What cleaning supplies do I need for a new house?

You’ll need disinfectants, microfiber cloths, mop, vacuum, brushes, oven cleaner, glass cleaner, baking soda, vinegar, and protective gloves.

Should I clean before unpacking?

Yes, always clean before unpacking. It ensures surfaces, floors, and storage areas are sanitized and ready before items are placed inside.

What rooms should I clean last?

Living rooms, hallways, and utility spaces should be cleaned last since they get the most foot traffic during the move.

New House Cleaning Checklist - Coastal Moving Services

This new house cleaning checklist will be your go-to guide, because a new house is a fresh start and the best way to truly feel at home is to clean every corner before unpacking.Whether it’s your first home or a new rental after your long-distance move, this step-by-step New House Cleaning Checklist covers everything: supplies, prep, room-by-room cleaning, tips, and post-cleaning essentials. Start your new chapter in a healthy, sparkling space.

Where Should I Start Cleaning in a New House?

Not sure where to begin? The best place to start cleaning in a new house is the kitchen and bathrooms. These spaces are most important for health and hygiene, so tackling them first ensures you have safe surfaces to prepare food and wash up. Start with this proven order for an efficient, stress-free clean:

Start with the Kitchen

Coastal Tip: A clean kitchen gives you a place to unpack essentials right away.

Clean appliances, cabinets, counters, and floors so you can safely prepare food and start unpacking dishes, utensils, and pantry items. Sanitizing surfaces early ensures your most-used room is ready from day one.

Move to the Bathrooms

Coastal Tip: Disinfect first, then unpack shower supplies and toiletries.

Bathrooms are a priority for hygiene and comfort. Disinfect sinks, toilets, tubs, and handles so the space is clean and usable right away. Stock it with soap, towels, and toilet paper as you go.

Tackle Bedrooms

Coastal Tip: Focus on assembling beds and setting up sleep essentials first.

Clean floors, windows, and closets before setting up furniture. This makes it easy to unpack clothes and prepare beds so you have a restful place to sleep after a long move day.

Handle Living Areas and Hallways

Coastal Tip: Save common areas for last to avoid re-cleaning from foot traffic.

Dust, vacuum, and wipe down surfaces in living rooms, entryways, and hallways after the main move is complete. These spaces get the most movement, so cleaning last reduces repeat work.

Finish with Laundry and Utility Areas

Coastal Tip: Utility rooms can wait, focus on high-traffic areas first.

Once the main rooms are clean and set up, turn to laundry rooms, basements, or garages. Wipe down appliances and shelves before organizing supplies or boxes. These lower-priority spaces are easier to handle when the rest of your home is functional.

Step 1: Gather All Cleaning Supplies

Pack a dedicated cleaning kit to bring on move-in day so you’re ready to tackle every space. Don’t forget:

Disinfecting surface cleaner, wipes, and spray
Microfiber cloths, scrub brushes, mop, broom, and vacuum
Oven cleaner, garbage disposal cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, grout cleaner, and dish soap
Baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, carpet cleaner, and deodorizer
Drain snake, drain cleaner, kettle (for boiling water), mop bucket
Glass cleaner, grout brush, floor cleaner

Step 2: Do a Full Home Walkthrough

Walk through each room before cleaning. Note condition, any forgotten items, and areas needing deep attention (mold, pests, water stains). Document issues for landlord/seller if needed and prioritize repairs. This protects your deposit and ensures no health hazards are missed.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Kitchen

Start with high-traffic appliances and surfaces for a healthy cooking space:

Empty and disinfect refrigerator shelves, walls, doors; vacuum coils for efficiency
Wipe down microwave inside/out; clean oven & stovetop with appropriate cleaners
Disinfect inside/outside of cabinets and drawers (consider shelf paper for freshness)
Clean and run dishwasher (cycle with vinegar, then baking soda); remove and wash filter
Disinfect sinks, countertops, drains, garbage disposal (use baking soda & hot vinegar)
Wipe down kitchen walls, sweep and mop floors

Tip: Clean appliances before loading any food in or cooking for best results.

Step 4: Deep Clean Bathrooms

Bathrooms can harbor grime and germs according to WebMD, sanitizing here is vital before settling in. Consider replacing toilet seats for added peace of mind.

Clean, disinfect, and wipe down toilet bowl, lid, tank, and base
Replace toilet seats (optional), scrub bathtub, shower walls, doors, grout, and floors
Unclog drains (use snake/cleaner); disinfect and wipe countertops, sinks, faucets, drawers, cabinets
Clean mirrors, shelves, bathroom closets/walls; sweep and mop floors

Step 5: Laundry Room Cleaning

Run washing machine on highest heat with vinegar or washer cleaner (disinfects, removes odors)
Clean lint trap, vacuum dryer vent, wipe dryer drum with rubbing alcohol
Wipe exteriors, unclog sinks and wipe down sink bowls

Step 6: Clean Bedrooms

Bedrooms need both a dusting and deep clean for restful sleep:

Clean windows (inside and out), dust/wipe blinds, light fixtures, ceiling fans, closet shelves
Replace dead bulbs, wipe down walls, baseboards, and trim for a fresh look
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors; consider carpet cleaning or deodorizing for full freshness

Step 7: Living Spaces & Final Details

For living rooms and shared spaces, follow the bedroom checklist and finish with general home maintenance to ensure all is healthy and ready:

Clean windows, blinds, light fixtures, ceiling fans, walls, baseboards, and trim
Vacuum/mop floors, clean carpets
Change air filters (note date), disinfect doorknobs, switches
Replace batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, run air purifier to clear dust/allergens