Moving day has enough moving parts without trying to remember every cupboard, corner and bathroom fixture. A written cleaning checklist helps you decide what to do yourself, what to ask a cleaner to handle and when the work can happen.
This guide is for houses, apartments and condos in Peterborough. Use it to plan the rooms and tasks that apply to your property, then agree on the scope before booking a cleaning visit.
Plan the clean around your moving schedule
Where possible, allow time for cleaning after belongings have been removed and before the next occupants or their furniture arrive. Empty rooms make floors and trim easier to reach, while empty cabinets and drawers give access to their interiors.
If the movers and cleaners need to attend on the same day, explain the timing when arranging the appointment. Identify which rooms will be empty first and whether people will still be carrying boxes through finished areas. Share any handover deadline before the cleaning time is estimated.
Before cleaning begins
- Clear the rooms: Remove belongings, packing materials and items you plan to take with you.
- Empty storage: Take food, toiletries and personal items out of cabinets, drawers and closets you want cleaned.
- Plan garbage removal: Arrange disposal of unwanted furniture and larger items separately. Confirm any small debris or bagged garbage you want included in the cleaning.
- Check access: Agree on entry arrangements and share relevant building instructions for apartments or condos.
- Check the essentials: Confirm that water, electricity and lighting will be available during the visit.
- Explain special care: Identify delicate finishes, product restrictions and areas that should remain untouched.
- Discuss pets: Tell the cleaner if pets will be present and agree on arrangements before the appointment.
Work through the home room by room
Start with accessible surfaces and leave floors until the other work in each room is complete. Choose products suitable for the material, follow their labels and avoid mixing cleaning products.
Kitchen
- Remove crumbs and loose debris from empty cupboards and drawers.
- Wipe accessible cabinet interiors, fronts and handles.
- Clean counters, the sink and taps.
- Clean the stovetop and appliance exteriors using suitable products.
- Wipe accessible ledges, door trim and frequently touched surfaces.
- Finish by vacuuming or sweeping, then cleaning the floor as appropriate for its finish.
Check cupboards and drawers before packing away your cleaning supplies. Shelves behind everyday items are easy to miss while the kitchen is still in use.
Bathrooms
- Remove toiletries, towels and loose items.
- Wipe empty, accessible vanity drawers and cabinets where included.
- Clean the mirror, sink, taps and vanity surfaces.
- Clean the tub or shower, allowing extra time for visible soap residue.
- Clean the toilet with separate cleaning tools or cloths.
- Wipe accessible trim and handles, then finish the floor.
Describe bathroom buildup before booking so your cleaner can confirm whether the work is within their scope and estimate the time required.
Bedrooms and living areas
- Remove remaining belongings and check empty closets.
- Dust accessible shelves, window ledges and other surfaces.
- Wipe baseboards, door frames and trim as agreed.
- Clean accessible mirrors and frequently touched handles and switches.
- Vacuum carpets, including accessible edges and corners.
- Clean hard floors using an approach suitable for the finish.
Check the areas previously covered by beds, sofas and storage units once those items have been removed. Leave heavy furniture and difficult access to be discussed separately.
Entrances and hallways
- Remove shoes, mats and remaining moving supplies.
- Wipe accessible ledges, trim and door handles.
- Clean the floor after the last planned trip carrying boxes through the area.
Confirm extra work before the appointment
A moving clean needs an agreed task list. Appliance interiors, unusual residue and difficult access should be raised individually when booking. Describe what needs attention and ask which tasks can be included, so your quote covers the work you need.
If renovation work has just finished, mention it. Construction dust may call for a different plan, described on our post construction cleaning page.
Koala Cleaning does not undertake unsafe work, hazardous material cleanup, human or pet waste cleanup, or cleaning involving vermin infestations. Discuss height and access concerns before booking. Our cleaning FAQs explain more about scope and visit arrangements.
Finish with a walkthrough
Once the planned work is complete, check each room against your agreed list. Look inside cabinets and drawers that were included, confirm that personal belongings have been removed and note anything that still needs attention. Keep the entry route clear while floors dry.
Booking a moving clean with Koala Cleaning
Our move in and move out cleaning service is planned around the property's condition and your priorities. We bring supplies and equipment. Cleaning is billed by the hour, with the final bill based on actual cleaning time, which may differ from the estimate.
To request a quote, send your location, property size, bedroom and bathroom count, moving dates and task list. Mention significant buildup and access requirements. For properties outside Peterborough, check our service areas and ask about availability at your address.