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2.73 min read

How to Clean a House Before Moving In: The Smartest First Step in Your New Home

Before settling into a new space, a deep clean is essential. This article covers how to clean a house before moving in, from room-by-room checklists to the benefits of hiring professionals like The CoBuilders for a truly fresh start

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Professional cleaner wiping down a kitchen counter in an empty, modern home before move-in

Before You Unpack, Let’s Talk About Cleaning

Moving into a new home is exciting. New space, fresh start, new memories ahead. But before the couch gets placed or the fridge gets stocked, there’s one step that often gets overlooked: cleaning the house before you move in.

Even if your new place looks “pretty clean,” it’s always smart to start fresh with a deep clean of your own (or even better, one done by pros 👋). Because behind that sparkle? There might be dust, bacteria, or grime left behind by previous occupants, contractors—or just time.

At The CoBuilders, we help homeowners, renters, and real estate agents get homes truly move-in ready with our detailed pre-move cleaning services. Here’s everything you need to know before turning the key and settling in.


Why Clean a House Before Moving In?

You’d be surprised what a fresh coat of paint and an empty room can hide. Here's why a proper pre-move clean is more than just a “nice to have”:

Start Fresh—Literally

No mystery crumbs in drawers, no dust in the vents, no question marks about what’s been sanitized.

Better Health & Air Quality

Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria can linger in carpets, vents, and behind appliances. A deep clean means better breathing from day one.

Easier to Clean When Empty

Before furniture, boxes, and rugs are in place, cleaners can access every surface—from the tops of cabinets to the back of the fridge.

Peace of Mind

Moving is stressful. Walking into a spotless home? That’s instant calm.


What to Clean in a House Before Moving In

Here’s a helpful checklist (or the to-do list we follow at The CoBuilders) to ensure every room is properly cleaned before you get settled.

🧼 Kitchen

  • Wipe down and sanitize all countertops and backsplash
  • Clean inside cabinets, drawers, and pantry
  • Scrub the sink and polish faucets
  • Clean inside and outside of appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher)
  • Degrease stovetop and oven
  • Sanitize floors

🛁 Bathrooms

  • Disinfect toilet, tub, and shower
  • Wipe down mirrors, counters, and sinks
  • Clean inside vanities and drawers
  • Sanitize all high-touch areas (handles, switches, faucets)
  • Mop and disinfect floors

🧹 Living Spaces & Bedrooms

  • Dust baseboards, vents, light fixtures, and ceiling fans
  • Clean windows and windowsills
  • Wipe down doors, walls, and closet interiors
  • Vacuum carpets and clean hard floors

💡 Don’t Forget:

  • HVAC vents and filters
  • Behind appliances
  • Garage, porch, or patio areas
  • Inside washer and dryer (if included)

DIY or Hire a Professional Cleaning Team?

👍 DIY Cleaning Is Great If...

  • You have the time, energy, and right tools
  • The home was already lightly cleaned
  • You’re comfortable tackling harder-to-reach areas

Hire Pros If...

  • The home hasn’t been lived in for a while
  • You’re moving on a tight schedule
  • You want peace of mind that everything has been cleaned
  • You’d rather not clean a stranger’s toilet on move-in day 😅

The CoBuilders offers detailed move-in cleaning tailored to your home’s condition and size, using eco-friendly, non-toxic products safe for kids, pets, and sensitive surfaces.


How Much Does Pre-Move-In Cleaning Cost?

Here’s a ballpark idea of pricing for move-in cleaning services:

We offer flat-rate, transparent pricing, and optional add-ons like carpet shampooing, window cleaning, or garage clean-outs.


Tips Before You Move In

Schedule cleaning a day or two before your movers arrive

Turn on utilities so we can clean with light, water, and power

Do a walkthrough to identify areas that need extra attention

Let us know if you're sensitive to scents or specific products—we’ll accommodate!


Why Trust The CoBuilders for Move-In Cleaning?

✔ Fully trained, insured, and background-checked professionals

✔ Customized cleaning plans for your home and timeline

✔ Eco-friendly, non-toxic products

✔ Flexible scheduling—including last-minute requests

✔ Satisfaction guaranteed


Final Word: A Clean Start Begins with a Clean Home

Before you hang the first picture or unload your boxes, give your home the fresh start it deserves. With The CoBuilders, we make moving in cleaner, safer, and a whole lot easier.

📍 Available nationwide

📞 Fast quotes, easy online booking

🧼 Detailed deep cleaning tailored to you

👉 Book your move-in cleaning today with The CoBuilders

Start your next chapter with clean air, fresh floors, and zero to-do lists.

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