Are you planning a household relocation? When you put down money as a deposit or down payment on your new home, the place was probably spotless, as the agent showing it to you wanted it to look good.

Despite first impressions, you should clean and disinfect areas of your new home before you start unpacking.

It’s possible that some spots still harbor germs, bacteria, scum, or other unsavory elements. Clean these high-traffic areas before you unpack, and you’ll have a fresh, welcoming environment to start from.

What to Plan to Bring

If you can get into your new home before your official moving day, all the better! This way, you can clean your new place before you bring boxes and furniture inside. Items to bring include:

  • Broom and dustpan
  • Cleaning rags and sponge
  • Paper towels
  • Mop and bucket
  • Vacuum
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfectant and bleach
  • Toilet scrubber
  • Soaps and cleaning products

However, don’t be dismayed if you can’t get in before moving day. You can still prioritize a few cleaning tasks before you get to put things away.

Kitchen

Consider starting your cleaning in the kitchen since numerous areas will need deep cleaning. The top areas to focus on include:

  • Cleaning and sanitizing the refrigerator before the food goes in
  • Scrubbing the stove, cleaning the oven, and wiping down the exterior
  • Giving the built-in microwave a deep cleaning, inside and out
  • Cleaning and sanitizing the dishwasher

Once you get your appliances in good shape, go through the kitchen and wipe down high-touch points, wash any scum off the floor and walls, and wash any windows. Lastly, disinfect your sink and countertop.

Bathroom

Before putting your toiletries, towels, and other items away, give the bathroom a good scrub. The top tasks you should tackle first are:

  • Scrubbing the toilet and replacing the seat
  • Disinfecting sink and faucet
  • Disinfecting showerhead, tub, and faucets
  • Washing the floor
  • Wiping down common touchpoints (remember light switches)
  • Spray and clean mirrors

After you take care of these tasks, check every corner, including any shelving, medicine cabinets, or closet areas. Sometimes sticky residue or dust remains from previous occupants.

Bedrooms

Next, turn to your bedrooms to give these areas a deep cleaning so you can rest peacefully. Give the floor a good washing or vacuuming, clean out the closets of dust or grimy buildup, and wash the interior of the windows. Remember to wipe down windowsills and get the dust buildup around where the walls meet the floor.

Laundry Room Area

If your new home has a laundry area, sterilize the washing machine and wipe down the dryer. Next, sweep or vacuum any dust or dirt lurking behind and between the devices. Finally, clean the dryer vent and ensure the appliance is safe for you to use.

Floors and Carpets

Try to have your floors professionally cleaned, especially if the carpets are not new. However, this can be a DIY task if you have the right tools and know-how.

Disinfect High-Touch Areas

Once you clean your main rooms, go through the home and disinfect all light switches, door knobs, and cabinet pulls. Next, wash or vacuum the rest of the floors.

Ready to Plan Your Upcoming Move?

Moving into a sparkling clean house or apartment gets you off to a great start in the next chapter. Hiring a professional moving company can make things easier. To learn more about our services, contact us today. We’re happy to answer questions and provide you with a free quote.