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Move-out printable

Moving out cleaning checklist

Everything a landlord checks at the final inspection, grouped by room and ordered so you only clean each surface once. Print it, work through it, get the deposit back.

  • 4–8 hours
  • 46 tasks
  • 5 sections

46 tasks across 5 sections · Fits A4 and US Letter

Tidied checklist

Moving out cleaning checklist

Print it, put it somewhere you will see it, and tick as you go.

Kitchen

12 tasks
  • Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
  • Clean inside refrigerator and freezer
  • Defrost freezer completely
  • Clean oven inside and out
  • Clean stovetop and drip pans
  • Clean range hood and filter
  • Clean microwave inside and out
  • Clean dishwasher interior
  • Clean sink and polish faucets
  • Wipe down all countertops
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Sweep and mop floor thoroughly

Bathroom

10 tasks
  • Scrub toilet inside and out
  • Clean shower/tub thoroughly
  • Clean all tile and grout
  • Clean sink and polish faucets
  • Clean mirror
  • Clean inside medicine cabinet
  • Clean under sink cabinet
  • Clean exhaust fan
  • Remove shower curtain and hooks
  • Sweep and mop floor

Bedrooms

7 tasks
  • Clean inside all closets
  • Wipe down closet shelves and rods
  • Dust all surfaces and windowsills
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Clean windows inside
  • Vacuum thoroughly including corners
  • Fill any nail holes

Living Areas

7 tasks
  • Dust all surfaces and fixtures
  • Clean windows inside
  • Clean window tracks
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Vacuum thoroughly
  • Clean blinds/window treatments
  • Fill any nail holes

Whole Home

10 tasks
  • Clean all baseboards
  • Clean all door handles
  • Clean all switch plates
  • Clean inside all closets
  • Clean garage (if applicable)
  • Clean patio/balcony (if applicable)
  • Replace burned out light bulbs
  • Check for and report any damages
  • Take photos of everything
  • Return all keys

Made with Tidied · tidied.app

Before you start

Six things that protect your deposit

Most disputes come down to the same handful of mistakes. These are them.

  • Empty the place first

    Clean once your things are gone. Empty rooms are far quicker, and you will not miss the patch behind the sofa.

  • Read the lease again

    Some agreements specify professional carpet cleaning or a particular standard. Find out before you start, not after.

  • Photograph everything

    Dated photos of every room, inside the appliances and inside the cupboards. This is what protects your deposit.

  • Open every door

    Inside cabinets, inside the oven, inside the closets. The hidden spaces are exactly what gets inspected.

  • Replace what has gone missing

    Blown bulbs, missing outlet covers, the shelf you took out in month two. Put the place back how you found it.

  • Be there for the walk-through

    Ask to attend the final inspection. Bring your photos and settle any disagreement on the spot.

Where it is won or lost

The four areas inspectors actually look at

If you are short on time, spend it here. These are the places a walk-through slows down.

Kitchen appliances

Oven, stovetop, fridge inside and out, microwave, dishwasher. Every surface, and no grease left anywhere.

Pro tip: Run the dishwasher empty with vinegar for a fresh finish.

Bathrooms

Toilet, shower or tub, grout, sink, mirror, extractor fan. No mould, no mildew, no soap scum.

Pro tip: A melamine sponge shifts stubborn soap scum and grout stains.

Floors

Vacuum, mop, and get into the corners. Pay particular attention to wherever an appliance used to stand.

Pro tip: Pull the fridge out and clean underneath — it is the spot everyone forgets.

Windows and blinds

All windows cleaned inside, blinds dusted and wiped, and the tracks cleared of built-up grit.

Pro tip: A vacuum crevice tool clears window tracks in seconds.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

  • A thorough move-out clean typically takes 4-8 hours for an empty apartment, longer for a house. Starting with an empty space makes cleaning much easier.

  • It depends on your lease and time constraints. Some landlords require professional cleaning. If not, DIY can save money - just be thorough and document your work.

  • Landlords check for cleanliness, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and that all your belongings are removed. Key areas: appliances, bathrooms, floors, and windows.

  • Absolutely! Document the condition before and after cleaning. This protects you if there are disputes about the security deposit.

  • Document existing damage immediately when you move in. If damage appears during your tenancy that you didn't cause, report it to your landlord in writing.

  • Check your lease. Many landlords consider small nail holes normal wear and tear. If your lease requires it, use spackling paste and touch-up paint.

Keep going

Where to go next

Free to start

Tick these off in the app and earn points for them

Once you are in the new place, Tidied keeps it from sliding: rooms that show their freshness, points for finishing tasks and a streak worth protecting.

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