The Best Move-Out Clean You'll Ever Have

You've made your packing list, labeled yourproduct and let it sit there for a while to soak up
boxes, spill-proofed them and sent everything yougrub. The powder attribute will help with the
still own after last week's garage sale to the truckscrubbing. Throw some baking soda-and-water
downstairs. Think you're ready to leave? Thinkmix in the drain to get rid of odours. Under the
again.sink can also be kinda smelly so it might be useful
The moving process can be a stressful one, toto have a box of baking soda to leave in there,
say the least. Once the packing is done and youras well as in the fridge. Clean the backsplash areas
house is empty your job is only half done. Nowwith a regular disinfectant and use a degreaser or
you have to get it to pass your landlord'sspecial oven cleaner for the oven and stove.
inspection and be ready for the next inhabitants.In the bathroom, disinfect everything. Use a
Cleaning with as little pain as possible is....well,bleach-based product if it's not too hard on your
possible. It all depends on how you approach yoursenses. Letting it absorb residue for a while might
dilemma which, in this case, is a messy abode.also be helpful. Start with your toilet and shower,
Here are a few tips to keep your enthusiasm highmove on to the sink area, cabinets (inside and
and your stress levels low when polishing up forout), use glass cleaner for the mirror and finish
operation relocation:off with floors (so you're not stepping all over the
First, take charge. Find out exactly what needs tojob you just did). You can quickly get rid of
be done by reviewing your lease or strataleftover hairs and such by wrapping tape around
requirements. Don't give yourself more work thanyour fingers and patting the areas that need
necessary. Once that's figured out, make a listtouch up, or use a lint roller.
and find out what products and supplies you'llWindows are also tough. Gross actually. Be
need to do the job - check to see what youprepared to either throw rags away or use lots
have (i.e. stuff that hasn't given you its farewellof paper towels when you're doing the frames,
on the moving truck already) and what you needcorners and edges. Usually any multipurpose
to make a run to the store for. Typical suppliescleaner will get the dirt off, unless you have mold
include rags (about two for each task), paperissues. In that scenario, use something stronger.
towels, wide-width tape or lint rollers, sprayFinish the job with a glass cleaner wipe. After this
bottle-type cleaning products as well as powderedexperience you'll likely be traumatized enough to
and liquid bleach, degreaser, a few boxes ofstart cleaning your new windows on a weekly
baking soda and gloves. Make sure you've gotbasis. If you're responsible for blinds, taking the
your vacuum cleaner still with you. What otherentire set off its hinges and soaking it in your
resources do you have? If that would be a bunchbathtub with diluted multipurpose cleaner will be
of kids running around with nothing to do butmore effective, and faster, than using a rag to
conveniently be in your way on this lovely day,get between layers. (With this option, you'll have
turn that into an asset and begin assigning chores.to put tub scrubbing on hold until you're done with
Hold a scrub-a-dub-athon. (On that note, be surethe blinds). Fabric curtains can go in a washing
NOT to call it a 'chore' or they'll lose interestmachine and left out to air dry. If you chose to
before you can blink twice). Having a plan ofput them back in their place while still wet, see
action will save you immeasurable time andthat the hinges are strong enough since water
energy.weight will be an added pulling force.
Next, think of what you want most at thisIf you have a washer and dryer, pull them out
moment and promise to reward yourself (andand have a peek at what's behind there. Yeah...get
your little helpers) once the job is done. There is arid of all that. Use a broom and then either a
medal to be won at the end of every race. Indisinfectant or multipurpose cleaner to get the last
this case, beat the scrub and you get to go outbits of it. Tape-patting may also be useful here.
for dinner, eat high-calorie dessert, take a bubbleCongratulations, the hard part is over. Now it's
bath and sleep in tomorrow! Keep your reward intime to start dusting. Here is the secret. Begin
mind. Write it down and keep it somewherewith a dry dust. If you start with a wet one you'll
viewable if necessary.only make dust streaks and leave ugly clumps
Third, turn on the tunes, loudly. It'll make thingsbehind. After you've got the worst of it off your
faster and more fun.surfaces (window sills, baseboards, stair railings,
Take a deep breath. Now you're ready to begin!closet shelves, textured designs on doors, think of
Start with the toughest jobs first. You'll feel likeanywhere dust can settle,) go over it with a
you got a lot done right off the bat. Usually thatgeneral purpose cleaner (being sure it won't ruin
entails kitchens and bathrooms.painted surfaces, etc.) and damp rag.
In the kitchen, target grease and food build up.Take out the garbage, or at least get it ready for
Don't forget the top of the stove vent and thetaking out.
bottom of the fridge below the produce drawersFinally do a vacuum. Your house should be
(the spot no one notices in day-to-day life). Cleantwinkling by now!
the sink with a powdered, non-chlorine bleach