How (and Why!) to Clean Your Rental Before Moving In
There’s a lot to do when moving into a new
apartment: turn on utilities, change your address, meet the neighbors. The list
goes on. But the one thing you shouldn’t leave off your to-do list is a move-in
cleaning. While any good landlord cleans between tenants, your landlord’s idea
of “move-in ready” might not match yours. Doing your own cleaning ensures your
new place is exactly how you want it.
Why clean before moving in?
A move-in cleaning is more than a chance to
bust odors and dust bunnies left behind by the previous tenant. It’s also an
opportunity to get a closer look at your new apartment. If you notice damage
you didn’t spot during the walk-through, you can notify the landlord and get it
fixed without impacting your security deposit. Plus, your new place will never
be easier to clean than when it’s completely empty!
A deep cleaning is especially important if you
have allergies. If the previous tenant had pets or smoked indoors, you can
eliminate lingering allergens before they
trigger symptoms.
DIY deep cleaning vs.
professional cleaning
A DIY deep cleaning is the most cost-effective
choice. If you have access to the new place before your old lease is up, you
can spend a few days cleaning before moving your stuff in. Unfortunately, not
everyone can delay moving in. If you need to move in ASAP, hire a cleaning
service instead of trying to work around piles of boxes and furniture. A
one-time apartment cleaning will get your place move-in ready without taking a
big bite out of your budget. It’s always a little worrying letting strangers
into your home, but you can use this helpful tool to find
highly-rated, trusted apartment cleaners in your area.
Move-in cleaning checklist
So what exactly should you clean before moving
in? Let this checklist guide your deep clean:
●
Sanitize surfaces
●
Wipe down door and cabinet handles
●
Wash mirrors and windows (don’t
forget the blinds!)
●
Vacuum and/or steam clean carpets
●
Clean the walls and baseboards
●
Move large appliances and clean
underneath
●
Clean inside the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher
●
Wipe down cabinets and drawers and
apply cabinet liners
●
Scrub the bathtub or shower
●
Dust vents and replace the air
filter
Think twice about the cleaning products you
use for your deep clean. A lot of household cleaners use toxic chemicals that are harmful to
breathe. Choose fragrance-free cleaning products and always open windows and
run exhaust fans while cleaning.
Tips for keeping your apartment
clean
The real challenge isn’t getting your new
apartment sparkling clean — it’s keeping it that way. When life gets busy,
chores lapse, and before you know it your perfect apartment looks a little too lived-in.
●
Schedule routine chores, using
daily, weekly, monthly, and annual lists to cover everything.
●
Organize so all your things have a
place and clutter doesn’t accumulate.
●
Use a handheld vacuum for small messes so you don’t have
to drag out a full-sized vacuum for a few crumbs. (Handheld vacuums are also
great for furniture and hard-to-reach spaces.)
●
Stock up on stain remover,
especially if you have pets or like to eat on the couch.
●
Run exhaust fans while showering
to prevent mold and replace HVAC air filters every two to three months to keep indoor air quality high.
Are you wondering why you should put so much
effort into a place where you’re just a temporary resident? For one, taking
good care of your apartment ensures you get your security deposit back — but
that’s not the only reason. A clean home is also a more pleasant, healthier
place to live. And whether you plan to be in your apartment for one year or 10,
that’s always worth it.
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