Getting your full security deposit back comes down to one thing: leaving the space as close to move-in condition as possible. Landlords and property managers inspect details most tenants overlook — inside appliances, behind fixtures, and along baseboards. Here’s a room-by-room checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Kitchen
- Wipe down the inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Degrease the stovetop, oven interior, and range hood filter
- Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, including door seals
- Descale and wipe down the sink and faucet
- Wipe down countertops and backsplash
- Sweep and mop the floor, including corners
Bathrooms
- Scrub the tub, shower walls, and grout lines
- Disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind the seat hinges
- Clean the mirror and any glass shower doors
- Wipe down cabinets and drawers inside and out
- Remove any soap scum or hard water buildup around fixtures
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including corners and under furniture marks
- Wipe down window sills and tracks
- Dust baseboards, light fixtures, and ceiling fans
- Spot-clean any marks on walls or doors
- Clean inside closets, including shelving
Often-Forgotten Details
- Light switch plates and door handles
- Vents and air returns
- Behind and underneath large appliances, if movable
- Blinds and window tracks
- Garage or storage areas, if included in your lease
A Realistic Timeline
For an average 2-bedroom apartment, budget at least 4–6 hours for a thorough DIY move-out clean — longer if it’s been a while since a deep clean. Many tenants underestimate this and end up rushing through the final walkthrough prep.
Skip the Stress
Move-out cleaning is one of the most detail-heavy jobs there is, and it’s easy to miss something that costs you part of your deposit. Our move-in/move-out cleaning service is built around exactly this kind of checklist, so nothing gets overlooked.
See our move-in/move-out cleaning service or request a free quote before your move-out date.