Cabinets and drawers
Wipe inside and out, including tops and fronts. Remove any shelf liner residue.
By Cody Alexander · August 4, 2026
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean Before You Hand Over Keys
Whether you are turning in an apartment or selling a house, a clean handoff makes a real difference. Here is a room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist that covers the details that actually get noticed.
Start in the kitchen
Kitchen, from top to bottom.
Kitchens get the most scrutiny during a move-out inspection. Work top to bottom so you are not re-cleaning surfaces.
Oven and stovetop
Clean the oven interior, burners, drip pans, and the grates. Degrease the vent hood and filters.
Refrigerator
Empty, defrost if needed, and wipe every shelf and drawer inside and out. Move it and clean behind if you can.
Sink and counters
Scrub the sink, faucet, and backsplash. Wipe counters and baseboards last so dust does not settle back on them.
Then the bathrooms
Bathrooms, detail by detail.
Toilet and fixtures.
Clean the bowl inside and out, the base, the seat, and the area around the floor. Polish faucets and handles.
Tub, shower, and tile.
Scrub walls, corners, the tub or shower pan, and the drain cover. Check for soap scum and mildew spots.
Mirrors, shelves, and exhaust fan.
Wipe mirrors and glass, dust shelves, and vacuum the exhaust fan cover — a detail inspectors actually check.
Bedrooms, living areas, and floors
The spaces people walk through.
Closets and shelves
Vacuum closet floors, wipe shelves and rods, and check for forgotten items.
Walls and doors
Spot-clean smudges on doors, switch plates, and baseboards. Fill any nail holes left from hanging.
Windows
Clean interior glass, sills, and tracks. Screens are a nice touch if time allows.
Floors
Vacuum and mop hard floors, and vacuum carpets thoroughly — including under furniture that moved out.
Should I clean behind the appliances?
Yes, if you can move them safely. Dust, crumbs, and pet hair behind refrigerators and stoves are common move-out complaints.
What about light fixtures and ceiling fans?
Dust and wipe light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vent covers. They are easy to miss and easy for inspectors to notice.
Is a professional move-out cleaning worth it?
Many renters and sellers choose one so the handoff is complete and nothing is missed. We provide deep and move-out cleaning in Little Rock with a quote based on the space.
Not enough time?