Master the Move: Your Complete Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

The Importance of a Move-Out Checklist

Before we dive into the specifics, let's discuss why a move-out cleaning checklist is essential. For both our current tenants and those seeking a new home, a thorough cleaning ensures a positive experience. It not only leaves a good impression on your landlord but also maximizes the chances of getting your full security deposit back.

BPM's Move-Out Cleaning Requirements

At BPM, we have specific move-out cleaning requirements to maintain the quality of our properties. Before you vacate, make sure to:

Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and gets used A LOT! That's why it's crucial to leave it spotless before you move-out.

Follow these steps:

• Stovetop: Remove the stovetop and clean it thoroughly, including burners and the area beneath them. You can use an oven cleaner ("Easy Off") to make this task easier.
• Oven: Clean the oven thoroughly, leaving no burned spots or residue from the cleaner. Clean both sides of the racks and replace the bulb if it burns out.
• Range Hood: Clean and degrease the range hood both inside and out. Remove the exhaust filter to clean and replace it when dry.
• Refrigerator and Freezer: For manual defrost refrigerators, defrost and clean the freezer. Do not use sharp instruments to remove ice. Clean the refrigerator and freezer (inside and outside), including all bins and racks. Please leave the refrigerator on.
• Sink: Gently scour all stains from the sink. You can use bleach to remove food stains and rust.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Clean the insides of cupboards and drawers with hot sudsy water. Clean any grease and fingerprints from the fronts of cupboards and drawers.
• Appliances: Clean the outside surfaces of appliances and pull them out to clean underneath, behind, and the sides.
• Floor: Clean the floor and remove all wax. Note that "No-Wax" flooring can only be cleaned with ammonia and water.
• Check in with your property manager to clarify what type of flooring you have.

Clean the Bathroom

Cleaning your bathroom before you move-out is a must. Here's what you should do:

• Toilet: Deodorize and disinfect the inside and outside of the toilet.
• Floors: Clean the floors and lift sink and tub drain stoppers. Remember, "No-Wax" floors, require only ammonia and water to clean.
• Medicine Cabinet and Shelves: Wipe out the medicine cabinet and shelves, and clean the mirror.
• Bathtub and Shower Enclosure: Thoroughly scrub, scour, and de-lime the bathtub and shower enclosure. You can use bleach to remove mildew and other stains.
• Walls and Floor Trim/Baseboards: Wash walls and floor trim/baseboards if needed - do not patch nail holes.
• Fixtures: Clean the showerhead and light fixtures.

Light Fixtures and Outlet Cover Plates

Moving out of your apartment can be a chaotic endeavor, and it's easy to overlook cleaning the finer details. Don't forget to check these items off of your list:

• Light Fixtures: Clean all light fixtures, globes, and shields.
• Bulbs: Replace mismatched or burned-out bulbs.
• Switch Plates: Wipe off the light switch and outlet cover plates.

Living Room and Bedrooms

These spaces are our safe havens and experience the most wear and tear. Remember that these rooms need attention too:

• Heat Registers: Wipe off all heat registers.
• Windows: Wash sliding door glass and all interior & exterior windows.
• Window Tracks: Vacuum window tracks and clean them with hot soapy water. Clean screens.
• Walls: Spot wash walls when necessary, but do not patch nail holes.
• Blinds: Clean all blinds with soap and water.
• Closets: Clean all closet doors, tracks, and shelving with a damp cloth.
• Floors: Clean all floors with hot soapy water if they are vinyl, or vacuum if carpeted.

Miscellaneous

Here are some additional cleaning tips to consider when you're moving out:

• Patio or Balcony: If you have a patio/balcony, make sure to clean and sweep it, along with any storage areas.
• Shelving and Contact Paper: For the DIYer's, remove any shelving or contact paper from drawers and closets.
• Garage: Sweep out and remove all personal items from the garage, if you have one.
• Debris: Dispose of any debris in common areas or yards, including that caused by your movers.
• Washer and Dryer: If you have a washer and dryer in your apartment, remember to clean the washer and dryer inside and out. You can move them to clean underneath, behind, and on the sides.

Do Tenants Have to Clean When Moving Out?

Yes, tenants are generally expected to clean the rental unit thoroughly before moving out. It's part of your lease agreement and helps ensure a smooth transition for the next tenant who will call your move-out, home.

Who Pays for Cleaning When a Tenant Moves Out?

It's important to note that the responsibility for cleaning when a tenant moves out typically falls on the tenant. Following our move-out checklist will help ensure you meet these cleaning requirements and retain your security deposit.

Following this move-out cleaning checklist ensures that you leave your apartment in excellent condition, making both your move and your landlord's inspection smoother. By adhering to these guidelines, you increase your chances of getting your full security deposit back.

Ready to find your next apartment in Southern Wisconsin or Illinois? Visit our vacancies page to explore available rental properties and our communities page to learn more about the diverse housing options BPM offers.

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