Whoever said “Moving homes is exciting” clearly never had to deal with the end-of-tenancy cleaning. Nothing can really dampen the exhilaration of starting a new chapter in your life like having to clean your old abode from top to bottom.
But don’t let this daunting task cloud your experience; instead, make it an opportunity to leave things on a positive note with your landlord and your neighbors. After all, a happy move starts with a squeaky-clean apartment, ready for the next tenant!
Heck, besides scoring you some good karma points, it could even help get that security deposit back! And if cleaning isn’t really your forte, there are always professional services like The Happy House Cleaning just a call away!
The Importance of End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
Closing the door on one phase of your life and stepping into another can be thrilling. But it’s easy to forget about leaving behind a clean slate amidst the chaos of packing boxes and relocating belongings. You might think, “Why does it matter? I’m not living here anymore!” Perhaps right now, it doesn’t but believe me; later, it could!
As per the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), unclean properties are one of the leading causes for deposit disputes. If you leave behind a mess when moving out, you could potentially bid goodbye to receiving your deposit back. Why risk losing it when you can simply clean up or hire professional cleaners?
Not just about money, it’s also about common courtesy and respect towards the next person who will be residing in the space originally yours. Leaving behind a cleaned-up place confirms that you uphold these values.
And you know what else is great? A clean house could mean a glowing recommendation from your landlord to your next one! Therefore, it isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about ending things the right way!
Choosing a Professional Cleaning Service
Okay, so you understand the importance of having a clean house before you leave. But who has all that time? You’re busy moving! This is where professional cleaning services come to the rescue.
While hiring professionals might mean an additional cost on your end, consider this: by engaging professional cleaners like The Happy House Cleaning, you’re ensuring a top-notch clean-up that could impress any landlord and help secure that return deposit!
But don’t rush into choosing just any service. Do your research – Check reviews, see if they offer a guarantee for their work, and importantly, ensure they use safe, environment-friendly cleaning solutions.
Ask around, too – personal recommendations are always the best. Once you’ve selected a service you believe hits all the right factors, set up an appointment and get ready for that hassle-free clean-up!
DIY End-of-Tenancy Cleaning
If you’re someone who takes pride in doing things themselves or if budget constraints make hiring professional cleaners unaffordable, DIY end-of-tenancy cleaning is definitely a feasible approach.
It may seem intimidating at first but think about this as an opportunity to dive deep into every nook and cranny of your home one final time. Sort out what should be discarded or donated and what comes with you to the new place.
Purchase good quality cleaning supplies – it may be an investment upfront, but keeping those supplies can be helpful when maintaining cleanliness at your new place. If possible, enlist help from friends or family for this task – turn it into a fun cleaning party!
Key Areas to Focus on
Cleaning up a whole house can be overwhelming – But breaking it down room-by-room can help in managing the task. Here’s a list of key areas where landlords or future tenants will likely pay extra attention: The kitchen including cleaning the oven, bathrooms, windows, carpets and walls.
These areas are usually where dirt and grime accumulate the most. So pay special attention to them. If you’re not sure how to clean certain materials like specific carpet fibers or glass windows, look up the best methods online.
Also, remember this golden rule: Begin with high areas of each room and work down. Thus, dust or debris from upper levels will fall to uncleaned lower sections.
Take your time, follow a system, do not rush! You’re laying the groundwork for a pleasant transition so give it your best.
Maintaining Cleanliness during the Move
Maintaining cleanliness while moving out isn’t just about cleaning up before you leave; it is also about checking on it as you make multiple trips back and forth during the move.
The stress of relocation can create more mess. Therefore, have a strategy in place – perhaps clean one room completely and then start removing items from there. Once all items are removed from a room, give it another sweep to ensure sparkling cleanliness!
Floor protection is imperative while moving bulky furniture around. Use old rugs or towels to prevent any marks or scratches on hard floors. Regularly dispose of packaging materials so they don’t pile up and cause a mess.
Above all, take the final round of the entire place once all your belongings are out. Open every cupboard, check every room one last time to confirm everything is as spotless as you’d like to find in your new home.
Cleanliness and Getting Your Deposit Back
Your security deposit acts as insurance for your landlord, covering any damages or unpaid bills when you vacate the property. One crucial factor in getting your deposit back in full is how well you’ve preserved the cleanliness of the property.
You may be surprised to learn that the most common reason for landlords withholding part or all of the deposit is due to insufficient cleaning. Deposit disputes can lead to hiring a tenant lawyer so as already discussed, a comprehensive clean-up before moving out is essential.
In addition, regular cleaning – while you’re still living there – can also be beneficial. Not only does it make your life more pleasant, but it means less work when a moving day comes.
If cleaning isn’t something you enjoy or have time for, hiring a professional service could save you money in the long run. You’ll have confidence knowing that the service will do a satisfactory job and you’ll leave behind a well-maintained space.
Cleaning Checklist: What Landlords Look For
There are great reasons to become a landlord. But, dealing with unclean properties at check out is not one of them. Therefore it is no surprise that there is going to be a thorough inspection when you leave.
Knowing what landlords typically inspect can make your end-of-tenancy cleaning more focused. Some of the common areas include:
The oven and hob: Landlords often look at these first as they can be tricky to clean.
Fridges and freezers: Ensure these have been defrosted and are spotless inside and out. Sealants should not have any mold or food residue.
Bathrooms: Pay extra attention here. Bath tubs, sinks, toilets, shower screens, tiles, and even bathroom fittings should sparkle!
The overall cleanliness matters but so does the functionality of all fixtures and fittings – make sure all lights are working, door handles are intact etc. Lastly, ensure there is no personal property left behind – if you don’t want it, the next tenant probably won’t either!
The Final Sweep
The sense of accomplishment when you’ve powered through your end-of-tenancy cleaning is certainly a delight! Now, stand back and admire all your hard work; bask in the glow of a job well done.
Remember, leaving everything in pristine condition isn’t only for your landlord or the next tenant; it’s closure for you, too. So turn that key, close that door one last time and look forward to the cleanliness of your brand-new start.
