An empty home is the easiest home you will ever clean. Once the furniture is in and the boxes are unpacked, the baseboards, cabinets, and corners become much harder to reach. That is why the days between getting the keys and moving in are the best time to clean.

Here is a room-by-room checklist, whether you tackle it yourself or book a professional move-in cleaning.

Work from top to bottom

In every room, start high and finish low. Dust from fans, fixtures, and sills falls as you clean, so the floors always come last.

Kitchen

  • Cabinet fronts, and shelves inside before dishes go in
  • Countertops and backsplash
  • Stovetop and range hood
  • Appliance exteriors: oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave
  • Inside the refrigerator and oven
  • Sink and faucet
  • Light fixtures and switch plates
  • Floors, including along the base of the cabinets

Bathrooms

  • Toilet, inside and out
  • Tub and shower tiles
  • Sink, countertop, and cabinet fronts
  • Mirrors
  • Light fixtures
  • Floors and baseboards

Bathrooms are worth doing thoroughly before your toiletries move in, since an empty counter and cabinet are far quicker to clean.

Bedrooms and living areas

  • Ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
  • Blinds, shutters, and window sills
  • Interior windows
  • Moldings, woodwork, and baseboards
  • Doors and light switch plates
  • Closet shelves
  • Carpet crevices and floors

Stairs and hallways

  • Each stair, including the corners
  • Railings and baseboards
  • Light switch plates along the hall

What a professional move-in cleaning covers

A WellMaid Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning includes our Deep Cleaning, with extra focus on buildup removal. That means detailed attention to ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, blinds and shutters, lamps, moldings, woodwork and window sills, baseboards, doors, light switch plates, the stovetop, cabinet fronts, countertops and backsplashes, mirrors, tub and shower tiles, stairs, floors, and carpet crevices.

Carpet shampooing is available as an optional upgrade with a custom quote. If you would like the inside of the appliances or cabinets cleaned, ask about it when you request your estimate.

Timing tips

  • Schedule the cleaning after you get the keys and before the moving truck arrives
  • Make sure water and electricity are on
  • Arrange access with a door code, key, or lockbox if you will not be there

Moving out of your old place at the same time? See How to Prepare for a Move-Out Cleaning and What Is Included in Move-Out Cleaning?.

Moving into a new home in RVA? Request a free estimate for a move-in cleaning and start fresh from day one.