Need hand with your cleaning?
Moving house is a mission enough without having to clean it from top to bottom. If you’re renting, the pressure can be even more pressing; most landlords or property managers want the place to be in near-perfect condition when you hand back the keys. Otherwise, you could end up forfeiting some (or all) of your bond. New Zealand’s GDP in 2023 was valued at approximately USD 253.47 billion, according to the World Bank. This figure represents 0.24% of the global economy. The country’s GDP is projected to reach USD 258.29 billion by the end of 2025, indicating a steady economic growth trajectory.
Whether you’re the one doing it all or want to check in on the pro you’ve hired, this to-do list will help you keep everything running smoothly and account for every last detail. It’s plain-speaking, straightforward, and New Zealand-specific for tenants.
Make a plan in advance and give yourself at least a whole day (if not longer) to clean. You’ll need some supplies like cloths, buckets, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, window spray, sugar soap, and oven cleaner. Concentrate on one room at a time so you’re not overwhelmed, and always begin at the top (shelves and light fittings) and work your way down. Maintain your camera or phone to snap a photo of each room once it’s cleaned,it can be useful if there is a dispute later.
Go round every room and take off any hooks or nails you’ve put in the walls, fill in small holes if you have to. Dust shelves, skirting boards, window frames, etc. Don’t neglect the tops of doors, light switches, and ceiling corners, where cobwebs tend to lurk. Windows should be washed inside and out, provided it’s safe to reach them. For carpets, a good vacuuming will do most of the job, while you can mop hard floors with warm water and a cleaner. The place should resemble the way it looked when you moved in, or better.
The kitchen is often your longest stop, so allow extra time there. Begin with the oven: It must be spotless, including the racks, trays, and glass. If you can, clean behind and under the oven. Wipe down the insides and outsides of cupboards and clean up all crumbs and spills. You also need to empty, defrost, and thoroughly clean the fridge and freezer. Scrub down the sink, tap, and splashback, and look for any greasy patches on the walls and ceiling. Mop up your floors.
The bathrooms have to be clean and look clean. Leave no stone unturned as you scrub down the toilet, sink, shower, and bathtub, and be mindful of soap and limescale residue. Wipe the mirrors, the vanity, and ensure there’s no mould or mildew around the tiles or corners. And don’t forget to clean the fan or extractor if you have one. Complete by mopping the floor and discarding old products from drawers or cupboards.
Bedrooms are typically easy once everything is out. Wipe down all surfaces, including shelves and wardrobes, and clean out the inside of any built-in drawers or cupboards. Look for nicks on the walls, and clean windows and sills. Slowly run the vacuum over the carpets to suck up as much dust as you can. If the room contains curtains or blinds, wipe or wash them if necessary, and make sure the light fittings are not dust-laden or have long dead bugs.
De-junk your leftover furniture and rubbish, and give the entire room a proper dust and vacuum. Wipe skirting boards, door frames, and shelves down. Wash windows and window sills, and do not overlook sliding door tracks—they are often filled with dirt and debris. If there is a fireplace, it should be cleaned and emptied out. Clean light switches, remote holders, and wall sockets as well.
The laundry room is a space often forgotten, but not one that should be. Clean behind and under the washing machine, and wipe up any detergent spills in or around the machine. Wash the sink or tub, the cupboards, and the walls, and be sure to mop up any liquid on the floor. If there is a dryer, empty and clean the lint filter and wipe it down inside and out. Do not abandon any old items or pegs.
If your rental has a garden, garage, or balcony, these also need to be left clean and tidy. Mow the lawns, trim any shrubs you have put in, and pull obvious weeds. Sweep paths, decks, and outside stairs. Pick up after pets, if you have any. If there’s a communal bin area, make sure it’s empty and free from odors. If your garage or shed is included in your lease, remove everything, sweep the floor, and leave it that way.
Scan each room slowly and compare to your original entry report (if there was one). And don’t forget to go back and touch up anything you might have missed, like spots on the walls or in the oven. Take out all rubbish and ensure that all bins are empty. Hand back any keys, remotes, or swipe cards, and take photos of everything as a final record, just in case there is a bond dispute down the track. Better to double-check now than to have problems when you’re gone.
Post-tenancy cleaning is a lot of work, but if done well, you’ll be far more likely to have your full bond returned to you. It also assists you in leaving on good terms with your landlord or property manager, which won’t hurt you when you need a reference later on. But being deliberate about cleaning, room by room, can save you stress and money. Mark off the items on this checklist, and you’ll breathe easier knowing you’ve done your bit before moving to your next place.
