5 Expert Tips for Cleaning Your New Home Before Moving In

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you start unpacking and arranging furniture, one of the first things you should prioritise is cleaning your new home before moving in. However, tackling the cleaning process can be daunting. Most of us are only accustomed to sweeping floors and wiping surfaces, but to guarantee that any unwanted germs and bacteria are no longer present in your future home, there are a few move-in cleaning tips you’ll need to know. 

We understand that moving can be a busy time. That's why the tips we’ll share focus on practical, achievable steps that can be easily integrated into your moving schedule. You'll learn how to limit clutter, use professional-grade cleaning techniques, and employ smart cleaning hacks that make this process less overwhelming.

In this blog, we’ll share five expert tips to make your pre-move cleaning efficient and effective. From tackling stubborn grime in hard-to-reach places to selecting the right cleaning products, these tips are designed to save you time and effort while ensuring every corner of your new home is spotless. 

5 Expert Tips for Preparing Your New Home Before You Officially Move In

1. Create a cleaning checklist

If you want to enter a clean home before moving in, one of the deep cleaning strategies for new homeowners is to create a comprehensive checklist before anything else. This can be a list of cleaning materials, a checklist of rooms that need to be cleaned, or the different tasks to be performed in each area. 

This tool will not only keep you organised but also ensure that every corner of your new abode is spotless for your arrival. Here is a list of steps you need to do and what you should include when filling out your checklist.

Get organised

The first step in creating your pre-move cleaning checklist is to organise it by room. This methodical approach helps you stay focused and ensures that no area is forgotten or overlooked. Start with the main living spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms, then move on to bedrooms, hallways, and any additional rooms like an office or laundry room.

Prioritise tasks

Some areas may require immediate attention, while others can be addressed later. If you’re in a bit of a time crunch, be sure to prioritise cleaning tasks based on frequency of use. For instance, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms should be top priorities due to their daily usage and potential for harbouring germs.

Time management

If you prefer to do all the cleaning by yourself or with some of your close friends and family, time management is crucial when cleaning an entire home. Allocate specific times for each room or task, and set realistic goals. 

For example, dedicate an entire day to deep cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, and another day for living areas and bedrooms. 

Check off the items on the list as you go

Cleaning your home before unpacking can keep your mind so occupied that you forget or repeat certain things. However, if you check items off your list as soon as you complete a task, you can work more efficiently. This visual progress tracker not only keeps you organised but also provides a sense of accomplishment. 

Creating a cleaning checklist is an invaluable step in the moving process. It transforms a potentially overwhelming task into a manageable and organised activity. 

2. Start with deep cleaning 

The next move-in cleaning tips on the list is to go beyond the regular cleaning processes. Whether it’s a new home or a home you bought from someone else, there’s a good chance that some areas weren’t thoroughly cleaned. Deep cleaning addresses hidden dirt, grime, and potential allergens that may have accumulated over time. Here’s how you can prepare your new abode for a fresh start.

Understand the local environment

Adelaide experiences a mediterranean climate, characterised by hot summers and mild winters. This can make your home prone to different dust and outdoor elements that can easily enter your living spaces. Understanding these local environmental factors can help you target specific cleaning needs more effectively.

Gather the cleaning supplies

Once you’ve organised your checklist by room, prepare all necessary cleaning supplies. Having everything you need on hand prevents interruptions and streamlines the cleaning process. Some of the cleaning supplies you should have include:

• Multi-surface cleaner

• Glass cleaner

• Disinfectant wipes

• Sponges and scrub brushes

• Microfiber cloths

• Vacuum cleaner with attachments

• Mop and bucket

• Gloves and protective gear

• Trash bags

* If you have children or pets, be sure to invest in environmentally friendly or non-toxic cleaning products.

How to deep clean certain areas of the home

Approach your deep cleaning project by cleaning one room at a time for a fixed duration. Of course, some areas of the home are bigger than others, so be sure to have a longer timer on certain areas compared to others.  

Kitchen

When you’re deep cleaning your kitchen, begin by removing everything on countertops, tables, and chairs. Once the area is clear, clean from top to bottom. Start with clearing dust and cobwebs found in ceiling fans, cabinets, and the top of the refrigerator.

Moving on to countertops, if there are greasy areas, start by using a degreaser to remove stubborn grime. Meanwhile, the sink and faucet should be cleaned with a disinfectant and unclog the drain if necessary.

Living Room

One of the most important accessories you’ll need when deep cleaning your living room is a vacuum. Some areas that can greatly benefit from vacuuming are upholstery, carpets and rugs. 

Bedroom

Similar to cleaning the kitchen and living room, the first step to deep cleaning a bedroom is by clearing the area and cleaning from top to bottom. Once you’ve finished dusting different surfaces and changing the linens, use a vacuum to remove dust mites.

Hire a professional

For a truly deep clean, consider hiring a professional. Cleaning professionals have the expertise and equipment to tackle the toughest cleaning jobs, ensuring your new home is spotless. When you’re searching for a reputable cleaning company, choose one that uses eco-friendly products and offers comprehensive services..

3. Address specific areas

Whether you’re moving from anywhere in Australia or overseas, another expert cleaning advice for new homes is to pay special attention to areas that often harbour hidden dirt, grime, or potential hazards. By addressing these specific areas, it guarantees that you don't miss any crucial spots and avoid wasting time cleaning areas that might not require deep cleaning as often.

Of the different areas of your home, the kitchen is one of the most important areas that requires focus because it’s where food is prepared and where everyone in the household goes to everyday. Bathrooms also require extra attention before moving in as it's another area where germs and bacteria can thrive. 

By addressing these specific areas of concern, you can ensure your new home is clean, safe, and ready for you to move in. A thorough cleaning sets the foundation for a healthy and comfortable living environment, allowing you to enjoy your new space to the fullest.

4. Utilise green cleaning methods

As awareness about the impact of chemicals on our health and the environment grows, one of the fresh start cleaning tips homeowners turn to are eco-friendly cleaning solutions.. These solutions offer numerous advantages over conventional cleaning products without harming the planet

Healthier home environment

Traditional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. On the other hand, eco-friendly alternatives make use of natural ingredients that are less harmful to the environment when they are washed down the drain or released into the air, making it safer for you, your family, and pets.

Environmental protection

Eco-friendly cleaning products are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, reducing your environmental impact. Many natural cleaning ingredients are also inexpensive and can be used for multiple purposes. Read on below as we share the common natural cleaning items you can use instead of traditional cleaning products.

Popular natural cleaning ingredients

Several natural ingredients can effectively clean and disinfect your home better than the cleaning products you find in stores. Here are a few of them:

White vinegar

Vinegar is a powerful cleaner and disinfectant that can be used on various surfaces. Its acidic nature helps dissolve mineral deposits, grease, and grime. It’s also effective at eliminating odours.

Baking soda

One of the more new house cleaning hacks that often get swept under the rug is the benefits of using baking soda to clean surfaces. This white powder is a gentle abrasive that can be used to scrub surfaces without scratching them. It’s excellent for deodorising and can be used in combination with vinegar for a powerful cleaning duo.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant with a pleasant citrus scent. It’s effective at cutting through grease and can be used to clean and shine surfaces thanks to its citric acid content.

Tips for using eco-friendly cleaning solutions

To get the most out of your eco-friendly cleaning products, keep these tips in mind:

Label your solutions

If you’ve made your own cleaning disinfectant, be sure to always label the solutions with the ingredients and date of preparation to ensure safety.

Test on small areas 

Before using a new cleaning solution, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t damage the surface.

Use reusable cloths

Replace disposable paper towels with reusable microfiber cloths to reduce waste.

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions doesn’t have to be done all at once. Start by replacing one or two conventional products with green alternatives and gradually increase as you become more comfortable. You can purchase eco-friendly products in stores or experiment with DIY recipes until you find what works best.

5. Final touches and inspection

Now let’s fast forward a bit. Let’s say you've completed the bulk of your cleaning tasks, before you move all your items, it's time to focus on the final touches and inspection. This last step in your new home cleaning guide ensures that every part of your new home is spotless and ready for occupancy. 

Detail and polish surfaces

Detailing and polishing are essential for a truly sparkling home. For common household fixtures such as door handles, light switches, faucets, and other metal fixtures, use a microfiber cloth. This not only makes them shine but also removes any lingering fingerprints or smudges. 

Your floors also deserve a final inspection. For hardwood or tile floors, use a suitable polish to enhance their shine. If you have carpets, consider a final vacuum to fluff up the fibres and remove any last bits of dust or debris.

Test the air quality

Improving air quality is crucial for a comfortable living environment. Check and clean air vents, and replace any air filters if the home isn’t brand new. This helps in maintaining good air circulation and reduces dust and allergens

If the home isn’t brand new, also check for repairs and any other maintenance work that needs attention. This can be done by hiring  a professional or by testing out all the different appliances, electrical systems, and heating/cooling systems. 

By focusing on these final touches and conducting a thorough inspection, you ensure that your new home is not only clean but also safe, comfortable, and ready for you to enjoy.

Final Thoughts 

Cleaning your new home before moving in is a crucial step to ensure a fresh and welcoming start. Of the five move-in cleaning tips we shared above, each plays a vital role in transforming your space into a squeaky clean home you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

If you need help navigating the Australian moving landscape or anywhere overseas, Chess Moving has the experience and expertise to ensure all your moving needs are met. To know more about the different services we provide, feel free to reach out by filling out the form found on our contact us page.