It’s common courtesy for most of us to clean our homes before the new owners move in, and even if we’re not obliged to, we still do it so that they can move their furniture and other items straight in. After all, if the shoe were on the other foot, we’d want the same from our new home.
Depending on how grubby your home is, or how hectic your schedule is, many homeowners choose to hire a cleaning service to get the whole home spotless before the new owners move in. If you prefer to do it yourself, however, here’s a quick plan to get it done efficiently:
Ideally, declutter and clean before your home even goes on the market
While this isn’t always possible, it can expedite the process and prevent any last minute stress, especially if your home is very grubby or simply big, and likely to take a long time to clean.
However, if this isn’t possible, simply follow the schedule below:
Start at the top and work your way down
Beginning at the top of the home, and at the top of every room, is always a good plan when it comes to cleaning. For instance, dust down all ceiling fans first, then work your way down the walls, before tackling anything else such as shelves that need cleaning, before sweeping or vacuuming, then mopping the floors.
Don’t forget to check the air vents for dirt and/or mold, and if necessary, you may need to call a professional duct cleaning service.
As soon as you’ve finished one room or space, move on to the next one, and try not to forget the smaller details, such as light fixtures and cabinets.
Give your home a good sniff!
There’s nothing more off-putting than a foul or musty lingering odor, and if you have pets, this can become a real problem. You might not notice it yourself, however, so ask a friend or neighbor to stop by and have a good sniff! In general, once you’ve cleaned your home thoroughly from top to bottom, it should smell fresh, but it might be worth opening the windows before the new owners move in to let some air circulate, or using some kind of neutralizing room deodorizer.
Take everything with you
Unless you’ve agreed to sell your home to buyers with certain items left in it, be sure to take everything with you. Most people want their new home to feel like their own, and prefer to have their own items in it. Even if you genuinely think that the new owners will benefit from something you no longer want, asking them about it can put them on the spot and make them feel nothing short of awkward. So, clear everything out and leave them with a clean slate.
To get your home spotlessly clean and smelling fresh before the new owners move in, it’s easier and quicker to simply hire a professional cleaning service.
