Cleaning Before Move

The Ultimate Texan Guide to a Spotless Move Out

Moving out of a home in Texas can be exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities—especially when it comes to cleaning. Whether you’re leaving an apartment in Plano, a family home in Allen, or a rental in McKinney, proper cleaning before a move is the difference between walking away stress-free or losing part of your deposit.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning before a move, from room-by-room checklists to expert tips from professional cleaners.

Why Cleaning Before a Move Matters

Secure Your Security Deposit
Landlords and property managers expect the home to be as clean as it was when you moved in. Skipping cleaning can cost you hundreds of dollars.
Leave a Positive Impression
Whether selling a house or ending a lease, leaving the property spotless builds goodwill and avoids disputes.
Less Stress During Final Walkthrough
With a clean home, you can focus on moving logistics instead of rushing through chores.
Avoid Cleaning Penalties
Some leases charge additional fees if the unit isn’t left in “move-in ready” condition.

Step-by-Step Move Out Cleaning Checklist

1. Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen is often the biggest challenge. Here’s what to do:

Clean inside and outside of all appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher).
Wipe down cabinets, drawers, and countertops.
Remove grease from stovetops and range hoods.
Mop floors and scrub baseboards.

Pro Tip: Defrost your freezer 24 hours before move-out day.

2. Bathroom Cleaning

Bathrooms must sparkle:

Scrub toilets, tubs, and sinks with disinfectant.
Clean mirrors, tiles, and shower glass.
Remove any mold or mildew.
Mop and sanitize the floor.

3. Bedrooms and Living Areas

Dust and wipe all surfaces, shelves, and light fixtures.
Vacuum carpets or mop hardwood floors.
Clean inside closets and wipe down doors.
Patch small nail holes if possible.

4. Windows and Walls

Wash windows inside and out.
Wipe down window sills and blinds.
Spot clean walls to remove scuffs.

5. Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

Sweep patios, porches, and garages.
Mow the lawn if required in your lease.
Remove trash and personal items.

DIY vs Professional Cleaning – Which Is Best?

Factor	DIY Cleaning	Professional Move Out Cleaning
Cost	Lower upfront cost, but time-intensive	Higher cost, saves time and energy
Quality	May miss details landlords notice	Deep cleaning ensures deposit return
Time Required	Several hours to days	Done in a few hours
Stress Level	High	Minimal

Texan Advice: If you have a large home, limited time, or want a guaranteed deep clean, hiring professionals like Jericho Cleaning Service is the smarter move.

Timeline: When to Clean Before Moving Out

2 weeks before: Start decluttering and organizing belongings.
1 week before: Deep clean rarely used rooms.
2–3 days before: Clean the kitchen and bathrooms thoroughly.
Move-out day: Do a final sweep, vacuum, and trash removal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving appliances dirty – landlords always check ovens and fridges.
Forgetting baseboards and fans – dust piles up quickly in Texas heat.
Rushing last-minute cleaning – schedule enough time to avoid stress.
Not hiring help when needed – moving is exhausting; cleaning doesn’t have to be.

How Jericho Cleaning Can Help

At Jericho Cleaning Service, we’ve helped families and renters across Allen, Plano, McKinney, Fairview, and beyond leave their homes spotless. Our professional Move Out Cleaning Services cover:

Deep cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas.
Inside-out appliance cleaning.
Carpet vacuuming and hardwood mopping.
Spot cleaning walls and baseboards.
Stress-free service tailored to your moving schedule.

👉 Call today to book your Move Out Cleaning and secure your deposit hassle-free!

FAQs About Cleaning Before a Move

Q1: Do I really need to clean before I move out?
Yes. Most leases require tenants to leave the property in clean condition, or you risk losing your deposit.

Q2: How clean should my home be when moving out?
It should look “move-in ready.” All surfaces cleaned, no trash left behind, and appliances wiped down.

Q3: How long does move out cleaning take?
DIY cleaning can take 1–2 days. Professional cleaners usually finish in 3–6 hours depending on the size of the property.

Q4: Is professional cleaning worth it?
Yes, especially if you’re short on time or want a stress-free guarantee of getting your deposit back.

Q5: What’s included in Jericho Cleaning’s Move Out Service?
Kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, floors, appliances, and more—leaving the property spotless for landlords or new owners.

Cleaning Before Move in Allen TX

Cleaning Before Move Tips

Ensure a Glistening Clean Home Before You Move In

Book Jericho Cleaning’s professional Move Out Service today!

Tips for Planning Your Move-Out Cleaning Schedule:

In this article, we’ll provide expert tips to help you plan your move-out cleaning and explain how professional cleaners can simplify the process for you.
To ensure a sparkling clean home before you move in, consider the following tips:

1. Start with the Kitchen:

The kitchen is a high-traffic area that can accumulate dirt and food particles over time. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the countertops, appliances, and cabinets. Soak heavy-duty appliances in water to make cleaning easier.

Pay special attention to hard-to-reach spots and use appropriate cleaning products for stains and greasy areas.

2. Cleanse Cabinets and Countertops:

Use soap or specialized wooden cleaners to clean the cabinets and remove any grease or stains. For stubborn stains, consider using baking soda or stronger cleaning agents. Wipe down countertops and ensure they are sanitized for a fresh and hygienic start in your new home.

3. Address Sinks and Drains:

Sinks can develop unpleasant odors when left unused for an extended period. Clean the sink basin thoroughly and pay attention to the drainpipe to eliminate any buildup or blockages. This will help maintain a pleasant and odor-free environment in your new home.

4. Focus on Floors and Walls:

Inspect the walls for cobwebs and clean them using warm soapy water. Don’t forget to reach the highest points, such as ceilings and door frames. Use a sponge or appropriate tools for hard-to-reach areas. For the floors, sweep or vacuum as needed, and consider professional carpet cleaning for a thorough and refreshing touch.