Moving? Here's your ultimate moving check list
As a renter, chances are that you will be moving from time to time. Maybe you need to move closer to a new job or you just are not satisfied with your current situation. Regardless of the reason, you usually need to clean the place because you would like to have your security deposit back. (who doesn't?) This can sometimes be a hassle, since after all you are packing, trying to get your new home organised, working with the mover etc. Fear not! We, the cleaning experts at Elite Domestic Services have created a checklist to help you navigate this final cleaning.
Kitchen
DRAWERS AND/OR CABINETS:Clear out all drawers and cupboards and remove liners if any. Wipe the drawers with a damp cloth and baking soda.
Stove top: Brush off any debris with a stove top brush and sprinkle the surface with baking soda, followed by a spray of hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for several minutes before wiping clean with a sponge and cool water.
Oven: Wipe away any loose debris. Coat the inside of your oven with a paste made from equal parts baking soda and water, and let it sit overnight. Finish by wiping the paste away with a damp cloth. Still see some baking soda? Spray with a bit of vinegar. The combination will fizz up, making it easier to wipe away.
Refrigerator: Unplug it! After clearing everything out, spray the inside and outside with a solution made from equal parts vinegar and water. Wipe with a damp cloth, then thoroughly dry with a clean towel.
Freezer: The quickest way to defrost a freezer is to place a clean dry rag on the freezer’s floor, put a pot of boiling water on top of the rag, close the door, and let the pot sit inside for 30 minute, this will cause the ice to melt. Wipe down with the same cloth and vinegar combo used for the fridge.
Counter: Fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and distilled white vinegar, plus a few drops of your favorite essential oil (citrus is perfect for the kitchen). Use this to wipe down your counter tops.
Sink: Wipe down your sink with the same mixture you used for your counter tops. Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda down the garbage disposal followed by 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture soak for a few minutes before rinsing with water as you turn on the garbage disposal.
Floor: Give floors a quick sweep (even under the appliances!) followed by a mop dipped in warm water.
Bathroom
SHOWER : Scrub the shower thoroughly using cleaning solution of your choice.
Toilet: Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the toilet bowl and let sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a toilet brush.
Sink: Sprinkle baking soda onto the sink and rub it in with a soft cloth before rinsing with cool water.
Mirrors: Wipe down all mirrors and fixtures with a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water.
Floor: After sweeping your floor, mix an eco-friendly cleaning solution in your bathroom sink by using 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 2 gallons of water. Dip a towel into the solution and wipe down your floors.
Living/ Dining room
LIGHT FIXTURES, SWITCHES, AND OUTLETS:Use a microfiber cloth and all- purpose cleaner to wipe down all light fixtures, switches and outlets.
Doors: Wipe down the front and tops of all doors with dish soap and a paper towel. Don’t forget the doorknobs! This anti bacterial spray using 3 cups water, ½ cup white vinegar, and 15 drops of essential oil (either lavender or tea tree) can do the trick
Wall damage: Remove all nails and plaster any holes using putty, a putty knife, and sandpaper.
Wall cleaning: Remove any scuff marks easily with a Magic Eraser. Then, cover a broom with a towel and wipe the walls from the top to the baseboard.
Windows: To remove dirt from windows without leaving streaks, spray the windows with a solution using 2 cups water, ¼ cup white vinegar, and ½ teaspoon dish soap or detergent. Wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Floors: Follow up a thorough sweep with a deep mopping. If you don’t have mop solution on hand, you can make one with a ½ cup vinegar and a gallon of warm water
Carpets: Remove stains from your carpet with a mixture that’s 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Place a wet rag over the stain, set your iron to steam, and iron on top of the rag for about 30 seconds.
Vents: Use a vacuum attachment to vacuum any grime or buildup. Wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
There you have it. Our move out clean checklist. If this seems too much, you can always contact Elite Domestic Services at 312-7383. One of our cleaners will be happy to help you take the stress of cleaning off of your moving to-do list.