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Receiving the keys to your new house is an exciting occasion that marks a new chapter in your life. However, cleaning is a necessary step before the movers arrive and the chaos of unpacking begins.
Dealing with hidden dust, lingering construction waste, and residual germs is a challenge when moving into a newly constructed home or one that has been occupied by someone else. Neglecting this first cleaning can jeopardize both your family's health and the immaculate condition of your new home.
You deserve a completely fresh start without the worry of old grease in the oven or dust in the vents. We know this kind of meticulous new home cleaning is a huge undertaking, especially when balancing all the other aspects of a move. That is why having a plan is so vital.
This guide breaks down the seven crucial areas that demand your attention before moving in. If the job seems overwhelming, experts like Lazy Susans Cleaning can handle the deep work.
What to Clean Before Moving Into Your New Home
Before unpacking even one box, focusing on seven key areas provides a sanitary foundation. This comprehensive approach to new home cleaning is vital because it addresses hidden dust, germs, and remnants left by previous tenants or construction crews.
Prioritizing these spots guarantees maximum health and hygiene for your family from day one. If the task seems too large, remember that affordable home cleaning services can help, or consider professionals for new house cleaning services to handle these crucial, deep-cleaning priorities.

1. Kitchen Surfaces & Appliances
The kitchen is the most critical area in your initial new home cleaning, as it directly affects your health and food safety. It is crucial to thoroughly clean all surfaces and appliances before stocking the cupboard or storing utensils. This necessary step guarantees that your entire cooking area is hygienic for your family's new home cleaning adventure and prevents cross-contamination.
Here’s what you should do:
Inside Cabinets & Drawers
Wipe down all interior surfaces to remove construction dust, old liners, or debris left by prior owners. A clean, fresh interior is essential before storing food items and kitchen supplies during your initial new-home cleaning.
Oven, Stove & Microwave
These appliances accumulate grease and germs, requiring intense scrubbing and sanitizing before your first meal is prepared. Utilize safe cleaning methods to handle built-up grime and ensure everything is spotless for your new home deep cleaning.
Fridge & Freezer
Deep cleaning these areas is critical for food safety and eliminating lingering odors before plugging them in and stocking food. This step can often be handled quickly by affordable home cleaning services if time is short.
2. Bathrooms
Prioritizing the bathroom is paramount for hygiene, as these high-traffic areas can harbor lingering germs and soap scum. A complete new-home deep clean of these spaces provides maximum sanitation for your family's health, a job often best handled by affordable house cleaners.
Toilet, Sink & Shower Areas
Make sure to clean away mineral deposits, disinfect all high-touch surfaces, and remove any mold or mildew. A crucial component of the entire new home cleaning procedure is thoroughly cleaning these key locations.
Mirrors & Vanities
For a shiny finish, clean all mirrors and vanity tops to remove dust, hairspray residue, and fingerprints. Do not forget the carpet floor cleaning, which is often missed, or the tile surrounding the vanity.
3. Floors
Floors accumulate the bulk of construction dust or previous tenant grime, making comprehensive floor cleaning essential before moving in furniture. This step seals the cleanliness of the entire space and is important for air quality and general sanitation.
Vacuum, Sweep & Mop
After sweeping hard surfaces and thoroughly vacuuming all carpets, mop to remove fine dust and sticky residue.
4. Walls, Baseboards & Doors
These vertical surfaces are often ignored, but they harbor dust and smudges that affect the overall cleanliness of your new home. A quick wipe-down prevents dust from circulating once you start settling in.
Light Switches & Handles
These are high-touch points that demand disinfection to eliminate germs and bacteria before your family starts using them daily.
5. Windows & Window Tracks
Windows that are squeaky-clean let natural light flood your new area, instantly improving your mood. Remember the tracks, since they can accumulate a lot of dirt and trash, particularly in a fresh build.
Glass, Sills, Frames
Scrub the sills and frames, where water stains and deep grime frequently accumulate, then wash the glass for clarity.
6. Closets & Storage Areas
While these areas are hidden, they must be cleaned before storing clothes and personal items. Cleaning them prevents your belongings from picking up dust or lingering odors.
Shelves, Rods & Drawers
Wipe down all surfaces inside closets and built-in drawers to ensure they are dust-free and ready for organization.
7. Air Vents & Filters
Addressing your ventilation system is a non-negotiable step for indoor air quality, which is crucial for the health of all occupants. For this level of detail, hiring a professional cleaning service for new home is highly recommended.
Clean Vents & Replace Filters
If you still choose to do it yourself, then wipe down the exterior vent covers and install brand-new air filters to remove construction debris or old dust circulating in the system.
Bonus Areas Many People Forget
Even after covering the main rooms, these often-overlooked spots require attention to achieve a thorough new home cleaning.
- Laundry area surfaces.
- Washer and dryer drums need wiping.
- Ceiling fans accumulate dust.
- Light fixtures trap grime.
- Sliding door tracks gather debris.
- Window tracks are easily missed.
- Balconies require sweeping.
- Patio floors need hosing down.
- Garage floors demand clearing.
- Vents in forgotten corners.
Move-In Cleaning Supplies Checklist
Gathering the right tools beforehand makes the cleaning process faster and more efficient, especially when tackling a substantial move-in clean.
- All-purpose cleaner (look for eco-friendly options).
- Microfiber cloths (reusable for sustainable cleaning).
- Vacuum with attachments & a good mop.
- Scrub brushes and sponges.
- Gloves (protect your hands).
- Disinfectant spray (crucial for high-touch areas).
Eco-friendly Note: Whenever possible, choose non-toxic, biodegradable products to make your initial apartment cleaning safer for you and the planet.

When to Hire Professional Move-In Cleaners
Sometimes, the scope of work requires more than a weekend's effort, especially when tackling tough jobs like post-construction cleaning. Large homes or apartments, deep sanitation concerns due to allergies, or heavy renovation dust make professional help a smart investment. If you need thorough new construction cleaning or just excellent, affordable home cleaning services, Lazy Susans Cleaning provides expert care.
They handle the hard work, giving you peace of mind with transparent pricing and excellent results from their dedicated new house cleaning services team.
FAQs - New home cleaning
What is the going rate for new construction cleaning?
The cost of new construction cleaning varies widely based on square footage and the depth of service, and is often quoted after a walk-through. You can also contact Lazy Susan for a free consultation and discuss your requirements.
How to clean a newly purchased house?
Focus on removing dust and debris that builders missed, and consider hiring new house cleaning services for a deep clean before unpacking.
Do new builds get cleaned before moving in?
Yes, builders typically provide a post-construction rough and final clean, but many homeowners opt for an additional, more detailed new-home cleaning.
Conclusion
Making time to thoroughly clean an apartment before moving in, or to tackle a detailed new-construction cleaning, truly sets the stage for success. This effort gives you that beautiful, motivating, fresh-start visual, guaranteeing comfort and proper hygiene from day one.
You may create an environment that feels entirely your own by taking care of these seven crucial areas, free of dust and residues left by past residents or construction. For the deepest, most efficient clean, consider booking professional new home cleaning today and start your new chapter sparkling clean with these green tips for moving.
