Moving into a new home is a significant milestone. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to a fresh neighborhood, it’s tempting to unpack immediately and start settling in. But before you open the first box, there’s one critical task that shouldn’t be skipped: cleaning your new space before moving in.
Even if your home appears tidy or was recently renovated, hidden dust, construction residue, or bacteria from previous tenants may still be present. In this blog post, we’ll walk through what to clean before moving in, why it matters, and how to make it easier—with or without professional help.
🧽 Why Move-In Cleaning Matters
Before diving into the checklist, let’s quickly understand why move-in cleaning is important—even in “new” or “cleaned” homes:
Hygiene: You don’t know how well previous cleaning was done. Disinfecting key areas protects your family from germs and allergens.
Peace of mind: A clean slate offers psychological comfort and clarity.
Pest control: Cleaning helps detect signs of pests early before they become a problem.
Furniture protection: Unclean surfaces can damage your items during unpacking.
If you want to ensure everything is done to a professional standard, consider a Move In Cleaning Service for a worry-free transition.
📦 Your Move-In Cleaning Checklist
Here’s a detailed, room-by-room guide to what to clean before moving in:
🛁 1. Deep Clean Bathrooms
Bathrooms should be the first place you clean because you’ll likely need to use them on moving day.
Checklist:
Scrub toilet bowls (inside and out)
Clean sinks and countertops
Disinfect tap handles, towel bars, and toilet flush buttons
Wash the shower floor, tiles, and glass partitions
Remove any hair, stains, or soap residue
Tip: Use a disinfectant cleaner approved for bathroom surfaces, and don’t forget to clean the ventilation fan and any built-in shelves.
🍳 2. Clean Kitchen Thoroughly
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas—and one of the most neglected when it comes to proper cleaning during handover.
Checklist:
Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers
Clean countertops and backsplashes
Degrease stovetop, oven, and range hood
Sanitize the sink and check the garbage disposal (if applicable)
Clean fridge, microwave, or other included appliances
Tip: Line your kitchen shelves after cleaning to prevent future stains or insect buildup.
🧼 3. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
These often-overlooked areas can harbor bacteria even in a home that appears spotless.
Checklist:
Doorknobs and door handles
Light switches and outlet covers
Remote controls, intercom buttons, and thermostats
Cabinet pulls, drawer knobs, window latches
Tip: Use a microfiber cloth and gentle disinfectant for sensitive surfaces like switches.
🪟 4. Clean Windows, Tracks & Sills
Clean windows enhance natural light and make a big difference in how the space feels.
Checklist:
Wipe window glass inside and out (if accessible)
Dust and vacuum tracks
Disinfect window handles and latches
Check for mold or condensation damage
Tip: Don’t forget to wipe down any blinds or curtains that were left behind.
🧹 5. Vacuum & Mop Floors
Whether tiled, carpeted, or wood, floors trap dirt, dust, and allergens.
Checklist:
Vacuum all corners, especially under built-in furniture
Mop floors with the right cleaner for the surface type
Clean skirting boards and thresholds
If carpeted, consider a steam clean before placing furniture
Tip: Use a HEPA filter vacuum to reduce allergens, especially if children or pets are in the household.
🚪 6. Clean Inside Closets and Built-In Storage
These areas are easy to overlook but are essential if you’re planning to store clothes or household items right away.
Checklist:
Wipe shelves and base
Check for mold or musty odors
Dust top surfaces and inner corners
Add shelf liners for extra protection
Tip: Air them out for a few hours before placing items inside.
🪑 7. Check and Clean Fixtures
Checklist:
Ceiling fans: Wipe blades and motor casing
Aircon units: Clean filters (or replace if disposable)
Light fixtures: Dust or gently wash covers
Tip: Clean these before doing the floors so you don’t have to redo your mopping.
🧴 Recommended Cleaning Products
If you’re doing it yourself, use eco-friendly and allergy-safe products. Here are some essentials:
Multi-surface disinfectant (non-abrasive)
Baking soda and vinegar for natural cleaning
Microfiber cloths
Glass cleaner
Heavy-duty mop and pail
HEPA vacuum
Want more guidance? Read the CDC’s cleaning guide for homes.
🧠 Expert Tip: Don’t Clean During the Move
Trying to clean while your movers are hauling in boxes is a recipe for stress and inefficiency. It’s best to clean thoroughly before any furniture or items enter the space.
If your schedule doesn’t allow for that, a professional Move In Cleaning Service in Singapore can get everything spotless while you focus on the move itself.
📋 Bonus: Printable Cleaning Checklist
| Area | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | Scrub toilet, sink, shower, clean mirror, disinfect handles |
| Kitchen | Clean cabinets, degrease appliances, sanitize countertops |
| Bedrooms | Dust corners, clean closets, wipe baseboards |
| Living Room | Clean light switches, fans, windows, and floors |
| Whole House | Vacuum and mop floors, disinfect doorknobs and handles |
You can print this and check off items as you go.
🧘 Mental Benefits of a Clean Start
According to multiple studies, moving into a clean space reduces anxiety and increases productivity. Instead of being overwhelmed by clutter or dust, you start with a clear environment and mindset.
This complements insights from our blog post on how a clean home boosts mental wellbeing, reinforcing the value of cleanliness in both practical and emotional ways.
🧽 When to Call the Pros
If you’re short on time or want to ensure no corner is missed, hiring professionals can be a smart investment. At Singapore Cleaning Service, we offer detailed Move In Cleaning Services tailored for HDBs, condos, landed properties, and more.
We go beyond surface-level tidying by:
Cleaning hard-to-reach areas
Using proper sanitising techniques
Bringing the right tools and eco-safe products
Following structured checklists and local hygiene standards
Book your move-in cleaning in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
🏡 Final Thoughts
Knowing what to clean before moving in ensures that your new home feels truly yours—clean, healthy, and ready for life. A bit of effort (or help!) before unpacking can save you hours of re-cleaning and give you peace of mind from the start.
Whether you clean it yourself or hire expert help, one thing is certain: a clean move-in is a smart move.
✅ Quick Summary
Clean before moving in, not after
Focus on bathrooms, kitchen, and high-touch areas
Use safe, effective products
Consider a professional move-in cleaning for time savings
Check all built-ins, aircon filters, and floors before unpacking
🏡 Related Topics
If you’re moving out of your old unit, these end-of-lease tips might help you ensure a smooth handover.
Learn how professional cleaning enhances a fresh start at home.
Discover the key to a clean new beginning with room-by-room cleaning insights.
Leaving a rental property? Check out our end of tenancy cleaning guide to avoid deposit deductions.
