Things to Clean Before Moving into Your New Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but before you unpack and settle in, it’s essential to make sure your new space is spotless. While the previous occupants may have done some basic cleaning, it’s always a good idea to give everything a thorough deep clean to ensure your home is as fresh, safe, and healthy as possible.

Florida’s humid climate can contribute to mold, mildew, and dust accumulation, making it even more important to know what things to clean before moving into your new home. With this guide, you can prioritize the most crucial areas that need attention. And if the task seems overwhelming, Shine Bright Maids can help ensure your new home is sparkling and ready for you to enjoy.

1. Clean the Kitchen Thoroughly

The kitchen is one of the most critical places to clean before moving in. This is where you’ll be preparing food, so it must be sanitized and free of grime and bacteria.

• Cabinets and Drawers: Start by wiping down the insides and outsides of all cabinets and drawers. If possible, remove the shelves for a more thorough cleaning. You’ll want to disinfect these areas before putting away your dishes and food.
• Appliances: Clean the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher thoroughly. Grease and food residues can harbor bacteria, and any leftover crumbs can attract pests.
• Sink and Faucets: Scrub the kitchen sink and polish the faucets to remove any built-up limescale or dirt. Pay special attention to the drain to ensure it’s free from blockages.

A deep kitchen clean is one of the most vital things to clean before moving into your new home. It ensures your space is ready for cooking and food storage from day one.

2. Sanitize Bathrooms Completely

Bathrooms can harbor harmful germs and bacteria, so they need to be thoroughly cleaned before use.

• Toilets: Clean the toilet bowl, seat, and surrounding areas with a strong disinfectant. Consider replacing the toilet seat entirely for peace of mind.
• Shower and Bathtub: Scrub the shower, bathtub, and any grout to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum. Florida’s humidity makes it easy for mold to grow, so use a bleach solution or specialized mold cleaner.
• Sink and Vanity: Wipe down the vanity and sink, paying attention to faucets and drains. Mirrors should also be cleaned to remove streaks and fingerprints.
• Flooring and Walls: Clean the tiles and any other surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner to ensure your bathroom is sanitized from top to bottom.

3. Vacuum and Steam Clean Carpets

If your new home has carpeting, it’s crucial to clean it thoroughly before moving in. Carpets can trap dust, dirt, pet dander, and even pests, particularly if the previous owners had pets.

• Vacuum First: Begin by vacuuming the carpets to remove any surface dirt and debris.
• Steam Clean: Follow up with a steam cleaner to kill bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens that may be lurking deep in the fibers. If you don’t have access to a steam cleaner, consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Shine Bright Maids to handle this task.

Since Florida’s humid weather can exacerbate issues with mold and mildew in carpets, it’s essential to ensure your carpeting is thoroughly cleaned to prevent potential health problems.

4. Wipe Down Windows, Walls, and Baseboards

While it’s easy to overlook windows, walls, and baseboards, these areas can accumulate dust and grime over time, especially in Florida’s tropical climate.

• Windows: Clean all window glass and frames. Don’t forget to check the window tracks for dirt and debris. If your new home has blinds or curtains, consider cleaning or replacing them to prevent dust accumulation.
• Walls: Wipe down walls to remove fingerprints, scuffs, and stains. If the paint looks dull or dirty, consider giving the walls a fresh coat before moving in.
• Baseboards: Clean baseboards to remove dust and dirt that can build up over time. This task is often skipped in regular cleanings but makes a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your home.

5. Disinfect High-Touch Areas

Certain areas of your new home are touched frequently, and as a result, they can harbor germs and bacteria.

• Light Switches: Wipe down all light switches with a disinfectant.
• Doorknobs and Handles: Sanitize doorknobs, cabinet handles, and drawer pulls throughout the home.
• Thermostats and Controls: Don’t forget to clean any thermostats, alarm keypads, or other electronic controls, as these are often high-touch areas as well.

Regularly cleaning these high-touch areas is one of the most important things to clean before moving into your new home to prevent the spread of germs and keep your family healthy.

6. Inspect and Clean Air Vents and Filters

Florida homes often rely heavily on air conditioning due to the hot and humid weather. Before moving in, it’s essential to check and clean the air vents and replace the filters.

• Clean Air Vents: Dust and debris can accumulate in air vents over time. Use a vacuum or duster to clean out the vents to improve air quality.
• Replace Air Filters: Replace the air filters in your HVAC system to ensure the air circulating through your home is clean and free from dust and allergens.

Regular maintenance of your air system is especially important in Florida, where poor air quality can exacerbate allergies and other respiratory issues.

7. Outdoor Areas

If your new home has outdoor spaces like patios, porches, or a garage, don’t forget to give them a good cleaning as well.

• Sweep and Power Wash: Sweep debris and dirt from outdoor surfaces and use a power washer to clean walkways and patios.
• Check for Pests: Florida’s warm weather can attract pests like ants, spiders, and termites. Inspect the outdoor areas and treat them if necessary.

Call Shine Bright Maids for Professional Cleaning Help!

Cleaning your new home before moving in is a big job, but you don’t have to do it alone! Shine Bright Maids offers professional cleaning services to take the burden off your shoulders. Whether you need help with deep cleaning carpets, scrubbing the kitchen, or sanitizing bathrooms, our team is here to make your move-in experience stress-free.

Contact Shine Bright Maids today for a free estimate and let us make your new home move-in ready!