Moving can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its share of stress—especially when it’s time to clean your current home before you leave. Whether you’re aiming to get your security deposit back or simply want to leave the place in good condition, here are seven tips to help you tackle the cleaning before your big move:

Declutter First

You can’t effectively clean your space without decluttering first. So before you start scrubbing, get rid of whatever it is that you no longer need. Not only will this make your cleaning process easier, but it will also mean less stuff to pack and move.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have everything you need to complete the job. There’s nothing worse than getting into a cleaning groove only to realize you don’t have enough cleaning supplies or forgot to buy a certain tool. To keep this from happening, stock up on your must-haves, such as all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, sponges, and a good vacuum.

Tackle One Room at a Time

Part of what makes moving so difficult is the thought of tackling everything at once. But fortunately, you don’t have to. Instead, try focusing on one room at a time so that you don’t feel overwhelmed.

For example, you can start with the less frequently used rooms that are a little easier to clean, like guest rooms or storage areas. Then, build up to the more high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the dirtiest places in the home, so it definitely needs a thorough cleaning before you leave. To ensure you don’t miss anything, here’s a quick checklist of the areas you should clean:

• Appliances
• The fridge and freezer
• The stovetop
• The oven
• The microwave
• Cabinets
• Countertops
• Backsplashes
• Mop the floor

Deep Clean the Bathroom

Bathrooms are another high-priority area because they can get really dirty really fast. Before you move, clean the toilet, sink, bathtub, or shower thoroughly. And be sure to scrub away any grout lines, mold, or mildew if you happen to spot them.

Don’t Forget the Walls and Windows

When you’re caught up in the frenzy of moving, it’s easy to overlook walls and windows. But they can accumulate a lot of dust and grime over time, so it’s important to clean them up before you go.

Be sure to use a damp cloth to wipe down walls, especially in frequently touched areas like light switches and door handles. And if your windows aren’t too high up, try wiping them inside and out so they’re sparkling clean before you leave.

Add the Final Touches

After you’ve finished cleaning all the major stuff, it’s time to take care of the little things. Think ceiling fans, light fixtures, and baseboards. Don’t forget to wipe down any remaining surfaces like shelves and closet interiors, and empty out your trash cans to leave the place in tip-top shape.

The Best Tiktok Hacks for Cleaning Before Your Big Move

Moving from one place to the next is a lot of work. Fortunately, TikTok is a valuable resource to help make the process a lot simpler. If you’re dreading having to deep clean your space, here are five Tiktok cleaning hacks to use to make your big move easier to manage:

This Tiktok Hack Makes Cleaning Your Walls a Breeze

@passiondstewart Wall cleaning hack🫶🏾 I swear as a mom of 4 I stay having random stain on my walls so this hack helps me maintain my sanity LOL have have clean walls! #cleanwithme #cleantok #wallcleaning #wallcleaninghack #cleaning #bleach #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Lazy Sunday – BCD Studio

This Hack Turns Sweeping Cloths Into Multi-Surface Cleaners

@alyssascleaningcompany I shared this cleaning tip like a year ago, but I feel like more people need to know. #cleaninghack #disgusting #cleantok101 ♬ original sound – Alyssa’s Deep Cleaning Company

This TikTok Trick Teaches You the *Right* Way to Use a Broom

@randyandco How to sweep property 🧹 #cleaning #hacks #cleantok ♬ original sound – Randy and co.

This Shower Head Hack Is Kind of Gross but Actually Works

@tattedmommatee #cleaningtiktok #cleaninghacks #bathroomcleaning ♬ Splish Splash – Little Spookz

This Tiktok Trick Makes Cleaning Your Blinds a Lot Less Tedious

@randyandco How to clean blinds property! 🧽 #cleantok #hacks #windows ♬ original sound – Randy and co.