Part of moving out of your existing home or apartment is doing a final cleanup. This makes the home ready for the next resident, and it can also help to make sure you get your apartment's security deposit back. Here are a few things you'll want to remember as you clean up the home before your move is complete.
Deodorize
Whether you had pets in the home or smoked the occasional cigar, there may be a need to freshen and deodorize the air. Use an odor-neutralizing spray in areas that might have a strong odor, and use air fresheners or diffusers to create a pleasant smell in each room. If you have carpeting, remember to use carpet deodorizers as well, as this can help to keep the home smelling fresh.
Vacuum Kitchen Cabinets
Crumbs and spare bits of food can attract pests, so it's a good idea to clean out the cabinets thoroughly to prevent insects from taking over after you move out. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove small particles and crumbs, and wipe down each surface in the kitchen before you move out. You may also want to place a few ant traps in the corners of the kitchen as an added measure against potential pest invasions.
Wipe Down Baseboards and Walls
Take the time to wipe down baseboards and walls before moving out. This will help to give the house a fresh, clean appearance. Perform this task after the movers have left with all the boxes, as there may be marks left on the wall during the moving process. If there are floor vents near the baseboards, consider vacuuming them to remove dust and dirt that might be circulated into the air. This can help to keep the walls clean until the new residents move in.
Take Pictures
If you rent, you'll want to have proof that you thoroughly cleaned the home and left it in good condition. One way to do this is to take plenty of pictures. Make sure that your camera takes time-stamped photos, so you can prove when they were taken. Capture pictures of the entire room, as well as close-up shots of baseboards, cabinets, and floors, to show the condition they were left in.
If you are hiring a moving company to help with your move, ask about cleanup services. In some cases, you can hire moving services to tackle these cleaning tasks for you, so you can focus on unpacking and preparing your new home.