Moving Out? Leave Your Apartment Spotless With an Apartment Checklist

Now that the last of your belongings are all packed up, the last thing you need to do is make sure that you leave the apartment cleaned. A dirty apartment can be a deal-breaker for getting your deposit back from your landlord. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to hire a cleaning service to complete the job. If you follow a checklist, you can get everything you need to make sure your space is deep-cleaned before you turn in your keys.

Clean Cob-webs From Ceiling

This may be something that you failed to do while you were living in your apartment. However, you should remember to clean the ceiling prior to moving out. You can easily use a vacuum or broom to help get rid of any cobwebs. If you have a popcorn ceiling, you can roll a damp paint roller over the ceiling to help pick up cobwebs and dust.

Wash all Windows

You can easily use a glass cleaner or window cleaner to wash your windows. Spray the solution right on the window and wipe with a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving streak marks. Be sure to dust off the locks and handles as well.

Remove all Nails in Walls

Apartment move out cleaning also means you need to make sure that you remove all nails you may have had hanging. While your gallery looked nice while it lasted, it is time to patch up those small holes that the nails left behind. You can easily purchase some paint or putty in the same color as your dry wall to restore it to its original state. Your landlord may even provide you with the paint. If you are using putty, make sure that you use a putty knife to apply the product properly.

Check all Lights

You may want to check and see if any of your lights need new light bulbs. If so, you can replace them. Be sure to dust the lighting fixtures and sanitize the light switches using a cleaning wipe. To reach ceiling lights that are tall, you can use a duster equipped with an extendable arm.

Check Smoke Detectors

If any of the smoke detectors in your apartment are beeping, this means that the battery is low and needs to be replaced soon. Even if they are not beeping, you should still make sure that all alarms have working batteries, especially if they were that way when you first moved in. Most detectors are equipped with a test button to check the life of the battery. A nonexistent or weak signal may indicate that it’s time to replace the batteries.

Clean Carpeting

Carpet stains are almost inevitable. You can remove them by using a carpet cleaning and allowing it to sit for several minutes. You can then use a microfiber cloth to buff out the stain. Some carpet stains will require a certain solution in order to remove, so make sure that you are using the appropriate solution for your carpet cleaning duties.

Mop & Vacuum Floors

The last thing on your apartment move out checklist is to make sure that you mop and vacuum all floors. This one should be saved for last since dust may have fallen while cleaning other places in your apartment. Do not allow anyone to walk on the floors until they have dried completely and kept pets in another room.

Besides taking care of the bigger things, you will also want to make sure the smaller things are cleaned including the shower and bathroom, polishing the mirrors, cleaning the dishwasher and all appliances in the kitchen, and clearing our pantries and cabinets.