Moving into a new home marks the beginning of something exciting, but it often starts with a bit of elbow grease. Whether you’ve just gotten the keys or are days away from the big move, it’s worth putting in some time to get your space truly ready.
From deep cleaning the kitchen to checking the condition of the roof, there’s more to move-in prep than meets the eye. This guide walks you through some of the most useful steps to get your new property clean, safe and ready to settle in.
Why It’s Best to Clean Before Unpacking
Cleaning an empty home is much easier than working around boxes and furniture. You can get into every corner, clean surfaces properly, and catch potential issues early on. Things like water stains, mould patches or wall cracks are often easier to spot when the space is bare.
It also gives you a fresh start. Once you know everything is clean, unpacking feels more like settling in and less like damage control. If time is tight, focus on the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms first. These are the areas you’ll use right away.
A Practical Room-by-Room Approach
Rather than tackling the whole house at once, break it into zones. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and it’s easier to track progress.
Kitchen
Start with drawers, cupboards and shelves. Remove old liners and give surfaces a wipe with a gentle disinfectant. Clean appliances thoroughly, especially the oven, fridge and microwave. If there’s a lingering odour, pour baking soda and vinegar down the sink followed by boiling water. Then sweep and mop the floors, paying attention to edges and under cabinets.
Bathrooms
Use vinegar or a mild cleaner to scrub tiles, bathtubs and toilets. Replace the toilet seat if you want a fresh start. Clean mirrors, wipe over light switches and remove any cracked or mouldy caulking. These areas can harbour bacteria even if they look clean.
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Vacuum carpets, dust skirting boards and ceiling fans, and mop hard floors. Wipe down doors, window frames and built-in shelves. Even if the space looks tidy, lingering dust or allergens can affect sleep and comfort. A proper clean helps make the room feel truly yours.
Closets and Fixtures
Empty closets and dust shelving, then clean walls and baseboards with a damp cloth. Light fixtures often collect a surprising amount of grime, so wipe them carefully to improve lighting and air quality.
Take a Moment to Assess Maintenance Needs
Moving in is the perfect time to inspect the home’s condition before it gets lived in. Look for damp patches, signs of pest damage, water stains or cracked grout. These small issues can often be addressed before they become expensive problems. A quick sweep now saves time and money down the line.
If you’ve hired moving services, even better. With the lifting handled, you’ll have more energy to focus on these important details.
Outdoor Areas Deserve Attention Too
Most people focus on the inside, but the outside of your property sets the tone and plays a big role in long-term upkeep.
Check the Roof and Gutters
Your roof protects everything underneath it, so it’s a smart idea to have a look before you move in. Clear leaves or debris from gutters and check for broken shingles, mould or water staining. If anything looks off, speak to a professional. Minor issues can become big ones if ignored. For peace of mind, connect with roof repair specialists who can inspect and fix problems safely.
Pressure Wash Hard Surfaces
Patios, driveways and outdoor steps benefit from a pressure wash. It lifts dirt, algae and moss that can make surfaces slippery or unsightly. It also gives the exterior a refresh that makes your home feel newer.
Trim, Tidy and Refresh Landscaping
Mow the lawn, edge paths and clear weeds. Check that garden beds are sloped slightly away from the home to help with drainage. A clean garden bed and tidy entrance go a long way in making the home feel ready.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips for a Fresh Start
Starting fresh is a great excuse to embrace greener habits. Simple switches like using reusable cloths, refillable spray bottles or plant-based cleaners can reduce waste and avoid harsh chemicals.
Natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon and baking soda are highly effective for most tasks, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re decluttering during the move, donate what you can and avoid throwing everything into landfill. These small changes add up to a more mindful way of living.
When It’s Worth Calling in the Pros
You don’t have to do it all on your own. If the home has been sitting empty for years or has visible grime, mould or strong odours, it may be worth calling in a professional cleaning service. Same goes for anything involving the roof or structural work. It’s best left to trained experts who can assess and repair it properly.
Settling into a new home should feel exciting, not exhausting. Bringing in help for the heavy lifting, like moving services, allows you to focus on making the space your own.
Final Thought
Cleaning your new place might not be the most glamorous part of moving, but it lays the foundation for how you’ll live in it. A clean, organised home helps you feel calm, settled and ready to start fresh. Whether you go it alone or bring in a few extra hands, the effort you put in now sets the tone for everything that follows.
