Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: How to Leave Your Rental Inspection-Ready | Move-Out Cleaning in London, Ontario
Updated: Sep 24
Packing is only one part of moving out. The other is returning your rental clean, tidy, and ready for the final inspection.
If you're moving out of an apartment, condo, or house in London, Ontario, this move-out cleaning checklist will help you work through the areas landlords and property managers commonly review.
Why a Deep Clean Matters
Over time, everyday grime can become easy to overlook. Grease builds up around the stove, soap residue collects on shower surfaces, and dust settles into corners, baseboards, and other hard-to-reach areas. Once your furniture and belongings are gone, these areas become much more noticeable.
A thorough move-out clean can help you:
Prepare for your final inspection with less stress
Remove dirt and buildup accumulated during your tenancy
Follow the cleaning requirements outlined in your lease
Leave the property clean and comfortable for the next tenant
Keep in mind that cleaning the property does not automatically determine whether you receive any deposit or other payment back. In Ontario, your rights and responsibilities depend on applicable tenancy laws and the terms of your lease.
The Kitchen
The kitchen often requires the most attention because cooking creates grease, food residue, and buildup.
Wipe the countertops, backsplash, and sink.
Clean cabinets and drawers, both inside and outside.
Scrub the stovetop and clean the inside of the oven.
Empty the refrigerator and wipe the shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces.
Remove all garbage and recycling.
Sweep and mop the floor after the other cleaning is finished.
Don't overlook corners, cabinet edges, and the areas around or behind appliances. These spots can collect considerable dirt and are often noticeable during an inspection.
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The Bathroom
Bathrooms can quickly show signs of regular use, so clean each surface thoroughly.
Scrub and disinfect the toilet and sink.
Clean the bathtub or shower and remove soap residue and buildup.
Wipe mirrors and glass surfaces.
Clean faucets, fixtures, cabinets, and handles.
Sweep and mop the floor.
If you notice a leak, damaged fixture, or another maintenance issue while cleaning, take a photo and notify your landlord or property manager. Documenting issues before you leave can help prevent misunderstandings later.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Bedrooms and living spaces may not accumulate as much grease or moisture as kitchens and bathrooms, but dust, dirt, and forgotten belongings can still make a noticeable difference.
Dust shelves, ledges, and built-in storage.
Wipe doors, frames, and handles.
Clean baseboards, especially in areas that were hidden by furniture.
Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly.
Sweep or mop hard flooring using a suitable cleaner.
Empty closets, cupboards, and drawers completely.
Check every room for belongings or items that may have been left behind.
Cleaning becomes much easier once the furniture has been removed. With the rooms empty, you can reach areas that were previously hidden underneath or behind furniture.
Floors, Windows, and Final Details
Clean floors and windows can make a significant difference to the overall appearance of a rental.
Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop hard floors with a cleaning product appropriate for the flooring material. Wipe accessible window sills, frames, and other areas where dust has accumulated.
Before you finish, complete one final walkthrough. Check cabinets, drawers, closets, corners, storage areas, and spaces behind doors for dirt or forgotten belongings.
Always choose cleaning products that are suitable for the surface you're cleaning. Using an unsuitable product can damage flooring, countertops, fixtures, or other materials.
Common Move-Out Cleaning Mistakes
Waiting until the last night. After a full day of packing and moving, it can be difficult to complete a thorough clean. Start early and work through the property gradually.
Ignoring hidden areas. Cabinets, drawers, corners, baseboards, and areas underneath furniture are easy to miss but can collect significant amounts of dirt.
Not checking your lease. Cleaning responsibilities can vary between rentals. Review your lease before starting so you understand what is expected.
Forgetting to take photos. Once cleaning is complete, photograph the main rooms and important areas so you have a record of the property's condition when you left.
Using the wrong cleaning product. Check that each product is appropriate for the surface before applying it, particularly on natural stone, wood, specialty flooring, and other sensitive materials.
When You'd Rather Not Clean It Yourself
Moving involves more than packing boxes. Between organizing movers, managing utilities, handling paperwork, and preparing for the inspection, cleaning can easily become one more task on an already long list.
A professional cleaning service can take care of the work while you focus on the rest of your move.
ExcelChoice Building Maintenance provides move-in and move-out cleaning services for residential and commercial properties in and around London, Ontario. Services can include kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and other key areas that need attention before a property is handed over.
Contact ExcelChoice Building Maintenance to discuss your cleaning requirements and available service options.
Before You Hand Back the Keys
Work through the property one area at a time: start with the kitchen and bathrooms, then move through the bedrooms and living areas before finishing with floors, windows, closets, and storage spaces.
A final walkthrough can help you catch anything that was missed before the inspection.
Moving out in London, Ontario and short on time? Contact ExcelChoice Building Maintenance to discuss your move-out cleaning needs.
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