Move-In Cleaning Checklist: What to Clean Before You Unpack

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, but often comes with a significant to-do list. One task that can make a real difference to your settling-in experience is a thorough move-in clean. Imagine walking into a sparkling, fresh-smelling home where every surface is ready for you to unpack and arrange your belongings. This article provides a practical guide on what to prioritise when cleaning a new property before you move your furniture in, along with how ABE Cleaning Services can assist.

Why Prioritise Move-In Cleaning?

There are several compelling reasons to clean your new home before you fully move in:

• Hygiene: You don't know the cleaning habits of previous occupants. A deep clean ensures all surfaces are sanitised and fresh.
• Easier Access: Cleaning an empty property is significantly simpler and more efficient. There's no furniture to move, no clutter to work around, and you have clear access to every corner.
• Fresh Start: It allows you to truly make the space your own from day one, free from any lingering dust, dirt, or odours from previous residents.
• Allergy Control: Removing built-up dust, pet dander, and other allergens can be particularly important for those with sensitivities.

The Essential Move-In Cleaning Priority List

Before any boxes are unpacked or furniture is moved in, focus on these areas. This ensures the most difficult-to-reach or impactful cleaning tasks are done while the space is empty.

1. Kitchen: The Heart of the Home

The kitchen often requires the most attention. Grease, food spills, and general grime can build up quickly. Focus on:

• Oven and Hob: A truly deep clean of the oven, hob, and extractor fan is much easier when there are no pots and pans in the way.
• Fridge and Freezer: Clean and sanitise the interior and exterior.
• Cupboards and Drawers: Wipe down all interior and exterior surfaces to remove dust, crumbs, and any residue.
• Sink and Taps: Descale and polish.
• Worktops: Thoroughly clean and sanitise all surfaces.
• Floor: Sweep, vacuum, and mop.

2. Bathrooms: Health and Hygiene

Similar to the kitchen, bathrooms are crucial for hygiene. Give them a thorough clean:

• Toilet: Clean, disinfect, and descale the bowl, seat, lid, and exterior.
• Shower/Bathtub: Remove soap scum, descale, and clean grout.
• Sink and Taps: Clean, descale, and polish.
• Mirrors and Glass: Clean for a streak-free shine.
• Wall Tiles: Wipe down and clean grout.
• Floor: Sweep, vacuum, and mop.

3. Walls, Skirting Boards, and Doors

These are often overlooked but can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt and marks.

• Walls: Gently wipe down any scuff marks or fingerprints. Be careful with painted surfaces.
• Skirting Boards: Dust and wipe clean.
• Doors and Door Frames: Clean both sides and the frames, paying attention to handles and hinge areas.

4. Windows (Internal) and Window Sills

Let in the light with clean windows. Internal window cleaning is best done before curtains or blinds are rehung.

• Glass: Clean to a streak-free finish.
• Window Sills: Dust and wipe thoroughly.
• Window Frames: Wipe down to remove dust and dirt.

5. Floors Throughout the Property

This is the final, satisfying step before furniture arrives.

• Vacuum: Thoroughly vacuum all carpets and hard floors.
• Mop: Mop all hard floors (wood, laminate, tiles, vinyl) with appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Carpet Cleaning: Consider professional carpet cleaning for heavily soiled carpets or if you want to eliminate odours. This is often best done by a specialist before you move in.

Your Printable Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Here's a concise checklist you can use for your new home.

Area	Task	Status
Kitchen	Clean oven, hob, extractor fan
	Clean fridge/freezer (interior & exterior)
	Wipe all cupboards & drawers (interior & exterior)
	Clean & descale sink/taps
	Clean worktops
	Vacuum/mop floor
Bathrooms	Clean & disinfect toilet
	Clean shower/bathtub & tiles
	Clean & descale sink/taps
	Clean mirrors
	Vacuum/mop floor
General Areas	Wipe down walls for marks
	Dust & wipe skirting boards
	Clean doors & door frames
Windows	Clean internal window glass
	Dust & wipe window sills
	Wipe window frames
Floors	Vacuum all carpets & hard floors
	Mop all hard floors

Let ABE Cleaning Services Handle Your Move-In Clean

Preparing a new home can be time-consuming, especially when combined with the stress of packing, removals, and other administrative tasks. A professional move-in cleaning service can take this significant burden off your shoulders, ensuring your new home is immaculate from the moment you step through the door.

At ABE Cleaning Services, we provide comprehensive cleaning services tailored to your needs across North, West, and Central London, as well as Watford and St Albans. Our experienced cleaners are DBS-checked and insured up to £5 million, giving you complete peace of mind. We bring all the necessary products and equipment to ensure a thorough and efficient clean.

Our Domestic Cleaning Services Include:

• Thorough cleaning of kitchens, including ovens, hobs, and appliances.
• Deep cleaning and sanitisation of bathrooms.
• Wiping down all surfaces, skirting boards, door frames, and internal windows.
• Vacuuming and mopping all floor types.
• Attention to detail in every room to ensure a truly fresh start.

For domestic cleaning, our rates are £20.50 per hour, with a minimum booking of two hours. As a welcoming gesture for new customers, your first clean is available at a reduced rate of £19.50 per hour. We understand that moving can be unpredictable, which is why we offer free cancellation with 24 hours' notice.

Beyond standard move-in cleaning, you might also consider our deep cleaning services for properties that require extra attention, or our end of tenancy cleaning if you're vacating a rental property yourself. If you're a business moving into new premises, we also offer commercial cleaning services, which are quoted individually to meet specific business requirements.

Book Your Move-In Clean Today

Make your move-in experience smoother and more enjoyable. Let ABE Cleaning Services transform your new house into a sparkling home before you even unpack your first box. We are open Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm, ready to assist you.

You can learn more about our offerings on our services page or view our full pricing details. To discuss your needs or to book a cleaning service, please contact us:

• Phone: 07405361685
• Email: hello@abecleaner.com

We look forward to helping you start fresh in your new London or Hertfordshire home.