A move-out cleaning should cover every room top to bottom after the home is empty: kitchen appliances inside and out, cabinets and drawers, bathrooms, baseboards, floors and the small details landlords check during the final walkthrough. Start with your lease and move-in inspection report so you know exactly what is expected.
Use this checklist to leave your rental clean in North or South Carolina.
Before You Start
- Read your lease for cleaning requirements
- Find your move-in inspection report or photos
- Remove all belongings, trash and food
- Gather supplies or book a professional move-in/move-out cleaning
Kitchen Move-Out Checklist
- Clean the inside and outside of the oven, stovetop and range hood
- Empty and clean the fridge and freezer
- Wipe inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
- Clean the microwave and dishwasher
- Scrub the sink and faucet
- Wipe counters and backsplash
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bathroom Move-Out Checklist
- Scrub the toilet, tub, shower and tile
- Clean the sink, faucet and mirror
- Wipe inside the vanity and medicine cabinet
- Dust the exhaust fan cover
- Mop the floor, including behind the toilet
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe baseboards, doors and door frames
- Clean light switches and outlet covers
- Wipe window sills and tracks
- Vacuum closets and carpets
- Mop hard floors
Final Walkthrough Tips
- Take photos or video of every room after cleaning
- Replace burned-out light bulbs if your lease requires it
- Return all keys and remotes
- Leave your forwarding address for the deposit
Supplies You’ll Need for a Move-Out Cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and a degreaser for the kitchen
- Oven cleaner and a non-scratch scrub sponge
- Bathroom cleaner, toilet brush and grout brush
- Microfiber cloths and a duster with an extension handle
- Vacuum, mop and bucket
- Trash bags for the last of the clutter
Common Move-Out Cleaning Mistakes
- Cleaning before the furniture is out. Dust and debris collect behind and under furniture, so clean after everything is moved.
- Forgetting inside appliances. Landlords almost always check inside the oven, fridge and dishwasher.
- Skipping cabinets and drawers. Crumbs and spills inside storage are easy to miss.
- Leaving small details. Light switches, outlet covers, window tracks and exhaust fans are on most inspection lists.
- Not documenting. Photos and video after cleaning help if there are questions about the condition of the home.
Don’t Forget Your New Home
Your new place deserves a fresh start too. A move-in cleaning removes dust and residue left by previous occupants or construction before your furniture arrives, so you can unpack into a clean home. Many clients book a move-in/move-out cleaning for both addresses on the same moving week.
Should You Hire a Move-Out Cleaning Service?
Moving is already a lot of work. A professional move-out cleaning covers floors, walls and baseboards, kitchens, bathrooms, vents and appliances so you can focus on the move. Team Star Cleaning offers move-in/move-out cleaning and apartment cleaning for renters, owners and property managers in Pineville, Concord, Rock Hill, Fort Mill and nearby areas.
Moving soon? Call (704) 835-5856 or request a free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule a move-out cleaning?
Schedule it after your belongings are out and before the final walkthrough, so every surface can be reached. Book early, because end-of-month dates fill up quickly.
Does a professional move-out cleaning help get my deposit back?
A thorough cleaning helps you return the home in the condition your lease requires, but deposit decisions depend on your lease and your landlord. Check your lease and move-in inspection report for specific requirements.
What do renters forget to clean when moving out?
The most commonly missed areas are inside the oven and fridge, inside cabinets and drawers, baseboards, light switches, window sills and the bathroom exhaust fan.
Do you clean apartments and houses?
Yes. Team Star Cleaning offers move-in/move-out cleaning for apartments, townhomes and houses. Call (704) 835-5856 for a free quote.