The Ultimate Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: How to Secure Your Deposit

The Final Hurdle of Moving

You’ve packed the boxes. You’ve hired the movers. You’ve changed your address. But before you can close the door on your old apartment in Queens or your rental house in Jonesboro, there is one massive hurdle left: The Move-Out Clean.

For renters, the security deposit is a significant amount of money. Landlords are notorious for deducting steep cleaning fees for things you might not even notice. At SLMP Cleaning Services, we specialize in Move-In/Move-Out turnovers. We know exactly what property managers look for. Here is your guide to getting your money back.

1. The Kitchen: Grease and Grime

The kitchen is the number one place where deposits are lost. It requires more than a wipe-down.

• Inside the Appliances: This is the most common "gotcha." You must clean the inside of the oven (remove that burnt cheese!), the microwave, and the refrigerator. Don't forget to pull the veggie drawers out and wash underneath them.
• Cabinets: Landlords open every door. Vacuum out the crumbs from the corners of the drawers and wipe down the cabinet fronts to remove sticky fingerprints.
• The Range Hood: Run your finger over the hood above your stove. If it’s sticky, it needs degreasing.

2. The Bathroom: Scum and Grout

Bathrooms must be sanitized, not just rinsed.

• Limescale: If you have glass shower doors or chrome fixtures, remove the white cloudy spots (limescale) using vinegar or a specialized cleaner.
• The Toilet: Clean behind the toilet base. This area collects dust and hair and is often overlooked by tenants, but always checked by inspectors.

3. Walls, Baseboards, and Switches

You might not look at your baseboards often, but they collect years of dust.

• The Magic Eraser: Use a gentle sponge to remove scuff marks from hallways.
• Dusting Baseboards: Damp wipe all baseboards. If they are gray with dust, it makes the whole room look dingy.
• Light Switches: Wipe these down. Over time, they accumulate oils from hands and turn dark. A quick wipe makes the room feel instantly newer.

4. Windows and Blinds

If the sun can't get in, the apartment looks dirty.

• Blinds: Dust each slat. If they are plastic, they may need a damp wipe.
• Window Sills: Dead bugs and dust accumulate in the tracks of the window. Vacuum these out.

5. DIY vs. Professional Help

Can you do this yourself? Yes. Do you want to? Moving is exhausting. By the time the boxes are gone, most people are physically drained. A proper move-out clean takes 6-10 hours of labor.

• The SLMP Guarantee: When you hire SLMP for a Move-Out clean, we provide a checklist that aligns with landlord standards. If they find an issue with something we cleaned, we come back and fix it. It’s an insurance policy for your deposit.

Leave on a High Note

Leaving your old home spotless is not just about the money; it’s about closing a chapter with integrity. Whether you grab a bucket and do it yourself or hire the "Shine Like Magic" pros to handle it for you, ensure you leave the space ready for its next story.