When it’s time to leave a rental, sell your home, or move into a new place, one thing nobody wants to worry about is cleaning. Move out cleaning can seem overwhelming, but it helps you get your bond back and gives you peace of mind. At Michael’s Cleaning, we’ve helped hundreds of clients make their final impression sparkle. Here’s everything you need to know to make your move-out clean and stress-free.


What Is Move Out Cleaning?
Move out cleaning (sometimes called end of lease or bond cleaning) is a deep clean of your property once your lease ends or before it’s handed over. It’s more comprehensive than a routine clean, and every room, every surface, and every nook and cranny is on the checklist.
Why Move Out Cleaning Matters
- Bond / Deposit Return: A thorough deep clean helps meet landlord or real estate agent standards, making you more likely to get your full bond back.
- First Impressions: Even if you’re the landlord, getting the place ready for the next tenant, a pristine property attracts better renters or buyers.
- Reduced Stress & Disputes: Clear expectations mean fewer arguments about cleanliness later.
Why do you need to clean?
Benefit | What You Get |
---|---|
Getting Your Deposit Back | A fresh, spotless home boosts value and appeal for real estate agents or new owners. |
Better First Impressions | For real estate agents or new owners, a fresh, spotless home boosts value and appeal. |
Less Stress | Having a professional deep cleaner ensures you don’t miss anything. |
Time & Effort Saved | Moving is busy. Why spend your last hours scrubbing when Michael’s Cleaning can take care of it? |
Room-by-Room Checklist: What to Clean
Here’s Michael’s “don’t-miss” checklist. Tick off every task to make sure nothing is overlooked.
Room / Area | Key Tasks |
---|---|
Kitchen | If applicable, sweep/mop, clean doors and door frames, dust corners, remove cobwebs, and clean windows and glass. |
Bathrooms & Laundry | Dust all surfaces, including light fittings, ceiling fans, and vents; wipe doors, door handles, and light switches; clean windows and window sills/tracks; vacuum carpets (steam clean if required); mop hard floors; clean skirting boards; wash or spot-clean walls if needed. |
Living Areas & Bedrooms | Sweep/mop, clean doors and door frames, dust corners, remove cobwebs, and clean windows and glass, if applicable. |
Hallways & Entryway | Sweep/mop, clean doors and door frames, dust corners, cobweb removal, window/glass if applicable. |
Outdoor / Exterior | Sweep patios/balconies/decks; clean outdoor lights; remove cobwebs; inspect and tidy garden beds or lawn (if in scope); wash exterior windows or screens; clean paths/driveways. |
Final Touches | Remove trash; deodorise; check appliances work; take photos of property; inspect with checklist in hand; address minor repairs (holes patched, nails removed). |
How to Prepare Before the Clean
You’ll get the best results and possibly save some money if you do a few things ahead of time:
- Remove personal items and clutter– drawers, cabinets, etc., should be empty.
- Move furniture away from walls where possible so we can clean skirting boards, behind couches, etc.
- Turn off utilities or let us know if you need any special instructions.
- Report any damage you’ll be responsible for, so there are no surprises.
- Ensure our team has access to keys, gates, and parking.
What to Expect on the Day
Here’s what happens when Michael’s Cleaning team arrives:
- We bring our own supplies – all cleaning chemicals, equipment, and high-grade tools.
- We follow a detailed checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
- We may ask your input: “Are there any spots you’re especially concerned about?”
- Final walkthrough: You or the property manager can inspect and approve.
Hiring Michael’s Cleaning: What Sets Us Apart
- Experienced in end-of-lease / bond cleans, meeting the standards of tenants, landlords, and managers.
- Customisable service: we match the scope you need.
- Skilled crew with the right tools and eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Flexible scheduling so the cleaning happens after the furniture is out.
- Final walkthrough option: We ensure we meet the expectations so there are no surprises.
Supplies & Tools You’ll Need (DIY)
Michael’s Cleaning recommends having:
- All-purpose cleaner, degreaser
- Bathroom-specific cleaner (for lime, mould, soap scum)
- Microfibre cloths, sponges, scrub brushes
- Vacuum + mop + bucket
- Gloves, ladder for high spots
- Oven cleaner or baking soda & vinegar mix
- Carpet or upholstery steam cleaner (if needed)
Common Missed/Ignored Areas
These are spots people often forget until the final inspection—don’t let them cost you time or money:
- Under and behind large appliances (fridge, stove)
- Window tracks and sliding door tracks
- Light switches, power points, door handles
- Ceiling fans and exhaust vents
- Skirting boards
- Inside rangehood filters
- Mould or soap residue in grout lines
- Fresh scars/stains on walls and floors