Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before the boxes arrive and the furniture goes in, there’s one important job to tackle: cleaning. Knowing what to clean before moving into a new home can save you time, prevent unnecessary stress and help you settle into a space that feels fresh from day one.
Even if a property looks clean when you get the keys, cupboards, appliances, bathrooms and floors may need extra attention. Previous occupants can leave behind dust, grease, food residue and dirt in places that aren’t immediately noticeable.
If you have access to the property before moving day, take advantage of the empty space. You can reach cupboards, corners, floors and appliances without having to move furniture or work around boxes. Here’s a room-by-room guide to cleaning your new home before unpacking.
Why should you clean a home before moving in?
Cleaning before moving day is much easier when the property is empty. You can reach cupboards, corners, floors and appliances without having to move furniture or work around boxes.
A thorough move-in clean also gives you the opportunity to:
- Remove dust, dirt and residue left behind by previous occupants.
- Clean kitchen cupboards and drawers before storing food and utensils.
- Give bathrooms and toilets a thorough clean.
- Pay attention to frequently touched surfaces such as handles and switches.
- Prepare floors and carpets before furniture is moved in.
- Identify maintenance issues such as leaks, mould or damaged surfaces.
Planning your cleaning before moving home means you can focus on unpacking and settling in once moving day arrives.
1. Deep clean the kitchen and cupboards
The kitchen is one of the first places to tackle when cleaning a new home. Cupboards, drawers and appliances are easier to clean before they’re filled with groceries, crockery and cooking equipment.
Start by wiping the inside and outside of kitchen cupboards, including shelves, drawer interiors and handles. Pay attention to corners where crumbs and dust may have collected.
Next, move on to the countertops, backsplash, sink and taps. Remove grease and food residue using suitable cleaning products.
Don’t forget the appliances. If the property includes an oven, microwave, fridge or dishwasher, check whether they need cleaning before use. Clean accessible surfaces and removable components according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Move-in cleaning tip: Allow cupboards and drawers to dry completely before putting away your kitchen essentials.
2. Scrub and sanitise the bathrooms
Bathrooms deserve extra attention before you move into a new home. Previous occupants may have left behind soap residue, limescale, dirt and moisture in areas that need a thorough clean.
Start with the toilet, basin, shower or bath. Clean taps, showerheads, tiles and mirrors using products suitable for each surface.
Pay particular attention to:
- Shower screens and glass doors.
- Grout between bathroom tiles.
- Drains and plugholes.
- Bathroom cupboards and vanity drawers.
- Toilet seats, flush handles and surrounding surfaces.
- Floors and corners where dust and hair collect.
Check for signs of persistent mould, leaks or damaged sealant. These may need attention beyond routine household cleaning.
A clean bathroom makes a big difference when settling into a new home, especially when it’s one of the first spaces you’ll use every day.
3. Clean wardrobes, cupboards and storage spaces
It’s easy to overlook built-in storage when planning a move-in clean. However, wardrobes, linen cupboards, pantry shelves and storage units can collect dust even when they appear empty.
Wipe down accessible shelves, drawers, rails and handles. Remove dust from corners and clean any marks or residue left behind.
If you’re moving into a home with built-in wardrobes, take the opportunity to clean them before hanging up your clothes. The same applies to linen cupboards before storing fresh towels and bedding.
Knowing what to clean before moving into a new home means looking beyond the obvious surfaces and paying attention to the spaces where you’ll store your belongings.
4. Dust walls, windowsills and hard-to-reach surfaces
Dust can settle in places that are easy to miss during everyday cleaning. Before moving your furniture in, work through the rooms and pay attention to surfaces that are usually hidden or difficult to access.
Start from the top and work your way down. Dust accessible light fittings, window frames, windowsills, skirting boards, shelves and door frames.
Clean accessible window glass and remove dirt from window tracks where possible. For walls, use a suitable cleaning method for the paint or wallpaper to avoid damaging the finish.
Remember to wipe down door handles, cupboard handles and light switches. These frequently touched surfaces can collect dirt and should be included in your move-in cleaning routine.
5. Vacuum, sweep and mop all floors
Once you’ve cleaned the higher surfaces, it’s time to tackle the floors. Dust and dirt naturally settle during cleaning, so leave this task until you’ve finished working on cupboards, windows and other surfaces.
For tiled, laminate and other hard floors, sweep or vacuum first to remove loose dirt, then mop using a suitable floor cleaner.
If the property has carpets, vacuum thoroughly and consider arranging a professional carpet clean before furniture arrives. This is also a good opportunity to clean underneath areas that will eventually be covered by beds, couches and cupboards.
When planning what to clean before moving into a new home, remember that clean floors make unpacking much easier. You won’t have to work around furniture or worry about getting dirt on your newly moved-in belongings.
6. Wipe down doors, handles and light switches
Frequently touched surfaces are often overlooked during a move-in clean. Door handles, cupboard knobs, light switches and railings can collect dirt through everyday use.
Wipe these surfaces with an appropriate cleaning product and cloth, taking care not to saturate electrical switches or fittings.
You can also clean door frames, accessible skirting boards and other high-touch areas before your furniture and belongings arrive.
These finishing touches help make the entire home feel cleaner and more comfortable.
7. Clean outdoor and entrance areas
Your home’s entrance is the first space you and your visitors encounter, so don’t forget to give it some attention.
Sweep the entrance, patio or balcony and remove any loose dirt, leaves and debris. Wipe down accessible outdoor furniture, door handles and surfaces where needed.
If your new home has a garden or paved area, check whether it needs a little attention before you start using the space.
A clean entrance also helps prevent dirt from being tracked into your freshly cleaned home.
Create a move-in cleaning schedule
Cleaning an entire home can feel overwhelming, particularly when you’re also organising movers, packing boxes and arranging utilities.
Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break the job into manageable stages.
Ideally, arrange your move-in clean before moving day, while the property is still empty. Start with the kitchen and bathrooms, move on to cupboards and storage spaces, then finish with dusting and floors.
If you’re working with a limited amount of time, prioritise the spaces where you’ll prepare food, store belongings and spend the most time.
Planning what to clean before moving into a new home in advance also helps you identify which tasks you can manage yourself and where professional cleaning assistance may be useful.
Make moving into your new home easier with Sweepsouth
Moving home comes with plenty of things to organise, from packing and transportation to updating your address and getting everything unpacked. Adding a full home clean to the list can make an already busy period feel even more overwhelming.
Sweepsouth’s Moving cleaning service can help you prepare your new living space. Skilled, reliable SweepStars will give your space a thorough clean, paying attention to those overlooked areas, so you can focus on the move without worrying about the clean.
Book your clean before the boxes arrive so you can spend less time worrying about the mess and more time making your new home feel like home.
ALSO SEE: HOW MOVING CLEANING WORKS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SWEEPSOUTH MOVING CLEAN
