When you have to move into a new rental home, it can be the perfect opportunity for you to start with your cleaning activities. This is the time when you can find your space to be completely empty. You have nothing to obstruct your view, no object to move or displace to carry out your cleaning activities. You can clean up every nook and cranny, just as you wish. If you are moving into a Salem rental this Fall, here are some important things that you should know about move-in and move-out cleaning before unpacking your items in your new address.
Clean from the ceiling down to the floor
It is always recommended that you do this. When you follow this approach, you can make sure that any dust or debris you displace will drop onto surfaces that have not yet been cleaned. That is the smart way to clean for sure. You can save a lot of time from doing double the work.
Basically, this is how you should approach your cleaning:
- Start with ceilings and fixtures
- Then, clean your walls and windows
- After this, deep-clean your kitchen space
- Turn your attention to bathroom sanitization
- Clean your floors last
With such an approach, you have to clean only once. You can proceed with your cleaning in a stepwise fashion and have everything tidied up properly.
Clean with Fall-specific considerations
You will have to encounter a unique set of cleaning challenges if you move during the Pacific Northwest Fall. It is mostly about changing weather and more moisture. But you have to take care of all these in a proper way. These are the steps that you must follow:
- Inspect the space for signs of mildew and mold
- Test your furnace or heaters. Check whether these are functioning properly
- Protect your floors from mud and rain
You should also lay down heavy doormats or protective plastic mats at your entryway. This will keep your freshly cleaned floors tidy enough before movers start tracking mud and wet autumn leaves across them.
Focus on the exterior as well as interior spaces
You would like to focus on both areas so that there is no room for any complaint when Fall comes up eventually. You can rest assured with the knowledge that you have done everything possible for every room as well as the exterior surfaces of rental accommodation. It is a smart strategy to focus on all areas with proper attention.
Photograph all those spots that you clean
It is essential for you to do this before you start cleaning your rental accommodation right after moving in. Snap photos and videos of the entire rental home with timestamp before you wipe away a single layer of dust. Document all the pre-existing stains, scratches or damages, so that you can keep a clear record. This will ensure that you will not be held responsible for any damage left by previous tenants when it is time for you to move out. This is the best way to protect your security deposit.
In some cases, landlords or property managers mention specific cleaning tasks in the rental agreement. When you sign the agreement, you agree that you will handle those tasks properly before you move out of the accommodation. Keep this in mind when you clean up space before moving out or hire professionals to do the same, prior to your exit. You can show the cleaning certificate to your landlord or property manager and ask for a refund of your security deposit. This will maximize your chances of getting your money back, with no questions asked.
