Move-Out Cleaning for First-Time
If you are moving out of an apartment you will probably need to perform a bit of move-out cleaning. It may be a good idea to hire a professional, if you can afford it. If you are going to do it yourself, you should first make a list of items that need to be cleaned out.
The most obvious way to go about this task is to schedule a date that works for you. You might want to start two days before the end of the lease to give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. In addition, you can ask your landlord for a copy of their move-out checklist.
A lot of people like to do a move out cleaning before vacating their homes. In fact, some renters even include this type of cleaning in their monthly payments. The reason behind this is to ensure that they get their security deposit back in one piece. If the house is left in disarray, the landlord might well cut their losses and leave you in the dust.
Move-Out Cleaning for First-Time Renters – What to Expect
Before you get to work, though, you should take a look at your state’s laws on move-out cleaning. Some states limit the amount of money you can spend on security deposits. Others require you to get the landlord to sign off on the cleanliness of your leased property. Some states will even cap the number of times you can have a security deposit held for you. You could be facing an uphill battle if you don’t know what you are doing.
Fortunately, most landlords are more than willing to help. They want you to get a new lease as soon as possible. The best way to achieve this is to give your apartment the most thorough cleaning possible. This can be as simple as removing furniture from the living room and dining room, or as complicated as performing a full-on overhaul. The amount of time it will take you will depend on the size of your home and how many people you are enlisting to help.
To get the most out of your investment, you need to do more than just mop the floors. The kitchen is a high-traffic area in any rental, and is often the site of stains and food remnants. Before you start, you should empty the cabinets and wipe down the shelves. A microfiber cloth is a great tool to use when tackling stains.
While you’re at it, you might as well do the kitchen’s best dirty trick: sweep the floor. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the appliances, particularly the refrigerator. If you’ve left a spill on the counter, a vinegar and water mixture is a great way to get it clean.
The same goes for the microwave. If you don’t want to buy a brand new model, try wiping the stainless steel with a spritz of all-purpose spray. It’s also a good idea for a family to avoid walking on the floors until they are dry.