Moving out of a rental property is more than just packing boxes and handing over the keys to the owner. Before leaving the property, it needs to be cleaned, and it has to be in good condition.
A good end-of-lease cleaning can make this final inspection easy and less stressful. Instead of trying to clean everything before moving day, give it some time to each room and area some time and start the cleaning process at least two weeks before leaving the house. This bond moving checklist will help you remember all the things and will make it easier for you to complete everything.
Start With a Walk-Through
Before starting with the cleaning process, walk and have a look around the property. Look at the walls, floors and outdoor areas.
Before leaving the house, your entry report helps you check the property before you leave. Compare the house with how it was looking when you moved in first. Once you've moved your furniture and other items, check for dust, marks, or anything left behind. After you finish cleaning, keep the photos so you can show the house's condition if the owner asks for proof.
Kitchen
The kitchen is an important part of the house and also a very complicated part when it comes to cleaning. The kitchen needs to be deep cleaned properly, as there could be food stains, oil marks, or a lot more. There could be dust particles around appliances and other areas. In the kitchen, we also have the fridge and utensils that we need to remove and clean all the parts.
Pay Extra Attention to the Bathroom
Bathrooms are an important part of any house, so it is important and necessary to clean all the bathrooms properly. Don't forget to remove the stains from soap or dirt from the sink or any sort of dirt. Make sure to sweep it properly and wash the tiles also.
Take a look at the dining area
Start by wiping the chairs and cleaning the light above the table if needed. Finish the sweeping by cleaning the food marks and mopping the floor. Do not forget the table and sweep the entire area near and around it to make the area look better.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms are easy to clean and pack. You need to check the walls for removable marks and clean them carefully without damaging the paint or windows or any nearby area that is visible. Once you are done with everything, clean and mop the floors.
Don't Forget About the Big Stuff
Empty drawers and cupboards before they arrive. A refrigerator may fit perfectly in your kitchen but still be difficult to get through a narrow doorway for house movers to move it.
Living Areas
Check the living areas, as they are the main areas and the owner would check it for sure. We do it regularly, but there could still be a lot more to clean once everything is removed. The living area could need deep cleaning because of dust particles around appliances and inside the cupboards.
Leave the floors for the end
If you are spending time mopping the floor and then dropping dust all over it while cleaning the rest of the house, then there is no point. Do all the areas in the house first, get done with the furniture and all other areas of the house, and then mop.
It is better to use a suitable cleaning product for your type of flooring. Some floors need very little water, while others need some products.
Your Final Moving Out Check
Use this as a quick final check before leaving:
- All personal belongings have been removed
- Rubbish has been taken out
- Kitchen appliances are clean
- Oven and stovetop have been cleaned
- Cupboards and drawers are empty and wiped
- Bathroom fixtures are clean
- Shower and toilet are free from visible buildup
- Mirrors and accessible glass are clean
- Wardrobes have been emptied and cleaned
- Carpets have been thoroughly vacuumed
- Hard floors have been swept and mopped
- Walls have been checked for removable marks
- Doors and handles have been wiped
- Light switches and fixtures have been dusted
- Cobwebs have been removed
- Laundry has been cleaned
- Outdoor areas have been tidied
- Photos have been taken after cleaning
Don't Leave Everything Until Moving Day
If you try to clean everything before moving day, it will not be possible for you to do so. Doing it at the last moment would be quite difficult and not possible, so start doing this early and clean the spare rooms once they are empty and pack the items that you no longer need to use.
Make Your Move Easier
Moving out can be difficult, but it can be sorted if you plan everything. Start by packing things early and confirm your lease requirements and allow yourself some time to clean and check the property before returning the keys. Using a renter's moving checklist can help you keep things in mind without forgetting the important things. If you are moving to your new house in Melbourne, try to book a team of removalists whom you can rely and the team who have good experience and equipment. So they can handle your move easily.
Understand Your Bond Refund
Your rental bond is usually held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) in Victoria.
After you move out, make sure you understand the process for getting your bond back. If there are no agreed deductions, you can request the bond refund through the appropriate RTBA process.
If you and the rental provider disagree about deductions, you may need help from the relevant Victorian tenancy dispute resolution service or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Keep your condition report, cleaning receipts, photos and messages until the bond has been returned.
FAQ
1. When should I start preparing for moving in Victoria?
It is good to start the cleaning process at least two weeks before moving. You should start by packing the stuff that is no longer being used first and leave the floors and close the areas that are more used before moving day.
2. Should I take photos after cleaning the rental property?
Yes, taking photos after cleaning is a good way to keep a record of the property’s condition when you leave. Keep them with your moving documents.