Moving-out cleaning: the apartment handover checklist

Before the handover

Planning ahead avoids stress on the day.

• Arrange the handover date early with the management and allow enough time.
• Document existing defects before you clean, ideally with photos.
• Clean shortly before the handover so nothing gets dusty again.
• Lay out cleaning products, equipment and enough cloths.

Kitchen

• Degrease the oven, trays and racks.
• Clean the extractor hood and replace or wash the grease filter.
• Defrost the fridge and freezer, wipe them out and leave them open.
• Wipe cupboards inside and out, including the tops and behind the fronts.
• Clean the ceramic hob or burners.
• Descale the sink and tap, and check the drain.

Bathroom and toilet

• Remove limescale from taps, shower walls and glass.
• Clean the grout and silicone, and check for mould.
• Clean the toilet inside and out, including behind the bowl.
• Polish the mirror, shelves and cabinets.
• Clear hair and dust from vents and drains.

Floors

Each floor type needs the right care.

• Wipe parquet and laminate only slightly damp, never with standing water.
• Wash tiles and stone floors thoroughly, and do not forget the grout.
• Include skirting boards and corners, where dust collects.

Windows and blinds

• Clean the glass inside and out, streak-free.
• Wipe the frames and rebates, where dirt often sits.
• Wipe the window sills.
• Clean roller shutters and blind slats individually.

Walls, doors and details

• Remove marks on walls and around light switches.
• Wipe doors, door frames and handles.
• Fill drill holes properly (this is a repair, not cleaning).
• Do not forget the cellar, attic and balcony.
• Empty and clean the letterbox, and have all keys ready.

Common pitfalls

Handovers most often fail at these points:

• Ovens and trays with burnt-on residue.
• Limescale in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Blind slats that were only roughly dusted.
• Vents in the bathroom and kitchen.
• Window rebates and frames.