Guest post by Local Removals London
Ah, moving day-the bittersweet farewell to a place filled with memories and a fresh start in a new adventure! But before you skip off into the sunset (or rather, into a pile of unopened moving boxes), there’s one burning question: Do you really need to clean your house before handing over the keys?
The short answer? Probably! The long answer? Well, let’s break it down!
Tenants: The Final Cleaning Showdown
If you’re renting, then yes-cleaning before you leave isn’t just a polite nod to the next tenant, it’s usually a contractual requirement. Most tenancy agreements include a clause that insists you leave the property as sparkling as when you moved in (minus a little fair wear and tear, of course).
And if you don’t? Say goodbye to your deposit faster than you can say “unfair landlord deductions”!
Here’s what you’ll need to tackle:
✔ Carpets & floors – Hoover, mop, and say goodbye to that mysterious stain that’s been haunting you.
✔ Windows – Let the sunshine in (or at least let the next tenant see out of them).
✔ Kitchen & appliances – Scrub that oven like your deposit depends on it—because it does.
✔ Bathrooms – No one wants to inherit a grimy loo, so make sure it sparkles.
✔ Surfaces – Dust, polish, and make it look like a Pinterest-worthy dream.
✔ Rubbish & personal items – If you don’t want it, neither does your landlord.
Many tenants opt to hire professional cleaners to ensure their deposit is safe from unexpected deductions. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind (and a much cleaner oven than you could ever achieve on your own!).
Sellers: A Courtesy Clean Goes a Long Way
If you’re selling your home, you won’t find yourself legally bound to deep clean before moving out, but it’s just good manners!
Imagine stepping into your dream home, only to find grimy worktops, dusty shelves, and a bathroom that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned since 1998-not exactly a warm welcome, right?
Leaving a clean house is an easy way to start things off on the right foot for the new owners. A little effort can go a long way in making them feel at home.
At the very least, aim to:
✔ Vacuum & sweep – Floors free of dust and debris make a huge difference.
✔ Wipe down surfaces – No one wants to inherit your kitchen crumbs.
✔ Freshen up the bathrooms & kitchen – A quick clean can make the space feel new again.
✔ Take out the- rubbish – Because nothing says “welcome home” like an overflowing bin…
New Build Homes: A Different Ball Game
If you’re moving out of a new build property, the expectations for cleanliness are usually sky-high. Developers often hand over properties in pristine, ‘show home’ condition, so it’s good practice to return it that way.
Translation? Leave it spotless unless you want an unhappy buyer on your hands!
Top Tips for a Stress-Free Move-Out Clean
✔ Start Early – Don’t leave cleaning to the last minute (you’ll have enough chaos to deal with on moving day).
✔ Hire Professionals – Especially for rental properties, professional cleaners know exactly what landlords expect.
✔ Check Your Agreement – If you’re a tenant, don’t get caught out by hidden cleaning clauses!
✔ Final Walkthrough – Before you lock the door for the last time, do a final check to make sure nothing is missed.
So, Do You Need to Clean Before Moving Out?
For tenants? Absolutely. Your deposit depends on it!
For sellers? It’s the decent thing to do.
For new builds? Expect to leave it showroom-ready.
At Local Removals London Ltd, we know that moving is stressful enough without having to think about scrubbing floors. Whether you need help with packing, removals, or just some moving day advice, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Now, grab those cleaning supplies (or book a professional) and get that house move-ready! And if you need a removals team who’s got your back, give us a shout.
Get a Removals Quote 🚛✨…
