Apartment move out cleaning list
A Move-Out Cleaning Checklist is the quickest way to turn “hope it’s clean enough” into “ready for inspection.” The document lays out every essential step - defrost and wipe the fridge, degrease the oven, scrub bathroom grout, dust baseboards, polish interior glass, and sweep the balcony - so even on a hectic moving day no corner is skipped. Each line includes a simple finish standard, giving tenants, landlords, and professional crews the same definition of “done.”
For tenants, that clarity means fewer disputes and a higher chance of getting the full security deposit back. Just work through the list room by room, tick the boxes, and snap a couple of “after” photos if you’re using a mobile app version. Landlords benefit, too: a completed checklist in hand streamlines the final walk-through and documents the unit’s condition before releasing the deposit or handing keys to the next renter.
Cleaning businesses gain predictable labor times and supply needs because tasks are grouped logically - kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, storage. That structure lets crew leaders assign work evenly and track progress without hovering. Optional photo checkpoints (for example, “upload an after-shot of the oven interior”) let supervisors verify quality from the office.
The checklist comes in both PDF and app formats. Print the PDF, tape it to a cabinet, and collect signatures at the end. Use the app version for time-stamped completions, automatic reminders, and instant maintenance flags if you discover a leaky faucet or broken blind. Update the template once or twice a year as appliance models or local cleaning standards change, and you’ll always have a reliable guide for a stress-free move-out.
Vacuum (upright or canister) on-site and working
Mop + clean spare head available
Buckets, microfiber cloths, scrub pads restocked
Upload one photo of all gear staged at the entry
Bottles of all-purpose, glass, and bathroom cleaner at least half-full
Pairs of disposable gloves on hand (count)
Note any missing or faulty tools
Stove top degreased, knobs and backsplash wiped
Oven interior cleaned (racks removed & scrubbed)
Range-hood filter washed
Refrigerator interior emptied and sanitized
Upload “after” photo of fridge shelves
Cabinets and drawers vacuumed + wiped
Sink and faucet descaled, drain odor-free
Countertops disinfected and crumb-free
Kitchen floor vacuumed then mopped
Shower/tub scrubbed, fixtures polished
Toilet bowl descaled, seat and base sanitized
Mirrors streak-free
Upload close-up photo of faucet + sink bowl
Grout whiteness rating (0 = dark, 5 = bright)
Exhaust-fan grille dust-free
Floors mopped with disinfectant
List any stubborn mildew the crew could not remove
Ceiling corners and vents dusted
Baseboards wiped throughout
Windows and interior glass polished
Upload “after” photo of main living-room floor
Hard floors vacuumed then damp-mopped
Carpets deep-extracted (if applicable)
Rate carpet appearance (0 = stains visible, 5 = looks new)
Closet shelves and rods wiped
Window blinds cleaned
Vacuum under and behind where bed/frame sat
Upload photo of bedroom floor corner
Note any wall scuffs or nail holes remaining
Washer gasket and detergent tray wiped
Dryer lint trap emptied
Utility sink scrubbed and rinsed
Light switches, door knobs, and banister rails sanitized
Interior doors spot-cleaned
Upload close-up photo of high-touch point (random)
All trash bags removed to outdoor bin
Floors dry, no slip hazards
Rate overall home scent (0 = odor, 5 = fresh)
Upload wide-angle photo of entry ready for hand-off
Additional notes for landlord / property manager
