Move-In Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean Before Unpacking
Published on February 5, 2025
Moving is one of life's most stressful events — and it doesn't matter whether you're relocating across town from Pearland to Katy or making a bigger move into the Houston area. One thing that can make the transition smoother is moving into a truly clean home.
Why Clean Before You Unpack?
- It's easier with empty rooms. Without furniture and boxes in the way, you can reach every corner.
- You can spot issues. Cleaning gives you a close look at walls, floors, and fixtures.
- It's a fresh start. There's something deeply satisfying about putting your belongings into a spotless home.
The Room-by-Room Checklist
Kitchen
- Wipe down all cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Clean inside the oven, including racks
- Clean the stovetop, drip pans, and range hood filter
- Wipe down the interior and exterior of the refrigerator
- Scrub the sink and polish the faucet
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet inside and out
- Clean the bathtub and/or shower enclosure
- Clean the vanity, sink, and faucet
- Wipe down the mirror
- Scrub the floor, especially around the base of the toilet
Bedrooms
- Wipe down all closet shelves and rods
- Dust windowsills, blinds, and curtain rods
- Wipe down baseboards
- Vacuum carpet or mop hard floors
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional?
Our move-in cleaning service starts at $250 and covers everything on this checklist and more. Call us at (346) 615-8455 to book your move-in clean.