Moving House Cleaning Checklist: The Complete UK Guide

Cleaning is one of those moving-house jobs that can quickly become overwhelming. Between packing boxes, organising removals and sorting utilities, it is easy to underestimate just how much cleaning there is to do.

This complete moving house cleaning checklist takes you through what to clean in the home you are leaving and what to tackle in your new home before you unpack. Work through it room by room and tick things off as you go.

Before You Start Cleaning

Trying to deep-clean around piles of moving boxes makes the job much harder. Before you start, remove as much clutter as possible and finish packing the rooms you plan to clean.

• Pack items you will not need before moving day
• Remove rubbish and unwanted belongings
• Empty cupboards, wardrobes and drawers
• Move furniture away from walls where possible
• Work from the top of each room down towards the floor
• Leave vacuuming and mopping until other cleaning is finished

Moving House Cleaning Supplies

Keep your cleaning kit separate from the rest of your packed belongings so it doesn’t disappear into the removal van just when you need it.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

Kitchens usually take longer than expected because grease, food residue and hidden dirt can build up behind appliances and inside cupboards. Give yourself plenty of time for this room.

• ☐ Empty and wipe inside all cupboards and drawers
• ☐ Clean cupboard doors and handles
• ☐ Clean and disinfect worktops
• ☐ Clean splashbacks and wall tiles
• ☐ Clean the hob
• ☐ Clean the oven and oven racks
• ☐ Clean the extractor hood and accessible filters
• ☐ Clean the microwave
• ☐ Empty and clean the fridge and freezer if they are being left behind
• ☐ Clean around and behind movable appliances where safe to do so
• ☐ Clean the sink, taps and draining board
• ☐ Remove visible limescale
• ☐ Wipe sockets and switches carefully
• ☐ Clean skirting boards
• ☐ Vacuum and clean the floor
• ☐ Empty the bin and clean the bin area

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

• ☐ Clean and disinfect the toilet
• ☐ Clean the bath and/or shower
• ☐ Clean shower screens and doors
• ☐ Clean the basin and taps
• ☐ Remove visible limescale
• ☐ Clean mirrors
• ☐ Wipe tiles and splash areas
• ☐ Clean shelves and cupboards
• ☐ Wipe radiators or heated towel rails
• ☐ Clean extractor covers where accessible
• ☐ Wipe skirting boards and door frames
• ☐ Vacuum and mop the floor
• ☐ Empty the bathroom bin

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

• ☐ Empty and wipe fitted wardrobes and cupboards
• ☐ Dust shelves
• ☐ Dust light fittings where safely accessible
• ☐ Wipe switches and sockets carefully
• ☐ Clean mirrors
• ☐ Dust window sills and frames
• ☐ Clean skirting boards
• ☐ Check behind furniture for dust and belongings
• ☐ Vacuum carpets thoroughly
• ☐ Vacuum or clean hard flooring

Living Room, Dining Room & Hallway

• ☐ Dust shelves and built-in storage
• ☐ Clean inside any cupboards being left behind
• ☐ Dust window sills and frames
• ☐ Wipe doors and handles
• ☐ Clean skirting boards
• ☐ Dust radiators
• ☐ Wipe switches carefully
• ☐ Remove cobwebs
• ☐ Clean mirrors and interior glass
• ☐ Vacuum under furniture once it has been moved
• ☐ Vacuum carpets and stairs
• ☐ Clean hard floors

Windows, Doors & Woodwork

• ☐ Clean accessible interior window glass
• ☐ Wipe window sills
• ☐ Dust blinds that are being left behind
• ☐ Wipe doors
• ☐ Clean door handles
• ☐ Wipe skirting boards
• ☐ Dust door frames

Areas People Often Forget to Clean When Moving

Once the obvious cleaning is finished, do one final walk around. These are some of the places that are easy to overlook:

Garage, Shed & Outside Areas

• ☐ Remove unwanted belongings and rubbish
• ☐ Sweep garage and shed floors
• ☐ Clear shelves that are staying
• ☐ Remove obvious cobwebs
• ☐ Empty outdoor bins where appropriate
• ☐ Check the garden for rubbish and belongings
• ☐ Sweep paths, patios or entrance areas if needed

Cleaning When Moving Out of a Rental Property

If you are renting, check your tenancy agreement and any check-in inventory or condition report before you start. This can help you identify areas that need particular attention and understand the condition in which the property should be returned.

Allow extra time for areas such as the oven, bathroom, carpets and kitchen appliances, and take photographs of the property once you have finished.

Cleaning Your New Home Before You Unpack

If you have access to your new home before the removal van arrives, use the opportunity to clean while the rooms are empty. It is much easier to clean cupboards, floors and awkward corners before they are filled with boxes and furniture.

• ☐ Clean and disinfect kitchen worktops
• ☐ Wipe inside kitchen cupboards and drawers
• ☐ Clean the fridge if one has been left
• ☐ Clean toilets, sinks, baths and showers
• ☐ Wipe fitted wardrobes and storage
• ☐ Clean shelves
• ☐ Wipe door handles and frequently touched surfaces
• ☐ Vacuum carpets
• ☐ Clean hard floors
• ☐ Check for anything that needs attention before furniture arrives

When Should You Start Cleaning Before Moving House?

You don’t need to leave everything until moving day. Start with areas that won’t be used much during the final week, such as spare bedrooms, cupboards, sheds and storage spaces.

Leave frequently used areas such as the kitchen and bathroom until nearer the move, then complete the floors and final wipe-down once your belongings have been removed.

Moving House Cleaning Timeline

Moving House Cleaning Checklist FAQs

Should you clean your house before moving out?

Leaving the property clean and removing your rubbish and belongings makes the handover easier for everyone. If you are renting, check your tenancy agreement and inventory for any requirements that apply to your tenancy.

Should I clean before or after packing?

Do both in stages. Clean cupboards, storage areas and less-used rooms as you pack, then carry out the final deep clean once most belongings and furniture have been removed.

What should I clean first when moving into a new house?

Prioritise the kitchen and bathrooms, followed by cupboards, wardrobes and floors. These areas are much easier to clean before you start unpacking.

How long does it take to clean a house before moving?

It depends on the size and condition of the property and how much cleaning you’ve already completed while packing. Spreading the work across the final week is usually easier than attempting the whole property on moving day.