Your pre-move-in cleaning guide for a spotless start

Emily Johnson

Written by Emily Johnson — a seasoned home cleaning expert helping families in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Amherst keep their homes spotless and stress-free.

Emily Johnson

Written by Emily Johnson — a seasoned home cleaning expert helping families in Buffalo, Tonawanda, and Amherst keep their homes spotless and stress-free.

May 26, 2025

7 min

The ultimate guide to cleaning your home before moving in

There’s something magical about a fresh start in a new home, but let me tell you a hard truth: that “new home smell” is often just a cocktail of other people’s dirt, hidden grime, and construction dust. I’ve seen things in supposedly “clean” homes that would make your skin crawl. But fear not! I’m about to walk you through the most comprehensive pre-move-in cleaning guide ever assembled.

Why clean before moving in?

Let’s get real for a second. When will you ever have your house completely empty again? Never. This golden opportunity—before your couch is wedged against the wall and before your grandmother’s china cabinet weighs 500 pounds—is your one shot at a truly deep clean.

When your new place is vacant, you can:

Access every corner, crevice, and surface without obstacles
Clean deeply without worrying about damaging your belongings
Start fresh knowing every inch has been sanitized to your standards
Identify any hidden issues like mold or water damage

The essential pre-move-in cleaning arsenal

Before the battle begins, you need to arm yourself properly. Here’s what the pros use (and what you should too):

Cleaning tools

HEPA vacuum cleaner (for superior dust and allergen removal)
Microfiber cleaning cloths (vastly superior to regular rags for dust and moisture)
Scrubbing brushes (including an old toothbrush for tight spaces)
Extendable duster (for those ceiling corners and light fixtures)
Step ladder (don’t risk your neck balancing on chairs)
Broom and dust mop
Bucket for solution mixing
Squeegee for windows and shower doors
Toilet brush (obviously)
Putty knife (for scraping off stubborn gunk)
Grout brush (for those tile lines that harbor mysteries)
Microfiber mop (for superior floor cleaning)

Cleaning products

All-purpose surface cleaner (the backbone of your cleaning arsenal)
Disinfecting wipes (for quick sanitizing jobs)
Glass cleaner (for streak-free mirrors and windows)
Toilet bowl cleaner (the stronger, the better)
Oven cleaner (for that disaster zone previous owners left behind)
Floor cleaner appropriate for your surfaces
Drain cleaner and snake (for slow drains before they become your problem)
Baking soda (the miracle worker for stubborn stains and odors)
White vinegar (nature’s degreaser and disinfectant)
Dish soap (more versatile than you might think)
Hydrogen peroxide (for stubborn stains that won’t budge)
Carpet cleaner and deodorizer (especially if you’re inheriting someone else’s carpet)
Grout cleaner (because that’s where nightmares live)

Professional cleaning service in Buffalo, Amherst and Tonawanda

If you’re looking for a trusted and high-quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst —

get a free quote online.
You can also call us at 716-289-1966.

The strategic pre-move-in cleaning plan

Now that you’re properly equipped, let’s talk strategy. The empty house gives you a unique advantage—use it wisely.

Start with a new home walkthrough

Before you spray a single surface, take a reconnaissance mission through your new territory. Document everything:

Note any damage that existed before you arrived
Identify areas needing special attention or deep cleaning
Check for mold, water damage, or pest issues that need immediate attention
Verify that everything promised in your sale or lease agreement is present and functional

This walkthrough serves two purposes: planning your attack and covering your ass. If you’re renting, these notes could save your security deposit later.

Top-down cleaning approach

Gravity is both your friend and enemy during cleaning. Start from the top of each room and work your way down:

Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and remove any cobwebs
Clean air vents and replace filters if possible
Wipe down walls and baseboards
Clean windows, tracks, and sills
Finally, tackle the floors

This prevents you from having to clean surfaces twice when dust and dirt inevitably fall during the process.

Room-by-room cleaning breakdown

Kitchen deep clean

The kitchen deserves special attention—it’s where you’ll prepare food, after all. Let’s make it sparkle:

Appliances

Refrigerator: If present, unplug it, remove all shelves and drawers, and clean with warm soapy water. Don’t forget to vacuum the coils in the back.
Oven: Apply oven cleaner and let it work its magic while you clean other areas.
Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle with vinegar to sanitize.
Microwave: Steam clean by heating a bowl of water and vinegar, then wipe down.

Surfaces

Cabinets and drawers: Scrub insides with warm water and dish soap, paying special attention to corners. For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water.
Countertops: Clean thoroughly and disinfect since this is a food preparation area.
Sink and disposal: Clean with baking soda and vinegar; run disposal cleaner through if present.
Backsplash: Remove grease buildup with a degreasing cleaner.

Finishing touches

Line cabinet shelves and drawers for future cleanliness
Polish handles and knobs for extra shine
Check and clean under the sink for leaks or moisture issues

Bathroom transformation

Bathrooms harbor the most bacteria in any home. Let’s annihilate them:

Deep cleaning sequence

Apply toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit while you work elsewhere.
Spray shower and tub with cleaner to begin breaking down soap scum and grime.
Clean mirrors and glass with streak-free cleaner.
Scrub shower, tub, and tiles with special attention to grout lines.
Return to the toilet and scrub thoroughly, including the often-forgotten base and behind the bowl.
Disinfect all surfaces, including often-overlooked light switches and door handles.
Mop floor with disinfecting floor cleaner.

Special attention areas

Shower heads (soak in vinegar to remove mineral deposits)
Drains (snake them now before they become your problem)
Exhaust fan (remove cover and vacuum dust buildup)
Medicine cabinet and under-sink storage

Living areas and bedrooms

While these spaces might seem cleaner than kitchens and baths, they harbor plenty of dust and allergens:

Thorough cleaning checklist

Dust all surfaces completely
Clean inside windowsills and window tracks
Wipe down doorknobs, doorframes, and doors
Clean light switches and outlet covers
Remove any marks on walls (magic erasers work wonders here)
Clean baseboards (they collect surprising amounts of dust)
Vacuum all floors, including edges and corners
Clean any built-in shelving or closet interiors

Closets and storage areas

Don’t neglect these spaces—they’ll hold your precious belongings:

Dust corners, doors, and shelves thoroughly
Scrub off any stuck-on particles using baking soda and water.
Consider lining shelves with decorative paper to protect clothes and items.
Check for and seal any gaps that could allow pests entry.

Floor-specific cleaning techniques

Different flooring needs different treatment. Here’s the breakdown:

Carpet care

Vacuum thoroughly in multiple directions
Consider renting a professional-grade carpet cleaner for deep cleaning.
Apply carpet deodorizer to eliminate lingering odors from previous occupants.
Treat any visible stains before they set permanently.

Hard surface floors

Sweep and vacuum to remove all loose debris.
Mop with appropriate cleaner for your specific floor type:

Wood floors need special wood soap cleaners.
Tile or stone needs appropriate cleaners that won’t damage grout.
Vinyl and laminate require gentle cleaning solutions.

Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt accumulates.

Windows, walls, and forgotten surfaces

Window wonder

Clean glass inside and out with streak-free cleaner.
Don’t forget tracks and sills where grime accumulates.
Check for proper sealing and function while cleaning.

Wall wisdom

Dust walls with a microfiber cloth or duster.
Spot clean marks and scuffs.
Check for nail holes that need filling.

Forgotten features

Light fixtures (remove covers and clean thoroughly)
Switch plates and outlet covers (surprisingly grimy)
Door tops (the dust collector no one sees)
Ceiling fans (wipe each blade carefully)
Baseboards and crown molding
HVAC vents and returns

The final inspection

Before declaring victory, do a final walkthrough with fresh eyes:

Turn off all lights and use a flashlight to check surfaces (it highlights missed dirt).
Get down at eye level with surfaces to spot streaks and smudges.
Run your hand along counters and shelves to feel for dust.
Check for lingering odors that might indicate missed areas.
Ensure all cleaning products and tools are gathered and removed.

Professional help: When to call in the cavalry

Sometimes, despite your best intentions and elbow grease, professional help makes sense:

When the home is extremely dirty or has been vacant for a long time
If you’re dealing with mysterious odors that won’t quit
When facing biohazards like rodent droppings or excessive mold
If time constraints make thorough cleaning impossible before move-in
For specialized cleaning like air duct sanitizing or carpet extraction

Professional move-in cleaning services have specialized equipment and experience that can transform a disaster into a dream home.

Post-cleaning organization tips

Once your new home is sparkling clean, maintain that fresh feeling:

Install new shelf liners in kitchen and bathroom cabinets
Place drawer organizers before unpacking kitchen utensils
Set up cleaning supply stations in strategic locations
Create a regular cleaning schedule to maintain your hard work
Consider placing doormats at all entrances to reduce future dirt

The bottom line

Is deep cleaning your new home before moving in a pain in the ass? Absolutely. Is it worth it? One thousand percent yes. This might be the most thorough cleaning this house ever receives, and it sets the foundation for your life there. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of knowing every inch of your new home is truly, deeply clean—not just surface-level presentable.

Remember: You can never make an empty house this clean again. Take advantage of the opportunity, put in the work, and enjoy the fresh start you deserve in your new home. Your future self will thank you every single day.

Detailed and affordable home cleaning services for busy families in Amherst, Tonawanda, and Buffalo

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cleaning tasks when moving into a new home, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to tackle it all on your own. Let professionals take the brunt of the work while you settle in. For a clean home that really shines, get a free quote online or give us a call today at 716-289-1966.

If you’re living in Buffalo and want your home to feel fresh and truly clean, a seasonal deep clean might be just what you need. In Tonawanda, many families rely on recurring services to stay ahead of the mess. And Amherst residents often choose move-out cleanings to impress landlords and secure their deposits.

If you're looking to bring some order and freshness into your space — you can always get a free quote online through STARCORE Cleaning. We’ll be happy to help you organize a quality cleaning service in Buffalo, Tonawanda, or Amherst at a fair price. Prefer to talk it through? Just give us a call: 716-289-1966. We're here for you.