A complete, room-by-room checklist to prepare your new home for a fresh, sanitary start.

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it also comes with uncertainty. You don’t know how the previous residents lived, what they touched, what they cleaned quickly, or what they left behind.

Even if a property looks “ready,” most homes require detailed sanitizing and deep cleaning before you unpack a single box.

A move-in cleaning resets the home completely so you can begin with confidence, comfort, and cleanliness.

This is the ultimate move-in cleaning checklist, based on the professional standards used by AGA CLEANS throughout Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, and surrounding areas.

Why You Need a Move-In Cleaning Before Unpacking

A move-in clean ensures:

• A sanitary home before you bring in food, clothes, or furniture

• Clean cabinets, drawers, and appliances

• No hidden dust, hair, or residue

• No leftover germs from previous occupants

• A healthy environment for children and pets

• A fresh-smelling home

• Peace of mind

Cleaning before your belongings arrive is the only time you have full access to every corner of the property.

The Ultimate Move-In Cleaning Checklist (Full Breakdown)

Use this as your complete, professional-grade guide or provide it directly to your cleaners.

1. Whole-Home Move-In Cleaning Checklist

These tasks apply to every room.

Surfaces and Dusting

• Dust ceiling fans

• Dust and wipe air vents

• Clean light fixtures

• Dust window sills

• Clean window tracks

• Dust blinds (dry dusting)

• Wipe all door frames

• Wipe interior doors

• Clean closet shelves

• Clean baseboards

• Remove cobwebs

• Dust wall edges and corners

Walls and Touch Points

• Spot-clean walls for smudges

• Wipe light switches

• Wipe outlet covers

• Clean doorknobs and handles

Floors

• Vacuum all floors

• Mop all hard floors

• Clean floor edges

• Spot-clean flooring if needed

Closets

• Wipe shelves

• Wipe closet rods

• Vacuum and mop closet floors

This ensures every surface is clean before clothing, furniture, and belongings arrive.

2. Kitchen Move-In Cleaning Checklist

The kitchen must be fully sanitized before cooking, storing food, or using appliances.

Appliances (Interior and Exterior)

• Clean inside of refrigerator

• Clean inside freezer

• Clean inside oven

• Clean stovetop and burners

• Clean inside and outside microwave

• Clean dishwasher exterior

• Clean range hood

• Degrease all appliance surfaces

• Polish stainless steel where applicable

Interior appliance cleaning is essential for move-in cleaning because you will use them immediately.

Cabinets and Drawers

• Clean inside all cabinets

• Clean inside all drawers

• Wipe doors and handles

• Remove crumbs, grease, and residue

Sinks and Counters

• Scrub and sanitize sink

• Clean faucet

• Remove water stains

• Disinfect countertops

• Clean backsplash

Floors

• Sweep debris

• Mop with degreaser

• Clean corners behind appliances (if accessible)

The kitchen should feel brand new before you stock it.

3. Bathroom Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Bathrooms require the most detailed sanitizing work.

Shower and Tub

• Scrub tile

• Remove soap scum

• Clean grout lines

• Clean shower head

• Sanitize faucets

• Polish shower doors or tracks

Toilet

• Scrub inside bowl

• Sanitize seat

• Clean hinges

• Clean base and exterior

Vanity and Sink

• Scrub sink

• Sanitize faucet

• Clean mirrors

• Clean inside vanity cabinets

• Clean drawers

• Remove dust and residue

Additional Bathroom Tasks

• Clean towel racks

• Spot-clean walls

• Remove hair from all surfaces

• Clean behind toilet

• Mop thoroughly

Move-in bathroom cleaning focuses heavily on sanitation.

4. Bedroom Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Bedrooms must be dust-free and allergen-free before moving in personal items.

Tasks include:

• Dust furniture tops and surfaces (if furnished)

• Dust ceiling fans

• Clean vents

• Clean interior windows

• Clean window tracks

• Dust baseboards

• Wipe closet shelves

• Vacuum or mop floors

Bedrooms should feel clean, fresh, and breathable.

5. Living Room and Common Areas

Shared spaces need a full reset.

Tasks include:

• Dust all surfaces

• Clean shelves

• Clean interior windows

• Clean sliding glass doors

• Clean tracks

• Dust light fixtures

• Clean baseboards

• Spot-clean walls

• Vacuum and mop floors

This restores the cleanliness and comfort of the entire home.

6. Laundry Room and Utility Areas

These areas are often neglected by previous occupants.

Laundry Room

• Wipe washer and dryer exterior

• Clean shelving

• Wipe walls and backsplash areas

• Mop floor

Utility Closets

• Remove dust and debris

• Clean shelving

• Vacuum floor

This ensures these work areas are clean before use.

7. Additional Move-In Cleaning Tasks

Depending on the home’s condition, these can be added:

• Carpet shampooing

• Odor treatment

• Grout scrubbing

• Wall washing

• Balcony or patio cleaning

• Blinds washing

• Deep appliance detailing

• Exterior window cleaning

Most newly occupied homes require at least one or two of these extra services.

What Move-In Cleaning Does NOT Include (Unless requested)

Move-in cleaning does not include:

• Trash/junk removal

• Furniture moving

• Heavy stain removal

• Paint or renovation cleanup

• Mold removal

• Pressure washing

• Garage cleaning

• Moving appliances

• Pest control

• Wall repairs

These require separate services.

How Long Does Move-In Cleaning Take?

Average move-in cleaning times:

• Studio or 1 Bedroom: 2–4 hours

• 2 Bedroom: 3.5–5 hours

• 3 Bedroom: 4–6 hours

• 4 Bedroom: 5–8 hours

• Larger homes: 6–10 hours

Older homes or homes not cleaned in years take longer.

How Much Does Move-In Cleaning Cost in Orlando?

Typical price ranges:

• Studio: $150–$250

• 1 Bedroom: $180–$300

• 2 Bedroom: $250–$400

• 3 Bedroom: $300–$550

• 4 Bedroom: $450–$750

• Large homes: custom pricing

Prices increase with condition and optional add-ons.

Why Professional Move-In Cleaning Matters

Professional cleaners offer:

• Commercial-grade sanitation

• Deep appliance cleaning

• Systematic cleaning methods

• Faster, more efficient results

• High attention to detail

• Cleaner air quality

• Better preparation before unpacking

Most families and professionals prefer hiring experts to ensure their new home is truly ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should move-in cleaning be done before or after furniture arrives?

Before. This allows full access to all surfaces.

Is move-in cleaning the same as move-out cleaning?

Similar, but move-in cleaning focuses more on sanitation and inside drawers/cabinets.

Do cleaners clean inside appliances?

Yes, for move-in cleaning.

Do I need to stay home during the cleaning?

No. Access can be provided through keys, lockboxes, or smart locks.

Book Professional Move-In Cleaning in Orlando

If you want your new home to feel fresh, sanitized, and fully ready for your family, AGA CLEANS is here to help.

We specialize in:

• Move-in cleaning

• Move-out cleaning

• Deep cleaning

• Apartment cleaning

• Post-construction clean-ups

Serving Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Winter Garden, and surrounding communities.

Schedule your move-in cleaning today.

Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451