top of page
Cleaning Supplies

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Raleigh & Wake Forest Renters

  • Writer: Nina Hazelwood
    Nina Hazelwood
  • Feb 26
  • 4 min read



Whether you're leaving a rental and want your security deposit back, or selling your home and want it spotless for the buyers, a thorough move out clean makes all the difference.

This room by room checklist covers everything landlords, property managers, and buyers actually look for during final walkthroughs in the Raleigh and Wake Forest area.

Before You Start

Make sure the following are done before you begin cleaning:

  • All personal belongings are removed

  • Furniture is out (or will be before the walkthrough)

  • Any wall damage is patched and touched up

  • Light bulbs are all working

  • Smoke detector batteries are fresh

  • You have your cleaning supplies ready (or a professional service booked)

Kitchen

  • Clean inside the oven and oven racks

  • Clean inside the microwave (including turntable)

  • Wipe down all cabinet fronts and handles

  • Clean inside all cabinets and drawers (crumbs, shelf liner residue)

  • Clean the stovetop, burner grates, and drip pans

  • Clean the range hood and filter

  • Clean inside the refrigerator (all shelves, drawers, door seals)

  • Clean inside the freezer

  • Clean inside the dishwasher (including filter and door edges)

  • Wipe down all countertops

  • Clean the sink and faucet (remove water stains and buildup)

  • Clean garbage disposal area

  • Wipe down all appliance exteriors

  • Clean backsplash

  • Sweep and mop floors (including under where appliances were)

  • Clean light fixtures and switch plates

  • Wipe down baseboards

Bathrooms (Repeat for Each Bathroom)

  • Scrub the toilet inside and out (including base and behind)

  • Clean the shower/tub thoroughly (walls, floor, grout, fixtures)

  • Remove soap scum and hard water stains

  • Clean shower door tracks (if applicable)

  • Clean the sink and faucet

  • Wipe down countertops

  • Clean mirrors

  • Wipe inside medicine cabinet and vanity drawers

  • Clean inside cabinets

  • Wipe down towel bars and fixtures

  • Clean the exhaust fan cover

  • Clean light fixtures and switch plates

  • Sweep and mop floors (including behind toilet)

  • Wipe down baseboards

  • Clean around and behind toilet base

Bedrooms (Repeat for Each Bedroom)

  • Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors

  • Clean inside closets (shelves, rods, floors)

  • Wipe down closet doors and handles

  • Dust ceiling fan and light fixtures

  • Clean windows (inside)

  • Wipe down window sills and tracks

  • Clean light switch plates and outlet covers

  • Dust blinds or clean curtain rods

  • Wipe down baseboards

  • Clean any built in shelving

  • Patch and touch up nail holes (if required by lease)

Living Room and Common Areas

  • Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors

  • Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures

  • Clean inside any built in shelving or cabinets

  • Clean windows (inside)

  • Wipe down window sills and tracks

  • Dust blinds

  • Clean light switch plates

  • Wipe down baseboards throughout

  • Clean sliding glass door tracks (if applicable)

  • Clean fireplace (remove ash, wipe surround)

  • Vacuum stairs and stair railings

Laundry Room

  • Clean inside and behind the washer

  • Clean inside and behind the dryer

  • Clean the dryer lint trap area thoroughly

  • Wipe down shelves and cabinets

  • Clean the utility sink

  • Sweep and mop floors

  • Wipe down baseboards

Garage

  • Sweep the entire floor

  • Remove any oil stains if possible

  • Wipe down shelving

  • Clean the interior of the garage door

  • Remove cobwebs from corners and ceiling

Whole House Tasks

  • Clean all door frames and doors (both sides)

  • Clean all air vents and return covers

  • Replace HVAC filter

  • Clean inside pantry (shelves and floor)

  • Vacuum or clean all window blinds

  • Check and clean entryway/front porch

  • Clean inside coat closets and linen closets

  • Remove all trash and debris

  • Final vacuum/mop of entire home

What Landlords and Property Managers Actually Check

Based on our experience cleaning hundreds of homes for move outs in the Raleigh area, here's where landlords and property managers look most closely:

  1. Inside the oven — the number one thing most renters forget

  2. Bathrooms — grout, shower walls, behind the toilet

  3. Cabinet interiors — especially kitchen cabinets

  4. Baseboards — a dead giveaway of a rushed clean

  5. Appliance interiors — refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave

  6. Window tracks — often overlooked, always noticed

  7. Closet floors and shelves — dust and debris accumulate here

  8. Light fixtures and ceiling fans — dust buildup is visible

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

You can absolutely do a move out clean yourself. But here's the reality:

  • Time: A thorough move out clean on a 3 bedroom home takes 8 to 12 hours for one person

  • Equipment: Professionals bring commercial grade products and equipment

  • Stress: You're already dealing with the stress of moving. Adding a full day of cleaning makes it worse

  • Deposit: If the landlord finds issues, your deposit deduction could cost more than hiring a professional would have

Most professional move out cleaning services in Raleigh cost $250 to $500 depending on home size. Compare that to a typical security deposit of $1,000 to $2,000 or more, and the math makes sense.

Get Help With Your Move Out Clean

Don't want to spend your last day in the house on your hands and knees scrubbing the oven? We handle move out cleanings across Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding areas every week.

Our team knows exactly what landlords and property managers look for, and we'll make sure your home passes inspection. Instant quotes available 24/7.

Or call us at (919) 925-2378.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page