Moving out of your home in the UK can be a stressful time. There’s a lot to think about, from organising removal vans to sorting through years of accumulation. Amidst this chaos, it might seem like the last thing on your mind is cleaning your soon-to-be former house. However, a thorough clean before you leave is not only courteous to the new occupants, but it can also save you from potential disputes over the return of your deposit. In this guide, we’ve gathered some of the best tips and advice to ensure a clean and smooth move.
1. Plan Your Cleaning
Before you even pick up a duster or a mop, it’s crucial to plan your cleaning process. A structured approach will save you both time and effort. Start by creating a checklist. This will serve as your roadmap, guiding you through the various tasks and ensuring you don’t forget anything important.
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Divide the tasks room by room. Prioritise areas that require more attention and effort, like the kitchen and the bathroom. Keep in mind the estate agent or landlord’s inventory check, as they will be most critical on these areas.
Also, don’t forget to factor in time. Cleaning a house thoroughly is not a task that can be completed in an afternoon. Start early, at least a week before your moving date. This way, you can clean in stages without putting too much strain on yourself.
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2. Deep Cleaning the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most used areas in any home, and as such it requires a good deal of attention when cleaning. Start by emptying the cupboards and wiping them down. Remove any liners and replace them if necessary.
Next, tackle the appliances. The oven is typically the most time-consuming to clean. Use a commercial oven cleaner or a homemade solution of baking soda and vinegar. Remember to clean under and behind the appliances where grime and dust accumulate over time.
Pay special attention to the sink. Don’t just wipe it down. Use a mild abrasive cleaner or baking soda to scrub it, rinse thoroughly and then wipe it dry. This will leave your sink sparkling clean and free from water spots.
3. Tackle the Bathroom
Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew. To ensure a thorough clean, start by removing any personal items. Then, spray a mould and mildew remover on all surfaces, including the tiles, bathtub, sink, and shower. Allow it to sit for the recommended time before wiping it off.
Clean the toilet bowl using a toilet cleaner, making sure to scrub under the rim and the u-bend. The outside of the toilet needs cleaning as well, including the cistern and handle. Finally, mop the floor and wipe down any mirrors.
4. The Rest of the House
Once you’ve tackled the kitchen and bathroom, the rest of the house should be relatively straightforward. Begin by dusting all surfaces, ensuring to get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe down windows, sills, skirting boards, and doors.
Vacuum the carpets thoroughly. If there are any stains, you may need to hire a carpet cleaner or use a specialist cleaning product. Don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and move any items to ensure you clean the entire space.
For hard floors, sweep before mopping to remove any dust and debris. Use a floor cleaner suitable for your floor type to ensure a thorough clean without any damage.
5. The Final Touches
With the bulk of the cleaning done, the final touches can really make a difference. Wipe down all mirrors and windows for a streak-free shine. Clean light fixtures and replace any burned-out bulbs.
Go through your checklist again to make sure every task has been completed. By this time, your home should be sparkling clean and ready for the new occupants.
Moving out is a big job, but a well-planned and thorough clean can help make the process smoother. By following these steps, you’ll leave your home in the best possible condition, paving the way for a stress-free move.
6. Hiring Professional Cleaning Services
If the thought of doing a deep clean of your house seems overwhelming, you may want to consider hiring professional cleaning services. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to ensure your home is spotless before your move.
Hiring professional cleaners saves you the time and energy you could use to focus on other moving tasks. It might seem like an added expense, but it can save you money in the long run. If your landlord isn’t satisfied with the clean, they might take money out of your deposit to pay for a professional clean. By hiring a reputable company, you can have peace of mind knowing that every corner of your house is clean, even the places you might miss.
When choosing a company, ensure it is reputable and has positive reviews. Ask them about their cleaning checklist and make sure it is comprehensive. They should cover all areas in your apartment, from the living room to the smallest nook and cranny. Remember to book the cleaning services a few days before your move to allow ample time for the cleaning process.
7. Final Inspection and Handover
The final inspection and handover to your landlord or estate agent is the last step in the process. It’s vital to have everything in order to avoid any potential disputes over the return of your deposit.
Before the final inspection, walk through your home one last time to ensure nothing is overlooked. Use your cleaning checklist as a guide. Look for any areas that might need a little extra attention.
During the final inspection, it’s a good idea to have a copy of your original inventory report for comparison. This report contains a detailed description of the condition of the property when you moved in, making it easier to identify any potential damage beyond normal wear and tear.
If all goes well, your deposit should be returned in full. But keep in mind that your landlord can still make deductions if there are unpaid bills or if any damage is observed. So, make sure all bills are settled and any potential damages are repaired before the final inspection.
8. Conclusion
Moving house can be a chaotic time, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a systematic approach to cleaning your home before moving, you are already a step ahead in this transition. A clean home is not only a courtesy to the new occupants but also a guarantee for the full return of your deposit.
Whether you choose to do the deep clean yourself or hire professional cleaning services, the important thing is to ensure that your house or apartment is left in the best possible condition. Implementing these tips and techniques will make your move cleaning a success, and you can then shift your focus to settling into your new home.
Remember, preparation is key, so start early, create a cleaning checklist, and don’t forget to tackle those often overlooked areas. Happy Cleaning!
