Moving is stressful enough without a deposit dispute on top of it. The good news: most deposit deductions come down to a handful of predictable problem areas. Handle those thoroughly and you'll walk away with your money.
Clean before your final walkthrough
Schedule your cleaning at least a day before the inspection, not the same morning. That leaves time to catch anything you missed while stress levels are still manageable.
Appliances
- Clean the oven interior, racks, and door glass until no residue remains
- Empty, wipe, and deodorize the fridge and freezer, including seals and drawers
- Run a cleaning cycle on the dishwasher and wipe the door edges
- Clear the washer and dryer drums, lint traps, and detergent drawers
Walls, Floors & Fixtures
- Remove marks and smudges from walls, and fill small nail holes if your lease requires it
- Wipe baseboards, door frames, and switch plates throughout
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, then mop all hard floors including corners
- Dust and wipe light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents
- Clean windows inside, plus sills and tracks
Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Wipe all cabinets inside and out, and clean the countertops and backsplash
- Scrub grout, tile, and the shower or tub surround
- Clean toilets inside and out, including the base and behind the bowl
- Wipe the vanity, mirror, and sink fixtures until they shine
Don't want to do it yourself?
Our move-in/move-out cleaning service is built around exactly this list. We handle the whole thing so you can focus on the move — and hand back a home that's genuinely inspection-ready.
Learn about our move-in/move-out cleaning