Moving into a new place is an exciting milestone, especially when you’re exploring real estate. But a big question often pops up: are houses cleaned before moving in? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re buying or renting, knowing what to expect and how to prep for move-in cleaning can make settling in much smoother.
Should You Expect a Sparkling Clean Home?
Don’t always count on a pristine home when you move in. Some landlords or sellers hire professional cleaners, while others do a quick wipe-down. New constructions might have dust and debris left behind by the builders, while older homes could carry dirt and grime from the previous owners.
Even if there’s a cleaning clause in your lease or purchase agreement, cleanliness is subjective. So, are houses cleaned before moving into your real estate in Main Line, PA? It depends, but it’s always a good idea to plan on cleaning yourself to ensure your new home feels fresh.
Why Move-In Cleaning Matters
Moving is already tiring, and cleaning adds to the workload. But cleaning an empty house is much easier than when it’s full of your belongings. Plus, a thorough clean gives you the chance to spot any repair needs.
Cleaning expert Angela Lee from Hellamaid notes that a move-in cleaning is also a great time to look for any hidden issues like pest problems, leaks, or maintenance concerns. Tackling these problems before your belongings arrive saves you time and hassle down the road.
A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
Even if the previous owners cleaned the space, a deep clean is always a smart choice. It sanitizes and personalizes your new home, making it feel truly yours. Here’s a guide to ensure your new space is sparkling clean before you settle in:
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start scrubbing, gather all your supplies. This will save you time and frustration. Be sure to check if you also need packing supplies in addition to cleaning products as part of your moving day essentials.
Cleaning solutions: All-purpose cleaner, baking soda, and white vinegar are highly effective.
Tools: Mop, bucket, broom, dustpan, squeegee, sponges, microfiber cloths, grout brush, and an old toothbrush are essential. Don’t forget rubber gloves and paper towels to protect your hands.
Optional extras: A vacuum cleaner, step ladder, scissors, and an electric drill can be extremely helpful.
Prioritize the Essentials
Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Clean out the fridge to make room for your groceries and sanitize the kitchen counters for meal prep. A clean bathroom is crucial—consider swapping out toilet seats for new ones, as suggested by Chi Ip, owner of Tidy Here.
Top-to-Bottom Cleaning Blitz
When cleaning each room, start from the top down. Begin with ceilings, walls, light fixtures, and ceiling fans to remove any dust. Clean doors, window sills, and cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner.
Next, scrub sinks, tubs, and showers. Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar, or a dedicated shower cleaner. Let it sit, scrub, and rinse for the best results.
For the floors, start high by sweeping corners with your broom and dustpan. Finish with a vacuuming or mopping to ensure every spot is clean.
Kitchen Deep Dive
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s crucial to give it extra attention. Clean appliances (make sure they’re unplugged!) both inside and out, and don’t forget to scrub under and behind them. Continue by cleaning cabinets and kitchen sinks to remove any grime.
Bathroom Refresh
Sanitize your bathroom from top to bottom. Clean vents, lights, surfaces, and faucets, and soak showerheads to remove any grime. For tiles and floors, mix an all-purpose cleaner with hot water in a spray bottle to make cleaning easier. Vinegar and baking soda also make an excellent alternative, especially for quick wipe-downs of toilet seats and other surfaces.
Room-by-Room Sweep
For bedrooms and living areas, start high with ceiling corners and work your way down. Clean light switches, window sills, and light fixtures, and vacuum or mop floors. If there are carpets, deep clean them for a fresh start.
Hidden Grime Hunt
Some areas are easy to miss, but they accumulate a lot of dirt and grime. Pay special attention to:
- Handles and knobs: These are frequently touched areas on cabinets, drawers, and doors.
- Light fixtures and switches: Dust and grime build up here quickly.
- Baseboards and trim: These areas collect dirt and debris.
Dealing with Existing Furnishings
If your new home has furniture or carpets that aren’t replaced or professionally cleaned, you’ll need to tackle them yourself. Jon Stephens suggests considering professional cleaning for rentals. Be sure to clean curtains and drapes, as they can collect a lot of dust.
New Construction Cleaning
New homes need cleaning due to construction dust. While contractors often do a final clean, your own deep clean is still a great idea. Vacuum the carpets to minimize dust clouding when you move in and sanitize surfaces, especially kitchen cabinets.
Safety First Cleaning
Moving into a new home is the perfect time to check safety items. Ensure smoke detectors are functional, replace batteries if needed, and clean out the dryer vent to prevent potential fires. Pay attention when moving large items like couches so you don’t dislodge anything from the walls that could affect your smoke detectors or dryer vent.
When Pre-Move-In Cleaning Isn’t Possible
Sometimes, pre-move-in cleaning isn’t possible. If you’re facing this situation, keep your belongings boxed up to make the move easier and allow yourself more time to clean. If you’re renting, check your lease for cleaning requirements, and consider deep cleaning once you’ve unpacked.
Painting Your New Home
It’s always easier to paint before moving furniture in. If that’s not possible, try to paint soon after unpacking. Matt Hiller recommends painting sooner rather than later to avoid mishaps when there are fewer items around.
Moving Out Cleaning Etiquette
When you leave your old home, it’s customary to clean it for the next occupants. This can also help ensure you get your deposit back. Review your obligations, especially if you’re renting. Make sure you patch walls and leave any leftover paint for future touch-ups.
Recap
Moving into a new home is a thrilling experience, but the cleaning process can make it feel overwhelming. A well-planned cleaning strategy will save you time and ensure your new place is sparkling and ready for life’s next chapter.
If you’re in the market for houses for sale in Broomall, PA, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in finding your dream home today!
