Originally published August 31, 2021. Updated September 2026 with a quick summary, how it applies to your home, and answers to common questions.
Cleaning is a big responsibility, especially when you’re about to move into a new place. Scheduling a move-out cleaning in Scottsdale, AZ or the surrounding cities is a great solution for when you want your old house to look immaculate. Professionals use tried-and-tested methods and quality tools to perform every task properly.
If you want to do it yourself, you know that you have to set aside a certain amount of time, energy, and products in order to achieve a proper deep clean. We’ve prepared a list of tips which can help make this task easier and quicker, with the same or even better results. Read on.
How clean should a house be when moving out?
There is no specific rule as to how clean it should be since new tenants usually clean the house before they move in. However, it would be nice to leave it as clean as possible. A good checklist usually includes:
- Removing all your belongings
- Cleaning the exteriors and interiors of all pieces you’re leaving behind
- Scrubbing and disinfecting the bathroom
- Thoroughly cleaning appliances, inside and out
- Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping the floors
This may seem like a lot of work, but it’s a typical deep clean that ensures that every nook and cranny gets the treatment it deserves. It does take some time to complete, but the results will be worth it.
How do you do a move-out cleaning?
With a pending move, you already have a lot on your plate. This is why it’s important to put everything on paper and schedule the time to do each task. Here are a few tips to make your move-out cleaning easier:
1. Clean when the house is empty
In a cluttered room, any task is difficult, especially cleaning. But if you schedule cleaning for the day when your things are all packed and in the moving truck, you’ll do it in no time! Not only will you be able to easily clean the places that were previously unreachable, but you’ll also do a more thorough job because there is generally more space.
2. Declutter and clean your items as you pack them
The truth is, some of your things probably don’t serve you any purpose and it’s time to give them away or discard them. So right before you start packing, prepare two extra boxes, one for donations and the other for items that you can throw away. Imagine the weight being lifted off your back when you realize you don’t need to pack all of them!
For the items you intend to keep, give them a dusting before you pack. This saves you time in the long run, and you’ll be able to unpack more easily after move-in cleaning.
3. Clean room by room
Instead of walking around the house to dust every corner, focus on one room at a time. This can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with everything you need to do. When you pick a room, start from the top, like the ceiling lights or cabinet and bookshelf tops, and clean your way to the lower parts.
Of course, this tip doesn’t apply to vacuuming and mopping the floors, as this is easier when done without interruptions. And did you know that this is also the method that professional move-out cleaners use when cleaning?
In need of a professional move-out cleaning in Scottsdale, AZ?
If you’d like to check move-out cleaning off your to-do list, give us a call! Here at Eco Mama Green House Cleaning, we can partner you with some of the best cleaners who operate in Scottsdale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, and the surrounding cities.
The cleaners we work with use natural and EPA-approved cleaning products. Their main objective when cleaning is to leave no stain behind and to do it as efficiently as possible. So take a day off and visit Lake Pleasant, and let us take care of your house!