Before you start unpacking boxes and arranging furniture, a proper move-in cleaning ensures your space is fresh and ready for a comfortable and healthier living. 

This checklist covers all the essential areas to tackle, helping you make your move-in process cleaner and more efficient.

Move in Vs Move Out Cleaning

Move-in and move-out cleaning services both involve deep cleaning a home, but with different objectives in mind. 

While move-out cleaning is geared towards preparing a home for the next occupant, often meeting lease or sale requirements, move-in cleaning focuses on sanitizing and preparing a home for new occupants.

Should You Clean Before Moving into a New House?

Moving into a new home may feel like a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean it is clean. 

Even newly built or recently vacated homes can accumulate dust, debris, or lingering odors. A proper cleaning before unpacking ensures your new space is sanitary and comfortable for living. 

living. Instead of handling it all yourself, consider hiring Move-in and Move-out cleaning services in Toronto. Professional cleaners can save you time and the stress of deep cleaning the entire space.

Essential Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms

Sanitize toilets, sinks, tubs, and tiles. Don’t forget behind fixtures, under the vanity, and inside drawers or medicine cabinets. Use a disinfectant that targets bacteria and mildew, especially in damp areas like grout lines and shower corners.

Kitchen

Wipe down cabinets, clean inside the refrigerator and oven, and sanitize countertops. Pay attention to handles, knobs, and vents where grime can build up. Degrease stove hoods and backsplash areas, and check for food debris or crumbs in hard-to-reach spots.

Floors and Baseboards

Vacuum and mop all floors, including closets and corners. Wipe down baseboards to remove dust and scuff marks. Consider using a steam mop or an appropriate floor cleaner based on the flooring type to ensure a deep clean.

Walls and Doors

Spot clean walls and disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and doorframes. Look for smudges, stains, or leftover adhesive from wall hooks, and touch up paint if necessary.

Windows and Blinds

Clean glass surfaces and dust blinds or window tracks. Natural light helps reveal dirt that may otherwise go unnoticed. Use a streak-free glass cleaner and gently wipe blinds or shades with a microfiber cloth or vacuum attachment.

Common Places That Are Missed During Move-In Cleaning

• Inside Kitchen Appliances: Ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves may hide crumbs, grease, and odors inside trays, racks, and seals.
• Cabinet Tops and Drawer Interiors: Upper cabinets and drawers often collect dust and grease; wipe thoroughly before placing items.
• Air Vents and Exhaust Fans: Dust buildup affects air quality and ventilation; clean vents, range hoods, and bathroom fans.
• Light Fixtures and Ceiling Fans: Dust and cobwebs accumulate on bulbs, fan blades, and fixture covers.
• Behind and Under Appliances: Move stoves and refrigerators to sweep and mop hidden debris that can attract pests.
• Closet Floors and Upper Shelves: Dust often lingers in areas that are less visible; clean floors, corners, and high shelving.
• Baseboards Behind Furniture or Fixtures: Baseboards that are out of sight often collect dirt and require a quick wipe or vacuum.

DIY or Professional Cleaning Services?

When moving into a new home, deciding between doing the cleaning yourself or hiring professionals depends on several factors, like time, effort, and the level of cleanliness required.

DIY cleaning may be sufficient for smaller spaces or homes in relatively good condition. It gives you full control over the products used and lets you clean at your own pace. However, it can be time-consuming and physically demanding, especially when you are already managing the stress of moving.

On the other hand, professional cleaning services offer efficiency and expertise. Professional cleaners use the right tools to reach overlooked areas and can complete the job in far less time. For deep cleaning, post-construction dust, or homes with previous occupants, professional help is often the more practical choice.

Hire a Professional Cleaner Today!

Moving is stressful enough; why not leave the cleaning to a team you can trust? 

At Maid in T.O., we offer professional move-in cleaning services customized to the needs of your home in Toronto. While DIY cleaning may seem cost-effective, it often takes longer, lacks the right tools, and can leave behind hidden dust or residue. 

Our team of experienced cleaners will help you save time, reduce stress, and start fresh in a truly clean space. 

Book your service today and let us handle the details, so you can focus on settling in!