Moving home
How to prepare for a moving-out clean
Moving-out cleaning is faster to scope when belongings are removed and the property can be reached safely. Preparation also helps distinguish cleaning tasks from repairs, removal work and decisions made later by a landlord or agent.
Empty and check every included room
Remove belongings and arrange lawful disposal of unwanted furniture or waste. Open cupboards and storage areas that are included so nothing is left behind accidentally.
- Keep electricity, hot water and safe lighting available
- Confirm keys, parking, lifts and concierge access
- Remove food and personal items
- Secure confidential documents and valuables
- Share the checkout or inventory scope if one exists
Prepare appliances deliberately
If appliance interiors are included, empty them in advance. A freezer may need enough time to defrost safely, while an oven or fridge interior should be listed as an extra when it is not part of the base service.
Separate damage from cleaning
Broken fittings, damaged paint, mould treatment, pest work and bulky-waste removal are not ordinary cleaning tasks. Photograph and report them instead of expecting cleaning to conceal or repair them.
Record the handover
After the agreed work, take dated photographs and keep the confirmed scope. A clean can improve presentation, but it cannot guarantee a deposit decision or override an inventory, tenancy agreement or dispute process.