Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Kansas City Renters
Moving out is stressful enough. This is the checklist we use to get a home ready for the final walk-through, room by room. Use it to clean yourself, or let us do it for you.
Short on time?
Before you start
Move everything out first. Cleaning goes faster in an empty home, and you won't scuff fresh walls carrying out the couch.
Keep the water and power on until the cleaning is done.
Read your lease. Some leases list specific cleaning requirements, like carpet cleaning. Do what the lease asks.
Take photos when you're done. Clear, dated photos of every room help if there's a disagreement later.
Gather supplies: all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, degreaser, oven cleaner, a scrub brush, microfiber cloths, a magic eraser, a vacuum, a mop, trash bags and a step stool.
Kitchen
☐ Empty, wipe and dry inside every cabinet and drawer
☐ Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, including shelves and drawers. Pull it out and sweep behind it if you can do it safely
☐ Clean inside the oven and the oven racks
☐ Clean the stovetop, burners, drip pans and range hood
☐ Clean the microwave inside and out
☐ Wipe the dishwasher door and edges, and clear the filter
☐ Scrub the sink and faucet, and polish the fixtures
☐ Wipe the countertops, backsplash and cabinet fronts
☐ Sweep and mop the floor, including the corners
Bathrooms
☐ Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
☐ Scrub the tub, shower and grout, and remove soap scum and hard-water spots
☐ Clean the sink, faucet and counter
☐ Empty and wipe inside the vanity cabinets and drawers
☐ Clean the mirror and any glass shower doors
☐ Wipe the exhaust fan cover, towel bars and toilet paper holder
☐ Sweep and mop the floor
Bedrooms and living areas
☐ Empty and wipe inside the closets and shelves
☐ Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
☐ Dust the window sills, blinds and tracks
☐ Spot-clean marks on walls (test a hidden spot first so you don't take off paint)
☐ Vacuum the carpet, including the edges and corners
☐ Sweep and mop hard floors
Throughout the home
☐ Wipe the baseboards
☐ Wipe the doors, door frames and doorknobs
☐ Wipe the light switches and outlet covers
☐ Wipe the air vent covers
☐ Clean the laundry area, including behind the washer and dryer if you can safely reach
☐ Take out all trash and remove anything left behind
☐ Do a final walk-through with your photos and this list
What landlords often look at
Every landlord is different, but these spots are commonly checked at the walk-through:
Inside the oven and refrigerator
Bathroom grout, soap scum and hard-water stains
Inside cabinets and drawers
Baseboards, blinds and window tracks
Marks on walls
Trash or belongings left behind
Normal wear and tear is different from dirt or damage. Cleaning won't fix damage, but a clean home makes a much better first impression.
How long does a move-out clean take?
For one person cleaning a typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, plan on a full day. For our cleaners, a typical 3-bed, 2-bath move-out takes about 4–7 hours.
Book a few days ahead. In Kansas City, move-out dates bunch up at the end of each month.
Would you rather hand it off?
Our Move Clean covers everything on this checklist: inside the cabinets, drawers, refrigerator, freezer, oven and closets, plus everything in our Deep Clean. We bring all the supplies and equipment, and you don't need to be there. Our cleaners are insured, and any issue goes straight to the owner.
We can't promise your deposit back, because your landlord decides that. What we can promise is that we clean to this full checklist, so the home is ready for the walk-through.
and see your exact price in about 60 seconds. Questions? Call or text (913) 214-2557, Mon–Sun 7am–3pm CT.
We serve the Kansas City metro on both the Missouri and Kansas sides, including Overland Park, Olathe, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Independence and more.
FAQ
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After everything is moved out and before your final walk-through. Book a few days ahead, especially near the end of the month.
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No. Share the entry instructions when you book.
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Yes. We use the same checklist so you start fresh in your new place.
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We vacuum carpets. Steam or shampoo carpet cleaning isn't included. If your lease requires it, book a carpet cleaner separately.
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Yes. Contact us about turnover cleaning for your units.