Moving home is one of the busiest weeks most of us will have. Cleaning often gets left until the last minute, but if you plan it in, both your move-out and your move-in will go much more smoothly.
Four to six weeks before
- Declutter room by room. Sell, donate or recycle anything you don't want to pay to move.
- Check your tenancy agreement for the condition the property must be left in.
- Book removals and any cleaning help early, as end-of-month dates fill up fast.
The week of the move
- Run down the fridge and freezer contents, then defrost the freezer.
- Pack a "first night" box with bedding, kettle, toiletries, chargers and basic cleaning supplies.
- Take photos of each room once it's empty, as a record of its condition.
Moving-out clean checklist
- Oven, hob and extractor hood
- Inside cupboards, drawers and wardrobes
- Fridge and freezer, inside and out
- Bathroom limescale, tiles and grout
- Skirting boards, light switches, doors and windowsills
- Floors vacuumed and mopped last
If you're renting, a thorough end-of-tenancy clean helps when your deposit is assessed. Ovens are often the hardest job, so it may be worth booking professional oven cleaning.
Moving in
Clean the new home before your furniture arrives, when every surface is easy to reach. Focus on kitchen surfaces, the bathroom and inside cupboards. A one-off deep clean gives you a fresh start.
Find help near you
Enter your postcode on our find cleaners near me page to contact your local Poppies team.
