Enjoy this special guest column from the TidyHome Blog. Visit TidyHome.info for more great tips on organization, cleaning, and more.
It’s exciting to close on your new home. The anticipation, plus the need to quickly move out of your old house, often distracts from what needs to come first—deep cleaning.
If you’re moving into a house, the previous owner or tenant is only responsible for leaving the home in “broom swept” condition. The bathtubs, sinks, walls, and appliances are nearly untouched.
Where to start cleaning.
Before you begin moving in furniture and other belongings, create a plan for the areas you need to clean first.
- Start by cleaning the fridge inside and out since this will allow you to get perishable foods put away quickly. Wipe down shelves with a mixture of equal parts hot water and vinegar or baking soda; most refrigerator drawers can be easily removed for cleaning in the sink.
- Move on to the bathrooms next, tackling stubborn stains and sanitizing surfaces as you go. Don’t forget the towel rack and medicine cabinet.
- Clean the windows, sills, and baseboards with a safe cleanser before moving items in to have easy access.
Don’t Forget These Areas.
Cleaning the big things—like floors and sinks—is probably already at the top of your list, but it’s important not to forget about often overlooked areas.
- Wipe down light fixtures carefully and ensure there are no bugs trapped inside.
- Wipe down the walls, especially in the kitchen, since grease and odors can leave their marks. Clean according to the type of wall covering your new house has.
- Sanitize doorknobs, faucets, and light switches.
Make Sure You Can Breathe Easy.
When moving into a new house, you’ll want to ensure you’re breathing clean air with no pollutants that could affect your health. There are a few different ways to achieve this.
- If your new house has a chimney, hire a professional chimney cleaner. Even if it hasn’t been in use, it’s good to have it checked out to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Change out your HVAC air filter, and keep a few replacements on hand for the future. Replacing air filters every six months has many benefits, including extending the life of your heating and air system.
- A professional carpet cleaning can turn your carpets as good as new, especially if the previous owner has pets. Have the hard surfaces and tile grout steam-cleaned at the same time.
- Add live plants for cleaner air around the house.
There’s a lot to think about when moving into a new house, but making a list of chores and tasks will help you stay on top of it while reducing stress at the same time. Starting with a good, deep clean will give you peace of mind as you settle in.
