The complete checklist of everything a professional cleaner does before you move into a new home.

Moving into a new home should feel exciting — not stressful, dirty, or overwhelming.

But the truth is that most homes, even “move-in ready” ones, are not actually clean when you get the keys.

Dust lingers on vents.
Cabinets contain crumbs.
Appliances still hold odors.
Baseboards show years of buildup.
Bathrooms look clean but haven’t been sanitized.

That’s why move-in cleaning exists: to give you a fresh, sanitary, fully reset home before you place furniture, unpack boxes, or start living in the space.

This guide breaks down exactly what is included in a move-in cleaning, room by room, following the professional standard used by AGA CLEANS in Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, and surrounding areas.

What Is a Move-In Cleaning?

A move-in cleaning is a deep, detailed, top-to-bottom cleaning performed before you move furniture or belongings into a home.

It focuses on:

• Sanitizing all surfaces

• Removing previous occupants’ dirt and residue

• Cleaning inside storage areas

• Freshening appliances

• Making every room ready for safe, comfortable living

It is more detailed than regular deep cleaning and sometimes even more intense than move-out cleaning because the home is prepared for you, not a landlord’s inspection.

Move-In Cleaning Checklist: Complete Breakdown

This is the industry-standard list of everything included in a professional move-in cleaning.

1. Whole-Home Move-In Cleaning Tasks

Surfaces and Fixtures

• Dust ceiling fans

• Clean and dust air vents

• Wipe blinds (dusting only unless washing is added)

• Clean light fixtures

• Clean windowsills

• Clean interior windows

• Spot-clean walls

• Wipe doors and door frames

• Wipe light switches and outlet covers

Baseboards

• Full wipe-down of all baseboards throughout the property

Floors

• Vacuum all floors

• Mop all hard floors

• Clean floor edges

• Spot-treat flooring as needed

Closets

• Clean closet shelves

• Wipe closet rods

• Vacuum or mop closet floors

The goal is to ensure the entire home feels clean and safe before moving in.

2. Kitchen Move-In Cleaning

Kitchens require the most detail because of grease, spills, and old food residue.

Appliances (Interior and Exterior)

• Inside oven

• Inside refrigerator

• Inside freezer

• Microwave inside and outside

• Stovetop and knobs

• Dishwasher exterior

• Range hood

• Stainless steel polishing

Appliance interiors are essential for move-in cleaning because you will be using them immediately.

Cabinets and Drawers

• Inside all cabinets

• Inside all drawers

• Handles and fronts

• Remove crumbs and residue

This is one of the biggest advantages of cleaning an empty home.

Sink and Countertops

• Scrub and sanitize sink

• Polish faucet

• Remove hard water buildup

• Clean backsplash

• Disinfect counters

Floors

• Sweep

• Mop with degreaser

• Clean corners and edges

Your kitchen must be spotless before you bring in food, dishes, or cookware.

3. Bathroom Move-In Cleaning

Bathrooms are the most important rooms to fully sanitize before living in a new home.

Showers and Tubs

• Scrub tile

• Remove soap residue

• Clean grout lines

• Sanitize fixtures

• Polish shower doors

• Remove calcium and mineral buildup

Toilets

• Clean bowl thoroughly

• Sanitize seat

• Clean hinges

• Sanitize base

• Clean exterior

Sinks and Vanity

• Clean sink and faucet

• Clean and polish mirrors

• Clean inside and outside vanity cabinets

• Clean drawers

• Remove hair and residue

Floors

• Vacuum debris

• Mop and sanitize

• Clean behind toilet

• Remove all hair and buildup

Move-in bathroom cleaning focuses on hygiene and disinfecting.

4. Bedroom Move-In Cleaning

Bedrooms must be allergen-free before you unpack bedding or clothing.

Bedroom tasks include:

• Dusting all furniture surfaces (if provided)

• Cleaning window tracks

• Dusting fans and vents

• Cleaning interior windows

• Vacuuming or mopping floors

• Cleaning closet shelves

• Wiping baseboards

This is essential for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

5. Living Room and Common Areas

Move-in cleaning ensures these shared spaces feel fresh and welcoming.

Tasks include:

• Dusting shelves

• Cleaning interior windows and sliding doors

• Cleaning door frames

• Spot-cleaning walls

• Wiping baseboards

• Vacuuming and mopping

• Cleaning remote controls and fixtures (if furnished)

A clean-living area sets the tone for the entire home.

6. Laundry Room and Utility Areas

Often overlooked but important before use.

Laundry room tasks include:

• Wiping washer and dryer exterior

• Cleaning shelves

• Dusting vents

• Cleaning utility sinks

• Mopping floors

Utility Areas

• Cleaning water heater closets

• Wiping shelving

• Removing cobwebs

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

These services require additional time and cost:

• Carpet shampoo

• Wall washing (full wall cleaning)

• Blind washing

• Interior windows that require ladders

• Heavy stain removal

• Paint or repair cleanup

• Trash or junk removal

• Balcony or patio scrubbing

• Exterior window cleaning

• Grout restoration

• Mold removal

• Odor or pet-treatment services

• Furniture moving

These can all be added based on your needs.

Move-In Cleaning vs Move-Out Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

They sound similar, but the purpose is different.

Move-Out Cleaning

Designed to satisfy landlords and inspections.

Focuses on restoring the home to original condition.

Move-In Cleaning

Designed for you, the new resident.

Focuses on sanitation, usability, and preparing a healthy living environment.

Move-in cleaning is typically more detailed in kitchens and bathrooms because these areas are used immediately.

Why Move-In Cleaning Takes Longer Than Regular Cleaning

Move-in cleaning requires:

• Inside cabinets

• Inside drawers

• Inside appliances

• Deep scrubbing

• Sanitizing

• Heavy dusting

• Cleaning floor edges

• Detail work

This is far more work than weekly maintenance cleaning.

How Long Does Move-In Cleaning Take?

Average timeframes for Orlando homes:

• Studio: 2–3 hours

• 1 bedroom: 2.5–4 hours

• 2 bedroom: 3.5–5 hours

• 3 bedroom: 4–6 hours

• 4 bedroom: 5–8 hours

• Large homes: 6–10 hours

If the home is older or hasn’t been cleaned in years, it may take longer.

How Much Does Move-In Cleaning Cost?

Typical pricing in Orlando:

• 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 size, condition, and add-ons.

Do You Really Need a Move-In Cleaning?

Most people book move-in cleaning for one reason:

They want a clean, sanitized start.

You should strongly consider move-in cleaning if:

• The home was not cleaned properly by the previous tenant

• You want guaranteed sanitation in bathrooms and kitchen

• You have kids or pets

• You have allergies

• You want to avoid touching other people’s dirt

• You want a fresh environment before unpacking

Move-in cleaning removes any doubt that your new home is clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is move-in cleaning done before or after furniture arrives?

Before. This ensures full access.

Does move-in cleaning include the inside of the fridge?

Yes, when empty and accessible.

Do cleaners remove paint dust or construction debris?

Not unless booked as post-construction cleaning.

Do I need to be home during the cleaning?

No. Access can be provided via key or smart lock.

Book Professional Move-In Cleaning in Orlando

If you want to move into a spotless, sanitized, fresh home, AGA CLEANS is ready to help.

We specialize in:

• Move-in cleaning

• Move-out cleaning

• Deep cleaning

• Apartment cleaning

• Post-construction clean-ups

• Turnover cleaning

Serving Orlando, Davenport, Kissimmee, Celebration, Champions Gate, and surrounding areas.

Make your new home feel truly new.

Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451