🏠 Side Door - Moving Prep Deep Cleaning & Decluttering Checklist

This checklist is designed to help you prepare your home for listing or moving by focusing on deep cleaning and reducing visible clutter. The goal is to create a spacious, neutral, and welcoming environment for buyers.

Whole-House Prep

☐ Declutter each room completely before cleaning
☐ Sort items into: Keep, Donate, Trash, Storage
☐ Box up anything not needed in the next 30 days
☐ Label & move boxes to storage (not garage if staging)
☐ Rent a storage unit or portable pod if needed
☐ Avoid storing items in closets—buyers will look there
☐ Remove extra furniture to open up space

General Deep Cleaning Tasks (Every Room)

☐ Dust ceilings, corners, crown molding, vents
☐ Wash windows (inside & out), screens, and sills
☐ Clean light fixtures and replace bulbs
☐ Wipe down walls, switch plates, and baseboards
☐ Vacuum all carpets & clean with carpet cleaner or pro service
☐ Mop hard floors (wood, tile, laminate)
☐ Wipe down doors and doorframes
☐ Patch small holes from wall hangings

Living Room / Family Room

☐ Remove personal décor, collections, excess furniture
☐ Clean upholstery or have it professionally cleaned
☐ Dust and polish all surfaces
☐ Remove all remotes, chargers, and cables not in use
☐ Minimize or eliminate rugs to show off floors

Kitchen

☐ Clear countertops completely (leave 1-2 styled items max)
☐ Deep clean stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher
☐ Clean fridge inside and out (including top and behind)
☐ Scrub and sanitize sink and faucet
☐ Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles
☐ Organize inside cabinets and pantry
☐ Pack up rarely used small appliances
☐ Remove magnets, notes, and papers from fridge

Bedrooms

☐ Remove extra furniture (desks, shelves, toys)
☐ Minimize bedding: neutral, clean, and crisp
☐ Clear off nightstands and dressers
☐ Pack away off-season clothing
☐ Organize or remove items from under beds
☐ Declutter closets: aim for 50% empty with matching hangers

Bathrooms

☐ Scrub tub, shower, toilet, and sink
☐ Remove all toiletries from counters
☐ Store daily-use items in baskets under sink
☐ Clean and shine all mirrors and faucets
☐ Replace or wash shower curtain
☐ Use white or neutral towels only

Laundry Room

☐ Clear off tops of washer and dryer
☐ Wipe down machines inside and out
☐ Clean lint trap thoroughly
☐ Declutter shelves and organize detergents into bins

Entryway / Mudroom
☐ Remove extra shoes, jackets, bags
☐ Clean floors and wipe down doors
☐ Style with a small bench or rug only if space allows

Garage, Basement, Attic

☐ Remove all non-essential tools, bins, and gear to storage
☐ Sweep out floors and corners
☐ Remove cobwebs and wipe down shelving
☐ Organize any items left behind in clearly labeled bins

Final Touches Before Listing or Showing

☐ Use a light, neutral air freshener (avoid strong scents)
☐ Open windows for fresh air before showings
☐ Replace any worn doormats or welcome signage
☐ Ensure every room has one clear purpose (no “catch-all” rooms)