The Wheaton Blog
Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Move
Spring cleaning is a lot of work. If you’re moving, it’s double the work. Not only do you have your current home to vacate, but you also have your new home to get ready before you move in. Feeling a bit overwhelmed? We’ve prepared a spring-cleaning checklist just for you.
Before you throw in the dust towel, check out our blueprint for a deep clean. We’ve compiled a list of the tools and supplies you’ll need to tackle any mess, and we’ve highlighted all the major spots to hit. Spring is always a good time for a fresh start, and moving day is a good excuse to simplify your life. Feeling lighter already? Let’s dig in!
Tools to do the Job Right
Every job starts with the right tools. Before you dig in, here’s a list of what you’ll need for a successful spring spritzing:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Mop and mop bucket
- Rubber gloves
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sponge
- Cleaning rags
- Duster
- Window cleaner
- Degreaser
- Abrasive cleanser
- Scrub brush
- Toilet brush
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Tile cleaner
- Your favorite cleaning soundtrack, cranked all the way up
The Room-by-Room Checklist
These are the basics you’ll want to cover no matter what room you’re cleaning. After this, we’ll get more specific. 
- Sweep or vacuum the floor.
- Sweep cobwebs from ceiling.
- Dust ceiling fans.
- Mop the floor.
- Wipe the walls and baseboards.
- Clean doors.
- Sanitize doorknobs and light switches.
- Clean windows and check screens for holes.
- Vacuum or dust curtains and blinds.
- Shampoo carpets.
How to Spring Clean Your Kitchen
Kitchens are the epicenter of your home and often require a lot of deep clean TLC. Your spring move is as good a time as any to address dreaded tasks like cleaning the oven and defrosting the freezer as well as cleaning overlooked items like small appliances and backsplashes.
If you’re close to your move date and have a box or two of nonperishable food items you don’t want to mess with moving, let your Wheaton move manager know, and we’ll take it to the nearest food pantry through our partnership with Move For Hunger.
Pack your pantry and as much of your kitchen as possible before you make your final kitchen cleaning coup de gras. The job will be easier with clutter out of the way.
- Clean stove top and oven. A baking soda paste left overnight works wonders to restore your oven.
- Clean refrigerator. Now’s the time to get rid of all those empty condiment bottles you haven’t touched since 2018. Don’t forget to clean the gaskets around the doors and vacuum the coils on the back of your fridge.
- Defrost your freezer. Again, moving is a great time to toss old food that never got used. Once it’s defrosted, wipe your freezer out with a good cleaner.
- Wipe countertops and cabinets. Don’t forget to clean inside cabinets and toss things you no longer need. A disinfected cabinet in your new home will discourage pests and bacteria.
- Degrease your backsplash. Never a fun job but one that shouldn’t be difficult with the right cleanser.
- Carefully pack your dishes. Make sure you have the right packing supplies on hand to protect favorite china and glassware from breaking. Or, better yet, have a professional do it for you.
How to Spring Clean Your Bathroom
After the kitchen, your bathrooms probably require the most attention. Now’s a good time to throw away those old toiletries and cosmetics you don’t need. Once everything is packed up, you can get to work on the deep clean.
- Wipe down vanity. Be sure to get the inside and out. When’s the last time you did this?
- Clean mirror. Window cleaner works great.
- Clean sink, tub and shower. Most times a good abrasive cleaner does the trick. For tougher stains, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda might be the fix.
- Clean toilet. Vinegar can help with stains in the bowl and tank.
- Scrub tile and grout. Mildew and mold can build up over time. Your spring clean is a good time to restore your old bathroom and make sure your new one sparkles.
How to Spring Clean Your Bedrooms
A big move or a spring cleaning is the ideal time to donate those clothes you no longer wear and that bedding you never use. Your new home is a chance to start fresh with fully organized closets. Other bedroom tasks include:
Flip your mattress. It’s a good idea to do this every three months to prevent prolonged wear in the same areas. If you haven’t done it lately, now is the time.
Wash your pillows. You might change the pillowcases, but when’s the last time you washed your pillow? There are many ways to wash your pillow depending on the type you have.
Disinfect kids’ toys. Toys can be huge germ magnets. Here’s a good opportunity to clean the toys making the move and donate the ones that are no longer wanted.
Other Spring-Cleaning Considerations Before and After You Move
As you move through your whirlwind of packing and cleaning, here are a few other tips and suggestions to keep in mind:
- Polish furniture items before moving them to their new location.
- Wash throw pillows and blankets.
- Dust the backside of TVs and electronics.
- Test fire and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Clean out vents and registers.
- Replace furnace filter and air filters.
Make Your Move a Clean One with Wheaton World Wide
We hope this cleaning checklist helps you organize your move this spring or any time of year. Contact us for help with any step of your move. From packing to hauling, we want to make your fresh start at your new destination as clean as possible.