Moving day is hectic. Between keys, boxes, utilities, and final inspections, cleaning is the job that usually gets rushed — and it’s also the one most likely to cost you time, stress, or part of a bond. A proper move-in/move-out cleaning checklist keeps everyone on the same page: renters know what “clean” means, and landlords get a home that’s ready for the next tenant.

Below is a practical, room-by-room guide you can use for end of lease (bond) cleaning and move-in cleaning, plus extra pointers for landlords and property managers.

Quick guide: Move-out vs move-in cleaning

Move-out (end of lease / bond clean):

Goal: return the property to the required condition for inspection.
Focus: deep clean, detail work, appliances, marks, and build-up.

Move-in cleaning:

Goal: sanitise and refresh before unpacking.
Focus: high-touch areas, cupboards, bathrooms, floors, and peace of mind.

Before you start: set yourself up to finish faster

Supplies (simple but effective):

Microfibre cloths, scrub pads, sponge
All-purpose cleaner + disinfectant
Glass cleaner
Degreaser (kitchen)
Toilet cleaner
Vacuum + mop
Baking soda + white vinegar (optional but handy)
Trash bags, gloves

Time plan (realistic):

Studio/1 bed: 4–8 hours
2–3 bed: 8–16 hours
Larger homes: split over 1–2 days

Tip: Take “before and after” photos, especially for the kitchen, bathrooms, and any existing marks.

Move-Out Cleaning Checklist (End of Lease / Bond Clean)

Entry + hallways

Dust walls, skirting boards, door frames
Wipe light switches and power points
Clean marks from doors (especially near handles)
Vacuum and mop floors
Remove cobwebs from corners/ceilings

Living room + bedrooms

Dust all surfaces (including shelves and window sills)
Clean inside wardrobes (shelves, rails, base)
Spot clean walls where scuffed
Wipe fan blades and air vents
Vacuum edges/corners and under furniture
Mop hard floors

Don’t forget: inside drawers, mirrors, and sliding door tracks.

Kitchen (usually the “bond breaker”)

Clean benchtops, splashback, and cupboard fronts
Empty and clean inside cupboards and drawers
Degrease rangehood filters (if removable)
Clean stovetop (lift burners where possible)
Oven: trays, racks, door glass, interior
Sink and tap (remove water spots)
Dishwasher: filter, door edges, rubber seals
Fridge space: wipe shelves and wall (if the fridge is removed)

Don’t forget: behind/under appliances (if safe to move).

Bathrooms + toilets

Scrub shower walls and screen (remove soap scum)
Clean grout lines and corners
Descale taps and showerheads
Clean vanity, drawers, mirror
Disinfect toilet (inside bowl, seat hinges, base)
Wipe exhaust fan cover
Mop floors and clean skirting boards

Don’t forget: the drain area, ledges, and behind the toilet.

Laundry

Clean tub and taps
Wipe cupboards and shelving
Clean lint filter area (where applicable)
Vacuum and mop floor
Wipe dryer filter and exterior

Windows + tracks

Clean accessible glass (inside)
Wipe window frames and sills
Vacuum and wipe window/sliding door tracks

Balcony / outdoor areas (if applicable)

Sweep and wash down floors
Remove cobwebs and dust railings
Spot clean glass balustrades
Clear leaves/debris from drains

Final touches

Replace blown light bulbs (if required in your lease)
Remove all rubbish
Do a final vacuum and mop
Leave keys and access devices as instructed

Move-In Cleaning Checklist (Before you unpack)

Move-in cleaning is about comfort and hygiene. Even if the property looks “fine,” these steps make it feel truly yours:

Whole home

Wipe light switches, handles, remotes, rails
Dust skirting boards, shelves, window sills
Vacuum and mop floors before furniture goes down

Kitchen

Disinfect benchtops and splashback
Wipe inside cupboards/drawers (especially where you’ll store dishes)
Sanitise sink and tap
Wipe fridge shelves (if provided)
Run dishwasher empty on a hot cycle (optional)

Bathrooms

Disinfect toilet, vanity, taps
Clean shower area and rinse
Mop floors with disinfectant

Bedrooms

Wipe wardrobe shelves and rails
Vacuum corners and edges
Check window tracks for dust

Landlord & Property Manager Checklist (Turnover-ready standard)

If you manage a rental, consistent turnover cleaning reduces complaints and helps protect the property long-term:

Confirm the condition report matches the home’s current state
Ensure kitchens and bathrooms are sanitised (not just “wiped”)
Check oven, rangehood filters, and window tracks
Inspect carpets for stains/odours and organise carpet cleaning if needed
Confirm mould-prone areas (bathrooms, window corners) are treated
Make sure bins/outdoor areas are cleared
Replace missing/broken items (globes, smoke alarm batteries if applicable)

Commonly missed items (that inspectors notice)

Oven door glass and racks
Rangehood filters
Window and sliding door tracks
Light switches and door handles
Skirting boards, corners, cobwebs
Shower screen soap scum + grout build-up
Inside wardrobes/drawers
Behind toilets and under sinks

When it makes sense to hire a professional

Consider booking a professional end of lease cleaning if:

You’re short on time before inspection
The oven, bathrooms, or walls need deep work
You want an invoice/receipt for your records
The property is large or has heavy build-up
You need add-ons like carpet steam cleaning or balcony pressure wash

Internal links (add these within your website post)

Use these as internal links to keep visitors moving through your site:

End of Lease / Bond Cleaning → /services/end-of-lease-cleaning/
Move-In Cleaning → /services/move-in-cleaning/
Carpet Steam Cleaning → /services/carpet-cleaning/
Inspection Tips (related blog) → /blog/pass-rental-inspection-cleaning-tips/
Get a Quote → /get-a-quote/
Contact → /contact/

Tip: Link at least 3–5 times naturally (not spammy). Example anchor text: “end of lease cleaning checklist”, “bond clean service”, “carpet steam cleaning”.

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: A Checklist for Renters and Landlords