"Move-In Cleaning: What Should You Clean Before Settling Into a New Home?"

Getting the keys to a new home is exciting. It is also the best opportunity you will ever have to clean it properly. Once your furniture and boxes arrive, many corners will be hidden for years. Whether you are moving to a new apartment in Kilimani or a rented house in Thika, here is what to clean before you settle in.

Start with a walk-through

Before cleaning, walk through the home and take dated photos of each room. Note anything broken or damaged, and report it to your landlord or agent. This protects you later, and it helps you to see what needs the most attention.

Check that the water and electricity are working as well. It is hard to clean without them.

The kitchen

The kitchen deserves the most attention, because this is where your food will be prepared.

• Empty and wipe the inside of all cabinets and drawers
• Clean the worktops, sink and taps
• Degrease the cooker, hood and wall behind it
• Clean inside the fridge and oven if they came with the home
• Check under the sink for leaks and pests
• Mop the floor, especially beneath appliances

The bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet, including under the rim and around the base
• Clean the shower or bath, and descale the shower head
• Scrub tiles and grout
• Clean mirrors, cabinets and extractor vents
• Run water through the drains

Bedrooms and wardrobes

Wardrobes are often overlooked. Wipe shelves, rails and drawers before you put your clothes in them. Dust the tops of doors and frames, and wipe down skirting boards. If the home has carpets, this is the moment to get them cleaned.

Living areas

• Dust ceiling corners and light fittings
• Clean windows, tracks and sills
• Wipe light switches, sockets and door handles
• Wash or replace curtains left behind by previous occupants
• Vacuum and mop floors

Things people forget

• The top of the fridge and kitchen cupboards
• Inside light fittings
• The balcony and its drain
• Water storage tanks, particularly if the home has been empty
• Door handles, switches and remote controls

New builds need extra care

If you are moving into a newly built home, expect fine construction dust everywhere, even in closed cupboards. Paint specks, cement marks and sticker residue will also need removing. Take care with new finishes, and see our guide to post-construction cleaning.

When to clean

Clean before your furniture arrives, if you can. Leave at least a day between the clean and the move, so that floors and surfaces can dry. If the old tenants have only just moved out, book a time that allows for any repairs or painting to finish first.

DIY or professional?

If you have time and the home is small, you can do much of this yourself. If you are juggling work, packing and transport, a professional clean is one less thing to worry about.

A simple moving-week plan

Five to seven days before: book cleaning and confirm that you have the keys, water and electricity. If the home needs painting or repairs, get them done first.

Three days before: do the main clean, or have it done by professionals. Leave cupboard doors open so that the insides can dry and air.

One day before: do a final walk-through. Check that drains, taps and sockets work, and that any issues have been reported.

Moving day: put a protective mat near the door, and start by unpacking the kitchen and the bathroom. Keep a small box with cleaning cloths, soap and toilet paper within easy reach.

Check for signs of pests

An empty home is the easiest time to look for pests. Check behind appliances, under sinks and along skirting boards. Look for droppings, egg cases and small brown marks on the seams of any furniture that came with the house. It is much simpler to deal with a problem before your belongings arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to clean a new apartment if nobody has lived there?

Yes. New homes are often covered in fine construction dust, along with paint specks and adhesive marks. A clean is especially useful inside cabinets and wardrobes.

Who pays for cleaning when I move in?

It depends on your agreement. Some landlords arrange a clean between tenants, while others expect the new tenant to organize it. If the home is dirty at handover, raise this with the landlord or agent right away.

Should I clean the water tank when I move in?

If the home has a tank and you do not know when it was last cleaned, it is sensible to have it inspected and cleaned.

How long does a move-in clean take?

It depends on the size of the home and how it was left. An empty apartment in fair condition can usually be done in a single visit.

Macky Group offers move-in and move-out cleaning across Nairobi, Thika and surrounding areas. Get a free quote and tell us your moving date.