# Move-out cleaning checklist: room by room

Updated: 2026-10-24 · https://pros411.com/en/guides/house-cleaning/move-out-cleaning-checklist

## Short answer

Empty the place first, then clean each room from top to bottom: ceiling fans and light fixtures, walls and switches, inside closets and cabinets, and the floors last. The kitchen and bathrooms take the most time: clean inside the oven, fridge and microwave, and scrub the tub, grout and toilet. That is where landlords look first. When you finish, take dated photos of every room.

## Move-out cleaning, room by room

![Cartoon house in cutaway on moving day, with boxes, dusty rooms and a sponge ready for the move-out clean](https://pros411.com/img/guias/move-out-cleaning-checklist.webp)

1. **Empty it first.** Boxes, furniture and trash out before you start. You cannot clean what you cannot reach, and the work goes faster.
2. **Top to bottom: fans, lights, walls.** Dust falls down, so start up high. Dust ceiling fans and fixtures, then wipe walls, switches, doors and baseboards.
3. **Kitchen: clean inside everything.** Inside the oven, fridge, microwave and cabinets, then the stovetop, the range hood filter and the sink. Landlords look here first.
4. **Bathroom: tub, grout, glass, toilet.** Scrub the tub or shower, the grout and the glass, and clean the toilet inside, outside and behind. Shine the mirror and faucets.
5. **Floors last, then dated photos.** Vacuum and mop on your way out. Then take photos and video of every room, inside the appliances too, for your deposit.

## The checklist, room by room

- Every room: ceiling fans, light fixtures, vents, windows and sills, blinds, doors, switches, baseboards, inside closets, floors.
- Kitchen: inside and outside the oven, fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher; cabinets and drawers inside and out; stovetop, range hood and filter; sink, faucet and backsplash.
- Bathrooms: toilet inside, outside and behind; tub, shower, glass and grout; sink, faucet and mirror; cabinets and drawers; the exhaust fan cover.
- Last: vacuum or sweep and mop every floor, including corners and where the furniture stood. Take out all the trash.

## What landlords check

Inside the oven and fridge, the bathroom grout and toilet, the stovetop, marks on walls and carpet stains. In most states a landlord cannot charge you for normal wear and tear, but can deduct for dirt and damage. Read your lease for anything it requires, like a professional carpet cleaning, and check your state rules on deposits.

## Before you hand over the keys

- Take dated photos and video of every room, inside the appliances too.
- Do a walk-through with the landlord if you can.
- Give your new address in writing for the deposit refund.

## When to call a house cleaner

- You are short on time: a move-out clean of a full home can take a whole day.
- The lease asks for a professional cleaning (keep the receipt).
- The oven, grout or carpet needs a deep clean you cannot get to.

Find house cleaning in your city: https://pros411.com/en/house-cleaning

## Frequently asked questions

### What should a move-out cleaning include?

Every room from top to bottom, inside all appliances, cabinets and closets, the bathrooms in detail and every floor. The kitchen and bathrooms take the most time.

### How long does a move-out cleaning take?

It depends on the size and how dirty it is. A small, empty apartment can take a few hours; a full house often takes a day or more. Plan it after the movers leave.

### Do I have to clean the carpet when I move out?

Only if your lease says so or the carpet is dirtier than normal wear. Vacuum it well either way, and keep the receipt if you hire a carpet cleaner.

### Can a landlord charge for cleaning?

Usually yes, if you leave the place dirtier than normal wear and tear. Rules vary by state, so check yours and your lease.

### What do landlords look at during the move-out inspection?

Inside the oven and fridge, the bathrooms, the floors and carpet, walls and doors, and anything on your move-in checklist. Compare against your move-in photos.

### Should I hire a move-out cleaner?

It makes sense when you are short on time or the lease asks for a professional cleaning. Ask for a receipt to show your landlord.