One of the first things you need to do upon arriving in your new home is to make sure that the property is clean and in good condition. Even if the former occupants cleaned the property, it is highly recommended that you clean it once more upon arrival. This way, you can make sure that the place is spotless before you start unpacking and organising your belongings.
If you are moving in a few days before your belongings are scheduled to arrive, consider using this as an opportunity to deep clean the house once more. If your schedule does not allow it, try to get the cleaning done before organising your belongings to make sure that they won’t make contact with the dust and dirt which accumulated on surfaces whilst the property was unoccupied. Here are some of the options you must consider if you wish to get the house cleaned:
Professional Cleaning
Whether you don’t have enough time to clean the property on your own or you prefer hiring professionals to do the job, consider choosing a cleaning date that is close to your moving day. You may have to pay additional fees, but this option is very convenient, especially if you have a hectic schedule before and immediately after the move. They also have the right equipment and supplies to perform various cleaning jobs.
DIY Cleaning
In case you’d rather allocate your resources to other aspects of the move, you can always opt for a DIY deep cleaning of the property. You will need to buy cleaning supplies upon arrival as these items are usually not allowed to be loaded in moving vehicles, especially if you’re hiring professional removalists. Below are some tips to make the cleaning process less stressful for you and your moving companions.
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Clean from top to bottom
Even if the previous owners of the property had it cleaned, dust and dirt may still accumulate during the time that the property is empty, especially if it has not been occupied for a long time. To clean the place more efficiently, start with the high surfaces and work your way to the lowest ones. Dirt, dust, and grime from higher surfaces will only fall to lower surfaces that you need to get back to later if you start cleaning from bottom to top.
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Wipe windows and mirrors
Check the window sills and other areas around the window frame for mould or mildew. Even if the previous owners had these areas cleaned, there is a possibility that they missed some spots or mould started growing over time, especially if the property remained unoccupied for a long time.
Grab your preferred brand of window cleaner to clean the glass and general-purpose cleaner for the windowsills if there is no mould or mildew.
In case your windows have covers like blinds or roller shades, it is highly recommended that you vacuum them first to remove the dust before wiping them using a mix of liquid detergent and water to get rid of the remaining dirt.
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Clean the fridge and kitchen appliances
Whether your new home is already equipped with a fridge or you’re opting to bring one from your old home, it is highly recommended that you clean your fridge as soon as you arrive. For most appliances, you can use soapy water to get rid of lingering spills and crumbs. Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the appliances and leave them to dry before using them. Even if the appliances were cleaned before, cleaning them when you arrive helps lessen the risk of food contamination due to leftover dirt.
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Disinfect the bathroom
Before using or organising your belongings in the bathroom, take some to time clean and disinfect the area to eliminate germs and bacteria that may cause various illnesses. Scrub the sink, shower, and tub using all-purpose cleaners. Disinfect and scrub the toilet using a brush even if it looks clean. Clean the back, outside, and handles using sponge or paper towel. If you smell any unpleasant odour coming from the tank, pour vinegar into the water and leave for a few hours to dissolve the gunk and clean it as usual.
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Clean the cabinets and counters
Compared to other items in the home, cabinets are less likely to accumulate dirt in a short period of time. However, this does not mean that you skip the cleaning part and just start organising your belongings. Using the solution designed for the specific material used for the cabinets, clean the cabinets and cabinet doors and leave them to dry before putting your items inside. It may take longer, but allowing them to dry properly helps prevent damage caused by moisture.
Cleaning counters require extra care. You must use the right cleaning solution and materials to remove the dirt and properly clean the counter without causing any damage. Check the cracks and remove any debris using a putty knife.
Cover photo by Nico on Unsplash
