Moving out? Use this free checklist to clean your kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces before the final walkthrough.
Work through the tasks on your phone or computer, mark items as complete, and print the checklist when you need a paper copy.
The list covers commonly overlooked areas such as the inside of cabinets, appliances, closets, window tracks and baseboards.
No signup or email required.
How to Use This Checklist
Start after most furniture and personal belongings have been removed.
Work from higher surfaces down to floors, completing one room at a time.
Check off each completed task. If something does not apply to your property, mark it N/A.
Before cleaning, review your lease, building instructions and any specific requirements from your landlord or property manager. This is a practical guide, not a universal list of legal obligations.
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Section 1
Before you start
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Prepare the property so you can clean the spaces that are usually hidden by furniture and belongings.
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Section 2
Kitchen
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The kitchen often requires extra attention because grease, food residue and hidden storage areas can be overlooked.
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Section 3
Bathrooms
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Check fixtures, storage spaces and areas where soap residue or mineral buildup can remain.
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Section 4
Bedrooms and living spaces
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After furniture is removed, pay attention to previously hidden floors, closet interiors and reachable trim.
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Section 5
Whole-home details
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These finishing touches can be missed when cleaning one room at a time.
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Section 6
Final walkthrough before returning the keys
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Cleaning is only one part of handing over a property. Complete a final review before leaving.
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What to Confirm With a Cleaning Company
Confirm the cleaning scope in writing before booking. Ask whether the quote includes appliance interiors, cabinets and drawers, reachable baseboards, window tracks and any required interior glass cleaning.
Check whether supplies are included, what costs extra, and how property access will work. Share your landlord or property manager’s cleaning instructions and confirm which tasks the company can complete.
Agree on timing for the final walkthrough and ask for a receipt or service confirmation. Cleaning does not guarantee the return of a security deposit.
Moving Out in Chicago
For a Chicago apartment, condo or house, confirm building access, elevator arrangements if needed, and key or fob return instructions with your landlord or property manager. Give cleaners the access details before the appointment.
Compare published provider references in our Chicago move-out cleaning cost guide or Chicago cleaning prices. Prices and included tasks vary by provider.
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