Move-Out Cleaning Guide for Brookhaven Apartments

When it's time to move out of your Brookhaven apartment, ensuring you leave it in pristine condition is crucial for reclaiming your security deposit and maintaining a good relationship with your landlord. This comprehensive guide provides a room-by-room checklist and timeline to help you avoid common charges and make your move-out process as smooth as possible.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist

Kitchen

• Refrigerator and Freezer: Empty, wipe inside and out, and defrost if necessary.
• Oven and Stovetop: Clean under stovetop and oven interior, including both sides of oven door glass.
• Microwave: Clean inside and out, including under the rotating plate.
• Dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle and wipe door seals.
• Cabinets and Drawers: Wipe inside and out, remove any worn liners.
• Sink and Disposal: Clean thoroughly, run disposal with soap, ice, and salt.
• Floors: Sweep and mop, wipe baseboards and backsplashes.
• Trash: Remove all trash and clean trash/recycling bins.

Bathroom

• Tub/Shower: Scrub walls and grout, remove soap scum and mildew.
• Toilet: Clean thoroughly, ensure it flushes properly.
• Sink and Vanity: Clean inside and out, including mirrors.
• Exhaust Fan and Vents: Clean covers and light fixtures.
• Floors: Sweep and mop, clean grout and baseboards.

Bedrooms & Living Areas

• Personal Belongings: Remove all items and furniture promised to be taken.
• Carpets and Floors: Vacuum and mop, spot-treat stains, consider professional cleaning if needed.
• Walls and Windows: Wipe walls to remove scuffs, clean windows, tracks, and blinds.
• Closets: Wipe shelves, vacuum floors, remove leftover hangers.

Entryways, Hallways & Misc.

• Doors and Fixtures: Wipe down doors, knobs, light switches, and baseboards.
• Nails and Hooks: Remove and patch small holes, touch up paint if needed.
• Balcony/Patio: Sweep and remove debris.

Appliances & Utility Areas

• Washer/Dryer: Clean drum, lint trap, and vents.
• HVAC/AC Vents: Wipe and change filters if required.
• Smoke Detectors: Check batteries and replace if necessary.

Final Tasks for Inspection Day

• Remove all trash and take it to building dumpsters.
• Do a final vacuum/mop and walkthrough.
• Open cabinets/drawers during inspection to show cleanliness.
• Take time-stamped photos of rooms and any repairs.

Suggested Timeline

• 2–4 Weeks Before Move: Declutter, schedule repairs or professional cleaning.
• 1 Week Before Move: Deep-clean kitchen and bathrooms, clean cabinets and appliances.
• Moving Day: Remove remaining items and trash; final sweep/vacuum/mop.

Supplies Checklist

• All-purpose cleaner, tub/tile cleaner, oven cleaner, glass cleaner.
• Microfiber cloths, scrub pads, grout brush, mop, vacuum.
• Rubber gloves, garbage bags, painter’s putty for nail holes, touch-up paint.
• Baking soda and vinegar for gentle cleaning options.

Common Move-Out Charges to Avoid

• Trash Removal: Ensure all trash is removed or face hauling fees.
• Carpet Cleaning: Treat stains promptly, consider professional cleaning.
• Appliance Damage: Repair or replace broken items, keep repair receipts.
• Wall Damage: Patch holes and touch up paint per lease standards.

For Brookhaven-specific policies, request the official check-out checklist from your property manager and use it as a final verification step.