Getting ready to move out? Whether you’re wrapping up a lease, heading to a new city, or finishing a military assignment, one thing is certain: move-out cleaning matters.
To help you leave your apartment spotless (and get your full deposit back), we’ve created a free printable apartment move-out cleaning checklist. Use this guide to tackle every room with ease—plus tips for pet owners, eco-conscious renters, and more.
🏠 Room-by-Room Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Checklist
Work from the top down: dust, wipe, and sanitize all the essentials. Here’s what to clean before you hand over the keys:
🛋️ Living Room & Common Areas
- Dust ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures
- Wipe baseboards, doors, and window sills
- Clean windows and blinds
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Remove nails, adhesive, and wall hooks
- Spot-clean any wall scuffs
🍽️ Kitchen
- Clean inside/outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Wipe counters and backsplash
- Deep clean the oven, stovetop, and range hood
- Defrost and scrub the fridge and freezer
- Sanitize sink and garbage disposal
- Mop the floor
🚿 Bathroom
- Scrub tub, toilet, and sink
- Clean mirrors and fixtures
- Disinfect counters, knobs, and handles
- Remove mildew and clean tile grout
- Wipe out cabinets and drawers
- Mop floors
🛏️ Bedrooms
- Dust blinds, baseboards, and ceiling fans
- Remove trash and personal items
- Vacuum or mop floors
- Patch nail holes if required
🐾 Special Cases: Pet Owners, Military Moves & Eco-Friendly Cleaners
- Pet Owners: Use a vacuum and natural carpet deodorizer (like baking soda)
- Military Housing: Follow local inspection requirements—usually stricter than civilian rentals
- Eco-Cleaning: Choose vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for safe, non-toxic results
📥 Free Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (Printable)
Subscribe to get our FREE Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Printable ($2.99 value)!
Stay organized and stress-free with this professional-grade checklist—perfect for students, housekeepers, first-time renters, and anyone tackling a move. Check off each room and zone as you go!
📌 Pin this checklist to save for later!
🧼 Should You Hire a Move-Out Cleaner?
If you’re tight on time or want a guaranteed deep clean, hiring professionals might be your best bet. We offer flexible move-out cleaning services in Aberdeen, MD and surrounding areas—including apartments, condos, and rental homes.
👉 For a full breakdown of what’s included, check out our Ultimate Move-Out and Move-In Cleaning Guide.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
📚 Additional Resources
- Housecall Pro’s Professional Cleaning Checklist
- BHG Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Tips
- Our Apartment Turnover Cleaning Services
This post was last updated on 6/21/2025
