The Ultimate Moving Out Cleaning Checklist: Apartment, House, or Rental

Moving is already a stressful process, but forgetting to clean properly before you leave can cost you more than just time. It can cost you your security deposit or delay your home sale. That is why having a moving out cleaning checklist is essential.

At Affinity Moving, we help Minneapolis residents move efficiently and with less stress. Part of that success includes making sure your old space is cleaned and ready for inspection, hand-off, or resale. Whether you're a tenant, landlord, or homeowner, this guide covers everything you need with a downloadable option at the end.

Why a Cleaning Checklist for Moving Out Is So Important

If you’re a renter, your lease probably requires you to return the property in good condition. Failing to clean properly can result in withheld deposits or charges for professional cleaners.

If you’re selling your home, leaving it dirty can create a poor impression during closing. A clean space shows respect to the next occupants and may be required as part of your contract.

In both cases, using a structured cleaning checklist for moving out saves time, avoids disputes, and ensures nothing is missed.

What to Know Before You Start Cleaning

Before diving into your apartment or house move-out cleaning checklist, keep these things in mind:

• Start early: Do not wait until the last day
• Declutter first: Pack up and remove all items before deep cleaning
• Check your lease: Some landlords require professional carpet or window cleaning
• Take photos: Always document your cleaning results in case of disputes

Now let’s break down the full checklist by room.

Full Moving Out Cleaning Checklist

This moving out house cleaning checklist works whether you're leaving a home or an apartment. If you’re a tenant, this also doubles as your tenant cleaning checklist moving out to help secure your deposit.

Entryway and Hallways

• Dust baseboards and molding
• Wipe down walls and light switches
• Vacuum or mop floors
• Remove cobwebs and dust from corners
• Clean entry door (inside and out)

Living Room

• Dust and wipe all surfaces (shelves, mantels, window sills)
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Wash windows inside
• Spot clean walls or wipe them fully if needed
• Vacuum carpet or mop floors
• Clean behind and under furniture (if staying)

Kitchen

The kitchen usually takes the most time, so budget accordingly.

• Wipe down cabinets inside and out
• Clean countertops and backsplashes
• Scrub and sanitize sink and faucet
• Clean inside and outside of appliances:
  
  • Refrigerator
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
• Clean stovetop burners or grates
• Mop floor and clean baseboards
• Empty trash and clean trash bin

Bathroom(s)

Whether you’re in an apartment or house, this is a critical area during inspections.

• Scrub shower, tub, and grout
• Clean toilet thoroughly inside and out
• Clean vanity, sink, and mirrors
• Wipe inside cabinets and drawers
• Remove personal items and trash
• Sweep and mop floors
• Replace used-up toilet paper roll or leave a spare

Bedrooms

• Dust baseboards, shelves, and furniture
• Clean closets (vacuum, wipe down shelves, remove hangers)
• Wash windows and window sills
• Clean ceiling fan blades
• Vacuum carpets or mop hard floors

Laundry Area

• Clean washer and dryer inside and out
• Remove lint from dryer vent
• Mop floor and wipe walls
• Leave laundry area empty and odor-free

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

• Sweep porches, decks, or patios
• Mow lawn if required (check lease)
• Remove all personal items and trash
• Close and lock windows and gates

Special Note for Renters

If you are moving out of a rental, this becomes your cleaning checklist for moving out of apartment or house rental. Tenants should review their lease cleaning clause and confirm if any of the following are required:

• Professional carpet cleaning
• Window or blind cleaning
• Pest control
• Paint touch-ups or wall patching

This makes your tenants moving out cleaning checklist more tailored to what your landlord expects and helps you avoid unexpected charges.

Cleaning Checklist for Moving Out of House vs Apartment

The main difference between an apartment moving out cleaning checklist and a house checklist is typically:

• Yard and exterior work for homes
• Shared hallway or dumpster rules for apartments
• Appliance responsibility in rentals
• Square footage and number of rooms

In both cases, however, cleanliness and attention to detail matter.

Supplies You’ll Need: Moving Out Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Here’s a moving out cleaning supplies checklist to make your cleaning process easier:

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Disinfectant spray or wipes
• Toilet bowl cleaner and brush
• Baking soda and vinegar
• Magic erasers or scrub sponges
• Mop and bucket
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum
• Trash bags
• Paper towels or cleaning cloths
• Rubber gloves

Having the right tools can speed up your cleaning significantly and prevent damage from using the wrong products.

Cleaning Checklist When Moving Out of a Rental Property

Here’s a summarized cleaning checklist when moving out of a rental:

1. Remove all personal items
2. Patch nail holes (if lease allows)
3. Clean all rooms top to bottom
4. Empty and clean appliances
5. Dispose of garbage properly
6. Document condition with photos
7. Return all keys and garage openers
8. Leave forwarding address with landlord

This applies to all renters and becomes part of your moving out cleaning checklist for renters and helps avoid disputes.

Downloadable Moving Out Cleaning Checklist PDF

Need something printable? We recommend offering a moving out cleaning checklist PDF version of this article (available upon request or email signup). This is perfect for taping on your wall and checking off each section as you go.

Let us know if you would like us to create one for your site or email campaigns.

Final Walkthrough Tip

Once you’re done, do a final walkthrough of the property with:

• Your phone or camera to document condition
• A printed copy of your cleaning checklist
• Your landlord or property manager if possible

This step ensures transparency and can protect your deposit.

Let Affinity Moving Help With More Than Just the Move

At Affinity Moving, we understand that cleaning, packing, lifting, and logistics all go hand in hand. That is why we provide:

• Full-service local and long-distance moving
• Packing and unpacking services
• Help with large item removal
• Referrals for local cleaning partners

Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, we make your move smooth from start to finish.

• Call us today at 612-416-6640
• Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Bloomington, and nearby suburbs

Request a free moving estimate on our website