Clean when the property is empty. Cover ceilings, walls, windows, all floors, inside cupboards, the kitchen (including hood and appliances) and bathrooms (descaling and grout). Photograph the condition before and after.
Moving is stressful enough without worrying about cleaning. Whether you are handing a rented property back to a landlord or stepping into a freshly handed-over home, a thorough clean makes the transition easier. Here is a checklist for both situations.
Why move-in and move-out cleaning matters
- Move-out: a clean property helps avoid disputes over your deposit and leaves a good impression.
- Move-in: previous occupants, builders or long vacancy can leave dust, stains and smells. Cleaning before you unpack is far easier than after.
The best time to clean
Clean when the property is as empty as possible — after the furniture is out (move-out) or before it goes in (move-in). Cleaners can reach every corner, cabinet and floor area without working around belongings.
Checklist: all rooms
- Dust ceilings, corners, fans and light fittings.
- Wipe walls and doors; spot-clean marks.
- Clean window glass, tracks and sills.
- Wipe switches, sockets and handles.
- Sweep or vacuum floors and mop thoroughly, including skirting.
Checklist: kitchen
- Clean inside and outside of all cupboards and drawers.
- Degrease the hood, tiles and stove; clean behind and under the stove if accessible.
- Clean the sink, taps and drain; wipe the counters.
- Clean the fridge inside and out, leaving it dry and ventilated if switched off.
Checklist: bathrooms
- Descale taps, tiles and glass; scrub grout.
- Disinfect the toilet and basin; clean mirrors and fittings.
- Clean the drain and wash the floor.
Checklist: bedrooms, lounge and storage
- Wipe inside wardrobes and built-in shelves.
- Remove marks from walls and skirting.
- Clean balconies, store rooms and terraces.
Move-in extras
- Handover or construction dust is fine and sticks to everything — wipe all surfaces more than once.
- Check taps and fittings for protective film or residue and clean them.
- Wash cupboards before putting dishes or clothes inside.
Photograph before and after
Take photos of the property's condition when you arrive and when you leave. This protects both tenant and landlord if there are questions later.
Get help with the heavy work
Bahria Clean Care offers move-in and move-out cleaning for apartments, houses and villas in Bahria Town and DHA Phase 1. You provide the cleaning products; we provide the cleaning. See our product checklist.
