How to clean a new house before moving in

Congratulations on your new home! Cleaning a new house before moving in is essential to ensure a fresh start and a healthy living environment. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you clean your new home:

Before You Start

  1. Check the condition of the house: Inspect the house for any damages, defects, or needed repairs. Take photos and notes to document the condition.
  2. Gather cleaning supplies: Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning products, tools, and equipment.
  3. Create a cleaning plan: Break down the cleaning process into smaller tasks to make it manageable.

Cleaning Tasks

  1. Exterior:
    • Clean the exterior walls, windows, and doors.
    • Sweep and clean the porch, patio, or deck.
    • Clean the garage or shed.
  2. Interior:
    • Floors:
      • Vacuum or sweep all floors, including carpets, hardwood, tile, and laminate.
      • Mop hard floors with a gentle cleaner.
    • Walls and ceilings:
      • Dust and clean walls, baseboards, and ceilings.
      • Remove any stickers or decals.
    • Doors and windows:
      • Clean doors, windows, and window sills.
      • Remove any stickers or decals.
    • Kitchen:
      • Clean the kitchen counters, sink, and stove.
      • Wipe down appliances and cabinets.
      • Clean the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.
    • Bathrooms:
      • Clean the bathroom counters, sink, and toilet.
      • Wipe down shower walls and doors.
      • Clean the bathtub, shower, and toilet.
    • Bedrooms and closets:
      • Dust and vacuum furniture and floors.
      • Organize closets and remove any debris.
  3. Special areas:
    • Attic or crawl space: Clean and organize storage areas.
    • Garage or shed: Clean and organize storage areas.
    • Pantry: Clean and organize food and storage areas.

Additional Tips

  1. Use a 'deep clean' checklist: Create a checklist of tasks to ensure you don't miss anything.
  2. Clean from top to bottom: Start cleaning from the top of the room (e.g., ceiling fans, light fixtures) and work your way down to the floors.
  3. Use a 'one-touch' rule: Try to clean an area once and move on to the next one to avoid re-cleaning the same area multiple times.
  4. Don't forget the little things: Pay attention to details like light switches, outlets, and door handles.
  5. Take breaks: Cleaning a new house can be physically demanding, so take breaks to rest and recharge.
  6. Consider hiring professionals: If you're short on time or energy, consider hiring professional cleaners to help with the task.

After You're Done

  1. Take final photos: Document the cleaned house to ensure you're not held responsible for any damages or defects.
  2. Check the house again: Do a final walk-through to ensure everything is clean and in order.
  3. Enjoy your new home!: Relax and enjoy your new home, knowing it's clean and ready for you to move in.

Remember to stay organized, take your time, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. Good luck with your new home!