Make sure you have everything on in the materials list. Put all of the cleaning stuff into the boxes. Start in one room and don't leave until it's spotless. If you pick up bits and pieces all over the house, you won't feel like you've accomplished much. Don't clean the floors; toilets or bathroom sinks until right before you're leaving. If you do, you'll just have to do it all over again.
Clean from top to bottom. If you don't, you'll be cleaning some spots twice.
Don't blister your knuckles trying to make the carpet shine. Remember, you're responsible for coffee and pet stains, etc... If your old home is a rental - landlords will understand normal wear and tear. If you're really worried about any stains you've made, consider renting a carpet cleaning system.. If you smoke or have pets, you can get rid of some of the smell by sprinkling baking soda on top of the carpet, letting it sit for about 15 minutes and then vacuuming it up.
Do this BEFORE you dust!
Your NEW place should already be clean... but you may want to go over a few areas again:
The Insides Of Cabinets
Chances are, the management had pest control come in and spray after the previous tenant left. While most pest control companies boast that their products are completely human friendly... I don&rsquot like taking chances. Take a warm, wet rag and clean the insides of drawers and cabinets to get rid of any possible residue. Once you've done this, you may want to line the cabinets/drawers with clean paper.
Bathrooms
You really don't know anything about the people who lived there before you. Use bleach cleaners to disinfect everything.
Refrigerator/Microwave
As long as you're in a heavy duty-cleaning mode, you may as well go over these areas again.
