Moving into a new home is one of the most exciting things you can do — and one of the grossest. No matter how clean a home looks, the reality is that the previous owners left behind years of buildup in places you'd rather not think about. Inside cabinet hinges. Behind the toilet. Underneath the refrigerator. In the oven that "hasn't been used much."
Before you unpack a single box in your new Cleveland home, go through this checklist. We recommend doing it in one full day, before furniture goes in — you'll never have this level of access again.
⚠️ Cleveland-specific tip: Homes in Northeast Ohio often have salt residue from winter tracked onto entryway floors and baseboards. Check the garage floor and entry hall first — these areas need extra attention after a Cleveland winter.
Before You Start: Supplies to Have Ready
- All-purpose cleaner + disinfectant spray
- Microfiber cloths (at least 6–8)
- Scrub sponges and a stiff-bristle brush for grout
- Baking soda and white vinegar (natural cleaning staples)
- Rubber gloves (get the good ones)
- Vacuum with attachments + mop
- Trash bags and a box for "leave it / toss it" decisions
- Step stool for high shelves and light fixtures
🍳 Kitchen — Your First Priority
Previous owners rarely clean the kitchen as well as they think they do. Spend extra time here.
🍳 Kitchen Checklist
- Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers — top, sides, bottom
- Clean cabinet door fronts and handles
- Deep clean oven — inside, door glass, racks, and under burners
- Pull out refrigerator, clean behind and underneath
- Clean inside refrigerator completely (all shelves, drawers, door seals)
- Run dishwasher empty with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack
- Sanitize sink, garbage disposal, and faucet heads
- Wipe down range hood and clean or replace filters
- Clean microwave inside and out
- Sweep and mop floor thoroughly, including corners
- Wipe baseboards and outlet covers
🛁 Bathrooms — Most Critical for Hygiene
This is the one room you absolutely cannot skip. Someone else's bathroom bacteria are not something you want in your home.
🛁 Bathroom Checklist
- Scrub toilet inside, outside, around base, and behind tank
- Clean entire shower — walls, floor, grout, door tracks, and fixtures
- Replace shower liner or clean shower curtain
- Scrub tub and drain
- Clean sink, faucet, and vanity inside and out
- Wipe down mirror and any light fixtures
- Check and clean exhaust fan vent cover
- Clean medicine cabinet inside and out
- Mop floor and get into corners
- Replace toilet seat (seriously — it's worth the $20)
🛏 Bedrooms
🛏 Bedroom Checklist
- Vacuum entire floor and inside closets
- Wipe down closet shelves and rods
- Clean window sills and tracks (dust and debris accumulate here)
- Wipe baseboards and light switches
- Check ceiling fan blades — dust buildup can be significant
- Wipe down doors and door frames
🛋 Living Areas & Common Spaces
🛋 Living Room Checklist
- Vacuum carpet thoroughly or clean hard floors
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents
- Wipe baseboards and crown molding
- Clean windows inside (do outside later)
- Wipe down fireplace mantel and clean fireplace glass if applicable
- Check air vents — vacuum out any dust buildup
🏠 Basement & Garage (Cleveland Must-Do)
Cleveland homes often have finished or semi-finished basements. These collect moisture and odors — especially after winter months.
- Check for moisture or mildew smell — run a dehumidifier if needed
- Sweep out debris (leaves, salt, dirt)
- Wipe down any utility sinks and storage shelves
- Check and clean laundry room if applicable (washer drum, dryer lint trap)
- Garage floor: sweep out salt residue and pressure wash if possible
Should You Hire a Professional Move-In Cleaner?
If this list feels overwhelming — it is a lot of work. That's why our Move-In / Move-Out cleaning service exists. We cover every single item on this checklist and more, so you can focus on the actual move and unpacking.
Many of our Cleveland clients book us before their move-in date, we clean while they're still at their old place, and they walk into a spotless home on moving day. It's one of those things that's genuinely worth it.
