Moving out of a rental property is more than just packing boxes and handing over the keys to the owner. Before leaving the property, it needs to be cleaned, and it has to be in good condition.
A good end-of-lease cleaning can make this final inspection easy and less stressful. Instead of trying to clean everything before moving day give it some time to each room and each area start the cleaning process atleast two weeks before leaving the house. This bond cleaning checklist will make you remember all the things and will make it easier for you to complete everything.
Start With a Walk-Through
Before starting with the cleaning process, walk and have a look around the property. Look at the walls, floors and outdoor areas.
Before leaving the house, your entry report help you check the property before you leave. Compare the house with how it was looking when you moved in first. Once your furniture and other items are moved check for the dust and marks or anything that is left behind. After you finish the cleaning process keep the photos with you so you can show the condition of the house if the owner asks for any proof.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the most difficult area to clean. We do it regularly, but there could still be a lot more to clean once everything is removed. The kitchen area could need deep cleaning because cooking can leave grease, crumbs and other dust particles around appliances and inside the cupboards. The oven needs some extra attention, clean the racks, doors and stovetop and don’t forget to remove the grease that cooking has left behind. If your house has a fridge, check it before you leave any food, dirt or any residue.
Pay Extra Attention to the Bathroom
Bathrooms need regular cleaning to remove dirt, stains, and soap marks. Clean the sink, toilet, and shower. Scrub the taps, tiles and other corners where dirt and water get collected. You should also clean the mirrors and other fittings in the bathroom.
Avoid mixing any kind of chemicals like bleach with any other chemical as it could be harmful and create fumes.
Take a look at the dining area
We clean the dining table many times but the areas under the table or the chairs are usually missed. Move the chairs to start the deep cleaning. Start by wiping the chairs and clean the light above the table if needed. Finish the sweeping by cleaning the food marks and by mopping the floor. Do not forget the table and sweep the entire area near and around to make the area look better.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are usually easier to clean once all your items are removed; start by emptying the wardrobes and wiping the area inside the bedroom, and then start cleaning the top of doors, boards and other surfaces. You need to check the walls for removable marks and clean them carefully without damaging the paint or windows or any nearby area that is visible. Once you are done with everything, clean and mop the floors.
Don’t Forget About the Big Stuff
Empty drawers and cupboards before they arrive. It is also worth checking the size of your larger appliances and the access around your home. A refrigerator may fit perfectly in your kitchen but still be difficult to get through a narrow doorway for house movers to move it.
Living Areas
Check the living areas as they are the main areas and the owner would check it for sure. We do it regularly, but there could still be a lot more to clean once everything is removed. The living area could need deep cleaning because of dust particles around appliances and inside the cupboards.
Laundry
Usually we forget about the laundry when moving, but it could be included in your end of tenancy cleaning Australia. Start with cleaning the entire laundry area make sure you clean the machine and cupboards also remove the dust particles and water marks end the laundry area cleaning by mopping the floor.
Leave the floors for the end
If you are spending time in mopping the floor and then dropping dust all over it while cleaning the rest of the house, then there is no point. Do all the areas in the house first, get done with the furniture and all other areas of the house, and then mop.
It is better to use a suitable cleaning product for your type of flooring. Some floors need very little water, while others need some products.
Your Final Moving Out Check
Use this as a quick final check before leaving:
- All personal belongings have been removed
- Rubbish has been taken out
- Kitchen appliances are clean
- Oven and stovetop have been cleaned
- Cupboards and drawers are empty and wiped
- Bathroom fixtures are clean
- Shower and toilet are free from visible buildup
- Mirrors and accessible glass are clean
- Wardrobes have been emptied and cleaned
- Carpets have been thoroughly vacuumed
- Hard floors have been swept and mopped
- Walls have been checked for removable marks
- Doors and handles have been wiped
- Light switches and fixtures have been dusted
- Cobwebs have been removed
- Laundry has been cleaned
- Outdoor areas have been tidied
- Photos have been taken after cleaning
Don’t Leave Everything Until Moving Day
If you try to clean everything before moving day, it will not be possible for you to do so. Doing it at the last moment would be quite difficult and not possible, so start doing this early and clean the spare rooms once they are empty and pack the items that you no longer need to use.
When Should You Hire Professional House Movers?
Moving is not always possible to do by yourself because you may not have enough time or some areas may need more help and take longer than expected. Professional house movers can help move a large house and complete all the tasks. If you are finalizing the movers, check the services included in the package.
FAQ
1. When should I start my end-of-lease cleaning?
It is good to start the cleaning process at least two weeks before moving. You should start by cleaning the rooms that are no longer being used first and leave the floors and close with the areas that are more used before moving day.
2. Should I take photos after cleaning the rental property?
Yes, taking photos after cleaning is a good way to keep a record of the property’s condition when you leave. Keep them with your moving documents.