What Every New Homeowner Should Look for in a Move In Cleaning Checklist

Moving into a new home feels exciting. Fresh paint, new keys, your own space. Yet most of us know this truth. Even a house that looks clean rarely is. Dust hides on top of cabinets, grime settles inside drawers, and the bathroom may not feel as fresh as we want. 

That is why having a move in cleaning checklist before unpacking makes the process easier and saves time later. As cleaning professionals, we have seen how a proper checklist can turn a house into a truly comfortable, healthy place to live.

We wrote this guide like we would explain it to a friend. Our goal is to make your move smoother, help you avoid stress, and give you a home that feels good the moment you walk in. Let’s walk through what every new homeowner should know.

Prepare Before You Start Cleaning

Before we start scrubbing and wiping, we make sure everything we need is ready. It saves time and keeps the job smooth instead of stopping in the middle to buy supplies. Think of it like gathering tools before building something.

Grab these basics:

• Cloths and cleaning rags

• Sponges and brushes

• All purpose cleaner and disinfectant

• Glass cleaner

• Vacuum and mop

• Baking soda, vinegar and dish soap

• Gloves and trash bags

• A small ladder for high spots

We also like doing a quick walk around the house first. Open cabinets, look behind appliances and check closets. You might spot dirt or areas that need extra attention. Being prepared makes cleaning easier and faster later.

The Ultimate Move In Cleaning Checklist (Room by Room)

A new house feels exciting, but seeing it shine after a full clean feels even better. We love cleaning before any boxes arrive because every corner is open, nothing is in the way, and every surface can be cleaned properly. 

Empty rooms are like a blank canvas, and this is your chance to make it fresh, healthy and truly yours. Once everything is spotless, you can unpack knowing your belongings are going into a clean space from day one.

Kitchen Deep Clean (Where Food Lives)

The kitchen is usually the most used space. It also happens to hide the most surprises. We have opened perfectly clean looking cabinets only to find crumbs tucked in corners or stains behind drawers. So we take our time here.

Start with:

• Inside and outside of cabinets

• Shelves, drawers, handles and hinges

• Refrigerator interior, seals, shelves, top and bottom

• Oven, stovetop and hood filter

• Microwave and small appliances

• Sink, faucet and garbage disposal

• Countertops and backsplash

• Sweep and mop under appliances if possible

Homeowners tell us this section alone makes their new house feel brand new. Nothing beats opening a cabinet and seeing spotless shelves waiting for plates and spices.

Bathroom Refresh That Feels Truly Clean

Bathrooms are personal spaces so we want them sanitized, fresh, and odor free. Even newly built homes collect dust during construction and older homes often hold hidden grime. We notice big differences after cleaning here.

Work through the following:

• Toilet interior, seat, base and behind

• Shower, bathtub, tiles and glass doors

• Sink, faucet, mirror and countertop

• Remove soap scum and limescale

• Scrub grout and edges

• Clean inside bathroom cabinets and drawers

• Mop floor and check for mildew

Many new homeowners choose to replace toilet seats for peace of mind. A small cost that delivers a big comfort upgrade.

Bedrooms and Closets Ready for Your Belongings

Nothing feels better than unpacking clothes into a dust free closet. When we do move in cleanings for clients, the bedroom is where they notice comfort first. Dust and bacteria can stay in a home even after it looks clean. 

Studies show indoor air can hold more pollutants than outdoor air, especially in newly occupied spaces. Cleaning now helps reduce allergens, improves air quality and prevents old odors from sticking to your belongings. It also protects your furniture long term and keeps the room smelling fresh.

Your steps:

• Dust window sills, ledges and blinds

• Wipe inside closets, shelves and drawers

• Clean mirrors, doors, handles and switch plates

• Vacuum carpet corners where debris hides

• Mop hardwood floors and get edges clean

• Check ceiling fans. Dust loves them

If the previous owner had pets or if carpets smell stale, consider deep carpet cleaning. It changes everything about how a room feels.

Living Room and Common Spaces

This is where memories will happen. Movie nights. Holidays. Family laughter. We want the main living areas to feel welcoming the moment you step in.

Focus on:

• Dusting shelves, table surfaces and decor areas

• Cleaning light fixtures and lampshades

• Wiping down the entertainment center, TV stand and furniture

• Vacuuming under sofas or rugs

• Cleaning baseboards and corner trims

• Mopping or vacuuming carefully

This is also where we notice fingerprints on doors or tiny stains on walls. The small details complete the feeling of a fresh home.

Entryway and Hallways

First impressions of your new home start here. Entryways carry dust from shoes, weather and moving day traffic. A little attention goes a long way.

Checklist:

• Wipe doorknobs and door frames

• Clean light switches and walls

• Mop or vacuum entrance flooring

• Wipe down railings and shelves

• Clean closets where coats or shoes will be stored

Your guests may only see this area for seconds but it sets the tone for everything else. A clean entryway makes a home feel warm right away and leaves a great first impression. Even a simple wipe down and floor clean can change how your home feels when you walk in after a long day.

If this part feels overwhelming or time is tight, Burrini Cleaning can handle it for you. We know how to make entryways look fresh, bright and welcoming so you can start enjoying your home faster.

Let us take care of the deep cleaning while you settle in and decorate your space the way you want.

Extra Items to Add to Your Move In Cleaning Checklist

These are often forgotten tasks that make homes feel fresher, and if you are transitioning from another place, checking move out benefits can help you prepare both homes the right way.

• Clean air vents and replace filters for better airflow

• Disinfect high touch surfaces well

• Check under sinks for leaks or moisture

• Freshen drains with baking soda and vinegar

• Clean behind heavy appliances before they settle into place

• Wash curtains or blinds to remove old odors

• Inspect for pests early. It is easier to treat now

We always open windows for airflow while working. Fresh air plus clean surfaces creates a satisfying feeling homeowners love.

When Is It Better to Hire Professional Cleaners

Sometimes moving day is overwhelming. Unpacking boxes, paperwork, kids, pets and schedules can leave little energy for cleaning. We understand. Many homeowners call us for help so they can walk in and start living.

Professional cleaners like our team at Burrini Cleaning handle areas that people usually skip:

• Deep scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms

• High ceilings, vents and baseboards

• Stain treatment and carpet refresh

• Move in deep sanitizing

• Time saving full home cleaning

• Eco friendly product options for families with children or pets

Hiring help gives you back hours of time and guarantees the job is thorough. Choosing a move in cleaning service means you walk into a home that is already clean, sanitized and ready to live in.

With Burrini Cleaning, you get a team that knows exactly where dirt hides and how to leave every room looking fresh so you can settle in without stress.

You can also compare expenses or plan ahead using our move out cost guide which helps many homeowners understand pricing before scheduling a service.

Common Mistakes New Homeowners Make

We have cleaned many homes for families moving into a new space and we notice the same mistakes again and again. It is easy to get excited, start unpacking fast and skip important areas that later become harder to clean. A little awareness now saves you more time down the road.

Here are the mistakes we see most:

• Cleaning after unpacking instead of before

• Forgetting to clean inside cabinets and drawers

• Using strong cleaners without proper airflow

• Not checking ceiling fans, vents and light fixtures

• Skipping behind appliances or under sinks

• Rushing through bathrooms instead of deep cleaning them

Slow and steady always wins here. A careful cleaning approach gives you a home that feels fresher, smells cleaner and is easier to maintain.

If you are also moving out of your previous place, you might like our helpful deposit cleaning tips to make sure you leave it spotless and increase your chances of getting your deposit back. If you want to make sure these areas are handled the right way, Burrini Cleaning can do it for you so you can move in without stress.

You can also explore helpful tips like our move out cleaning guide to pair both move in and move out prep if you are leaving another house behind.

Start Fresh With a Clean Home

Moving into a new house is more than just unpacking boxes. It is the start of a new chapter. A clean, fresh space helps you settle in with comfort, confidence and peace of mind.

When every drawer is wiped, the air smells clean and the floors shine, you feel it. You walk in, take that first deep breath and think “This feels like home.”

You deserve to feel great in your new home from day one. Let Burrini Cleaning handle the deep cleaning so you can move in stress free. We clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, cabinets and all the spots homeowners often miss.

You focus on unpacking and settling in. If you want to plan your cleaning budget, our Morris County pricing guide can help you compare typical move out cleaning costs.

If you want a move in experience that feels smooth and stress free, let Burrini Cleaning take care of the deep cleaning for you. We handle the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, cabinets and all the hidden spots homeowners often miss. You enjoy the fun part: decorating, relaxing and making the space your own.

Ready to move in without the mess? Contact Burrini Cleaning today to book your Move In Cleaning Service. A fresh start begins with a clean home. We would be happy to help you make yours perfect.