When moving house, cleaning can feel overwhelming. Discover the best order to clean your home to ensure a smooth transition and a fresh start in your new space.

Feb 9

4 min read

# Best Order To Clean When Moving House

Moving house is often heralded as one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between packing, organising, and coordinating logistics, cleaning can sometimes fall to the wayside. However, cleaning your new and old homes is crucial for a smooth transition. In this post, we’ll cover the best order to clean when moving house, ensuring you leave your old place spotless while preparing your new home for your arrival.

The Importance of Cleaning When Moving House

Before diving into the best cleaning order, it’s essential to understand why cleaning is such a vital part of moving. A clean home not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures a healthy environment for you and your family. Dust, allergens, and grime can accumulate over time, which can have adverse effects on your health. Additionally, leaving your old home in good condition can help you maintain a positive relationship with your landlord or future owners.

Best Order To Clean When Moving House

1. Start with the Old Home

#### 1.1 Declutter and Organise

Before you begin cleaning, it’s essential to declutter. Go through each room and decide what items you want to keep, donate, or discard. This not only makes cleaning easier but also reduces the amount you need to pack and move. Once you’ve decluttered, organise your belongings by room or category, making it easier for the moving team.

#### 1.2 Clean High to Low

When it’s time to start the actual cleaning, remember the golden rule: clean from top to bottom. Begin with the ceilings and light fixtures, then move on to walls and windows. Dust and dirt will inevitably fall to the floor, so cleaning high surfaces first ensures you won’t have to redo your work.

2. Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist

#### 2.1 Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and should be cleaned meticulously. Start by wiping down countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Don’t forget to clean out the fridge and oven, as these can accumulate stubborn stains and odours. Sweep and mop the floor last to ensure it’s sparkling clean.

#### 2.2 Bathrooms

Next, focus on the bathrooms. Scrub the toilets, sinks, and showers thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas that often get neglected, such as behind the toilet and the shower curtain. Once everything is cleaned and disinfected, mop the floors to eliminate any lingering germs.

#### 2.3 Living Areas

In the living areas, dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and decorative items. If you have carpets, consider vacuuming and deep cleaning them. For hardwood or laminate floors, a good sweep followed by mopping will suffice. Don’t forget to clean windows and any mirrors to let in natural light.

#### 2.4 Bedrooms

In the bedrooms, start by dusting all surfaces, including bedside tables and dressers. Strip the beds and clean under them, as this area often collects dust bunnies. Vacuum or mop the floors, and consider wiping down any mirrors or windows.

3. Final Touches

Once you’ve cleaned each room, take a moment to do a final walk-through. Check for any missed spots, and ensure everything is in order. It’s also helpful to leave a cleaning kit behind for the new occupants, including basic supplies like sponges, cloths, and an all-purpose cleaner.

4. Cleaning Your New Home

#### 4.1 Plan Ahead

Before moving into your new home, plan a cleaning schedule. Ideally, you should clean your new space before your belongings arrive. This allows you to tackle each room without the distraction of boxes and furniture.

#### 4.2 Follow a Similar Cleaning Order

Just like your old home, start high and work low. Dust ceilings, light fixtures, and walls before moving on to surfaces and floors. This method ensures that you’re not redoing any cleaning work.

5. Utilise Professional Cleaning Services

If the thought of cleaning both homes feels too daunting, consider hiring professional cleaning services. Many companies specialise in end-of-tenancy cleaning and can ensure that your old home is left in impeccable condition. This can save you time and reduce stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Conclusion

Cleaning may not be the most exciting part of moving house, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most important. By following the best order to clean when moving house, you can ensure a smooth transition and a fresh start in your new home. Remember to declutter, clean from high to low, and take your time to maintain quality.

Are you preparing for a move? Don’t let cleaning overwhelm you—use this guide to streamline the process and create a welcoming environment in your new home! For more tips and advice on moving, subscribe to our blog for updates and expert insights.