Move Out Cleaning Checklist

An end-of-tenancy move out cleaning checklist to pass inspection and secure your deposit.

Published September 21, 2026

Whole-Home Prep

  • Remove all furniture that does not stay in the cabin, belongings, and trash from every room
  • Patch small nail holes and touch up scuffed paint if your lease requires it
  • Dust ceiling corners, fans, and light fixtures throughout
  • Wipe down all walls, doors, frames, and light switches
  • Clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
  • Take dated photos once each room is cleaned
    Photos protect you if there is any dispute over the deposit.

Kitchen

  • Clean the oven interior, racks, broiler, and door glass
  • Pull out the stove and fridge to clean behind and underneath
  • Empty, defrost, and wipe the refrigerator and freezer. Clean microwave inside and out.
  • Empty and wipe inside all cabinets and drawers. If you are cleaning a furnished cabin, make sure that the coffee maker, all dishes, silverware, pots, pans and the toaster are clean. and in working order.
  • Scrub the sink, descale the faucet, and clean the disposal
  • Wipe countertops, the backsplash, and cabinet fronts

Bathrooms

  • Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind it
  • Deep clean the shower, tub, and remove all soap scum
  • Scrub grout lines and treat any mildew
  • Descale the showerhead, faucets, and fixtures
  • Clean the mirror, vanity, and inside the cabinets
  • Clear and disinfect all drains
  • Clean the exhaust fan cover and mop the floor

Bedrooms and Living Areas

  • Wipe down baseboards, trim, and door frames
  • Clean inside and outside of all closets and shelving
  • Dust and wipe window sills, ledges, and built-ins
  • Remove any wall hooks, mounts, and adhesive residue
  • Spot-clean walls and remove scuff marks
  • Vacuum or steam-clean carpets to lift stains

Windows, Doors and Fixtures

  • Wash interior windows and wipe them streak-free
  • Vacuum and wipe window tracks and sills
  • Dust blinds and launder or wipe curtains if they stay
  • Clean light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs
  • Wipe down all doors, handles, and frames
  • Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces

Floors and Final Walkthrough

  • Sweep and vacuum every room, including closets and corners
  • Mop all hard floors and spot-treat stains. Scrub any sticky residue or sap.
  • Steam-clean or shampoo carpets if required by the lease
  • Clean and disinfect any outdoor patio, balcony, or entry
  • Remove all trash and leave bins clean
  • Do a final inspection room by room against your lease checklist

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A move out cleaning checklist is a room-by-room, end-of-tenancy deep clean designed to pass a landlord's inspection and secure your full deposit back. It covers the detailed tasks rental walkthroughs check for — clean appliances, scrubbed bathrooms, wiped baseboards, and spotless floors.

Unlike routine cleaning, a move-out clean is done with empty rooms, so you can reach every surface, inside every cupboard, and behind every appliance. Clean after furniture is removed for the best results.

This printable checklist is ideal for renters who want to leave the property spotless and avoid deductions. Print it or save the PDF and tick off each room before your final inspection.

Go top to bottom, leave floors for last, and use it alongside your lease's cleaning requirements so nothing the inspector checks gets missed.