An empty home is the easiest home you will ever clean – no furniture to move, no boxes in the way, just clean surfaces from top to bottom. This move-in cleaning checklist walks you through exactly what to clean before you unpack the first box, room by room.
Why Clean Before You Move In (Not After)
Even a home that looks spotless can hold dust, allergens, bacteria, and residue left behind by previous occupants – especially in places that are rarely touched, like inside cabinets, behind appliances, and along baseboards. Cleaning an empty space is also simply easier: there is nothing blocking your access to floors, corners, or closets.
The rule of thumb: clean the home before furniture and boxes arrive, not after.
Kitchen Checklist
- Cabinets inside and out
- Countertops
- Sink and faucet
- Microwave
- Stove (inside and out)
- Refrigerator exterior
- Floors
Bathroom Checklist
- Toilet
- Shower and bathtub
- Mirrors
- Vanity
- Fixtures
- Floors
Bedroom Checklist
- Closets (inside and out)
- Baseboards
- Floors
- Ceiling fans
- Dusting all surfaces
Living Areas Checklist
- Floors
- Windowsills
- Doors
- Trim
- Light switches
- Vacuuming
Quick Reference: What’s Included
| Area | Included |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Cabinets, countertops, appliances, sink |
| Bathrooms | Toilets, showers, tubs, mirrors |
| Bedrooms | Dusting, floors, closets |
| Living Areas | Vacuum, mopping, windowsills |
Move-In Cleaning vs. Move-Out Cleaning
These two services are often confused, but they serve different moments in the moving process. Move-in cleaning prepares a home for you before you settle in. Move-out cleaning prepares a property for the next occupant after you leave. If you are on the other end of a move, check out our move-out cleaning checklist for what to clean before handing over the keys.
Get Move-In Cleaning in Marietta, GA
House Fresh Cleaning offers professional move-in cleaning in Marietta, GA for houses, apartments, condos, townhomes, and newly built homes. Request a free quote today and start your new home with a true fresh start.