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Checklist: What You Should Clean Before Moving to a New House
July 01, 2017Moving is all about fresh starts—so don’t let dirt and grime dinge-up your new beginning. Spend a few extra hours prepping before the moving truck arrives, and again before settling into your new digs, to help ensure that your new home is as clean as it is sweet.
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Before the moving truck arrives:
- Chances are you’ll be packing up your non-essential items first. Give knick-knacks and anything else that may have been collecting dust a thorough once over with a feather duster before wrapping them up.
- Boxing up books? Before you do, put on a pair of cloth gloves and wipe down each book from top to bottom.
- Don’t bring grimy gadgets into your new space. Dip a toothpick in rubbing alcohol to rub around the buttons on phones, remotes and other gizmos.
- Once you’ve emptied your bookshelves, wipe them down and any other standing furniture pieces with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Don’t forget the backsides—dust has likely been gathering there for years.
- Are the movers ready to load your upholstered furniture and mattresses? Not before you vacuum them! Use the brush attachment on your HEPA vacuum to suck up dust from your existing home before your furniture transfers it to your new place en masse.
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Before you unpack your boxes:
- Bring a brand new air filter for your new home’s heating and cooling system and install it right away. Personalize your new home with fragrance. Try a Filtrete™ Whole House Air Freshener, which will have your new place smelling great in no time.
- Before unpacking dishes and kitchen gear, wipe down cabinets (interior and exterior) and countertops. Dust pendant lights, range hoods and any other surfaces where kitchen dust likes to collect.
- Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to thoroughly go over drapery panels, then vacuum every square inch of your new home’s carpeted floors. After all, once you move in beds and other large pieces of furniture, it could be awhile before they see the light of day again.
- Remove all traces of leftover dust from windowsills and millwork with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. Don’t forget the stairs—wipe down railings, balusters and newel posts.
- Don’t let ceiling fans kick around the previous owners’ dust. Tape down the wall switches for safety, then clean each blade with an extendable microfiber duster. Or, if you think the grime looks like it’s been there awhile, spritz the inside of an old pillowcase with a mix of water and vinegar before slipping it over each blade, pulling it back to trap built-up dust.
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