As you load your last box into the moving truck, your hard work isn't done yet. Before your relocation can be complete, it is important to thoroughly clean your house or apartment to pass inspection with your landlord or the new owner of your home.

For this reason, having a moving house cleaning plan is important to stay organised and clean efficiently after relocation.

The first step in home cleaning before you move house is to adhere to any specific cleaning regulations set in place by your body corporate, landlord, or real estate agent.

Depending on what was stipulated in your lease, you may be required to steam clean the carpets, clean your oven, or even hire a professional cleaning service to do the work and show receipts as proof of work done.

The following is a moving house cleaning list of items that can be applied before and after house moves:

General cleaning

1. Wash the inside and outside of all windows. Clean windowsills and curtain rods.
2. Wash the inside and outside of all doors.
3. Wash marks and scuffs off the walls. Remove all nails from the walls.
4. Clean out the fireplace.
5. Clean the blinds and light fixtures.
   
6. Mop the floors.
   
7. Vacuum and shampoo the carpet or stem clean them.
   
8. Remove and dispose all rubbish.

Kitchen

1. Clean the dishwasher inside and out.
2. Mop the kitchen floor - as well as areas underneath appliances.
3. Wash the inside of the refrigerator. Allow it to dry completely.
4. Defrost and clean the freezer.
5. Clean the inside of the stove, top of stove, exhaust fan, hood, and bottom drawer.
   
6. Remove stove racks and clean thoroughly.
   
7. Wipe cupboards inside and out.
   
8. Wipe out all drawers with a damp cloth.
   
9. Wipe down countertops and the sink.

Bathrooms

1. Mop the floor.
2. Clean the bathtub, sink, and fixtures.
3. Clean the toilet inside and out.
4. Clean the medicine cabinet and door.
5. Clean the mirror with glass cleaner.

Exterior cleaning

1. Mow the yard and trim shrubbery and plants.
2. Dispose of all garbage via a skip bin or driving a trailer to the tip.

This basic moving house cleaning plan will simplify your cleaning process immensely. The time that it takes you to clean your house will depend greatly on the size of your home and the current condition that it is in.

For thorough moving house cleaning, it is recommended to rent a professional carpet steam cleaner to remove deep dirt deposits from carpeting. You can rent an individual carpet cleaner for personal use, or you can hire a carpet steam cleaning company to do the work for you.

Top cleaning tip

Always dust before you vacuum. Dusting will stir up dirt and debris from shelves and cabinets, which will settle onto the floor.

After you have dusted and thoroughly cleaned the nooks and crannies of your home, all excess dust and debris can be easily vacuumed away.