₹300 to ₹600 per hour.
The final cost may also depend on the specific tasks included in the cleaning, such as deep cleaning of appliances, windows, or air ducts, as well as any additional services like sanitizing or disinfection.
It is recommended that you request quotes from different service providers to get an accurate cost estimate for pre move-in cleaning.
Recommended Reads: How Much Does House Cleaning Cost in 2025
Conclusion
Hopefully, the move-in cleaning checklist will help you clean your new home thoroughly and efficiently. Move-in cleaning is essential to ensure your new home is spotless and ready to settle in.
By cleaning areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and windows, you can remove dust and germs left behind by previous owners. You can save time by focusing on priority areas, using multi-purpose cleaners, sharing tasks, or hiring a professional service.
However, ensure an accurate cost estimate for a professional move-in cleaning service if you consider hiring these services.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning service, properly cleaning your new home will make your move-in experience comfortable and enjoyable.
If you are looking for the best cleaning service for your home, you can contact Ninjacare today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why is move-in cleaning important?
Ans Move-in cleaning ensures your home is clean and doesn’t contain dirt and dust left by the previous occupants. It ensures your new home is hygienic and your family can settle into the new house.
Q2 How long does move-in cleaning take?
Ans The time taken for move-in cleaning depends on your new home’s size and condition. A small apartment may take 4-6 hours, while a larger home could require a full day or more.
Q3 Should I clean or unpack first?
Ans You should first clean your house before unpacking because it allows you to clean all surfaces and corners more easily. This also makes unpacking more organized and convenient.
Q4 Can I use natural cleaning products?
Ans Yes, natural options like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon are safe, effective, and eco-friendly. They are also great for sensitive skin and allergies.
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