Before the first box hits the floor, pause. Breathe in. That’s not your air yet it’s still echoing with the lives that came before. Moving into a new home is thrilling, sure, but it’s also your one golden moment to scrub the slate clean literally.
From mystery smudges behind the fridge to dust havens in closet corners, every inch deserves attention. Our expert-backed guide walks you through a strategic, room-by-room deep clean, so your fresh start doesn’t carry someone else’s grime.
Forget the overwhelm. Forget what they missed. This is how you claim your space. Ready to make it truly yours? Start here.
Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cloths and Sponges | Wiping surfaces and scrubbing |
| Vacuum Cleaner | Removing dust and debris from floors and carpets |
| Broom and Mop | Sweeping and mopping floors |
| Rubber Gloves | Protecting your hands |
| Toilet Brush | Cleaning toilets |
| Glass Cleaner | Cleaning mirrors and windows |
| Bathroom Cleaner | Disinfecting toilets, sinks, showers |
| All-Purpose Cleaner | General surface cleaning |
| White Vinegar | Natural disinfectant and deodorizer |
| Paper Towels | Drying and wiping surfaces |
| Disinfecting Wipes | Quick sanitizing of high-touch areas |
1. Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions for Every Room
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
The kitchen is the heart of the home and requires special attention to ensure it’s hygienic and fresh. Start by cleaning the inside, outside, and back of the refrigerator to remove dust and spills.
Wipe down all kitchen cabinets, both inside and out, to clear crumbs and grease. Clean the sink thoroughly with a disinfectant and scrub away any stains.
Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, and other small appliances. Sweep and mop the floor last to pick up any debris and leave a fresh finish.
Pay special attention to countertops and cutting boards, washing them with soap and disinfectant to prevent contamination. Open windows to air out any cleaning fumes and allow surfaces to dry completely before use.
Bathroom Cleaning Tips
A bathroom, left to its own devices, becomes a silent harbor for grime and bacteria so roll up your sleeves. Start by slathering grout cleaner between tiles, scrubbing like memory depends on it.
Bathtub, shower, toilet don’t just clean, disinfect with purpose. Let the toilet brush do its dirty dance, and if the seat’s seen better days, replace it—no sentimentality.
Mirrors? Glass cleaner and elbow grease. Faucets, counters—wipe, polish, purify. The shower curtain? Wash it or toss it. Drawers and cabinets? Declutter them like shedding old skin. Lastly, sweep and mop with intention, drying everything to banish mold before it dares to return.
Bedroom Cleaning Tips
Ah, the bedroom—a place meant for calm, not clutter. Before settling in, swipe away the dust hiding on light switches, windowsills, and baseboards. Let the sunlight pour in by washing those windows, inside and out.
Floors? Sweep, mop, or vacuum whatever they call for. Strip the bed bare and launder every last sheet, pillowcase, and curtain; let no dust mite survive.
Thinking of painting? Do it now before the furniture crowds in. Burnt-out bulbs? Replace them. Dingy fixtures? Give them a gleam. Then, tackle closets and drawers. Because when everything has a place, peace follows and isn’t that what a bedroom’s for?
Living and Common Areas Cleaning Tips
Begin where dust dares to settle shelves, screens, tabletops all must gleam. Swipe away the fingerprints of daily life with a disinfectant whisper across well-traveled surfaces.
Should the walls speak in smudges, hush them with a gentle wash. Let the vacuum hum its ritual over carpet and couch alike, and if your cushions wear removable skins, give them a whirl in the machine.
Hard floors? Sweep first like you mean it, then mop until they shine like intention. Tug open drawers, tame the chaos. Arrange, not just for order, but invitation. When the clutter fades, what’s left is clarity soft, breathable, deeply alive.
Additional Move-In Cleaning Tips
Pest Control: Before moving in, inspect for pests like roaches, termites, or rodents, especially in attics and baseboards. Consider professional pest control if needed to avoid future problems.
Air Filters: Replace HVAC air filters to improve air quality and reduce allergens in your new home.
Painting: If you plan to paint, do it before moving in furniture to prevent damage and ensure a fresh look.
Lightbulbs: Replace any burnt-out bulbs to brighten your new space and highlight your clean home.
Toilet Seat: For hygiene, consider replacing the toilet seat upon move-in.
Conclusion
Before the boxes arrive, before the curtains go up or the coffee mugs find their shelf clean. Deeply, deliberately. Scrub away someone else’s dust, their echoes, their forgotten fingerprints.
Gather your tools like armor: gloves, sprays, brooms, maybe a playlist loud enough to shake the cobwebs loose. Room by room, slow and steady, chase down the grime. Don’t skip the sneaky stuffair filters, baseboards, pest checks.
These quiet details matter. And when it’s done, when it gleams just right, breathe it in. That’s not just lemon-scented cleaner—it’s a reset, a promise. Your house, now truly yours. Clean. Ready. Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does move-in cleaning usually take?
A: It depends on the size of the home and its condition, but typically a thorough move-in cleaning can take anywhere from a full day to a couple of days if done room by room.
Q: Should I clean before or after moving furniture in?
A: It’s best to clean before moving furniture in, especially for tasks like mopping floors and washing walls, to avoid damage and make cleaning easier.
Q: Can I use natural cleaners for move-in cleaning?
A: Yes, white vinegar and baking soda are effective natural cleaners for many surfaces, but for disinfecting, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, use EPA-approved disinfectants.
Q: Is professional cleaning worth it for move-in?
A: If you’re short on time or want a guaranteed deep clean, hiring professionals can be a great investment to start fresh without stress.
Q: How often should I deep clean after moving in?
A: Regular cleaning should be weekly, but deep cleaning of kitchens and bathrooms every few months helps maintain hygiene and freshness.