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Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

For BC renters. Room-by-room guide to inspection-ready cleaning and getting your security deposit back. Interactive and printable.

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Before You Start

  • Remove all personal belongings — closets, storage, garage, cabinets
  • Take timestamped photos of every room before cleaning
  • Review your move-in inspection checklist if you have one
  • Confirm all utilities are still on (power for vacuuming, water for cleaning)
  • Allow a full day — rushing causes missed items

Kitchen

  • Clean inside and outside all cabinets and drawers (remove crumbs and residue)
  • Degrease cabinet doors and handles
  • Clean oven inside and out — racks, broiler drawer, oven door glass
  • Clean stovetop, burner grates or coil elements, drip pans
  • Clean microwave inside and out, including turntable
  • Clean and descale dishwasher (filter, door seal, spray arms)
  • Wipe refrigerator inside and out — remove all shelves and crisper drawers
  • Clean under and behind fridge and stove
  • Degrease range hood — replace or clean the filter
  • Scrub sink and faucet — remove limescale buildup
  • Clean tile backsplash and grout
  • Wipe all countertops including edges
  • Sweep and mop floor including under appliances

Bathrooms

  • Scrub toilet — bowl, seat, lid, tank exterior, base, behind the tank
  • Clean bathtub or shower — tile, grout, glass door or curtain rod
  • Descale showerhead
  • Remove and replace or deep-clean shower curtain liner
  • Scrub sink and faucet — remove soap scum and limescale
  • Clean medicine cabinet inside and out
  • Wipe down vanity and all drawers
  • Clean mirrors — streak-free
  • Wipe baseboards, light fixtures, and exhaust fan cover
  • Mop floor and clean grout
  • Check ceiling, caulking, and tiles for mould — clean if present

Bedrooms

  • Wipe all closet shelves and rods
  • Clean closet floor — vacuum and mop
  • Wipe baseboards, light switches, and outlet covers
  • Clean window sills and tracks
  • Wipe blinds or window coverings
  • Vacuum carpet or mop hardwood floor
  • Remove wall anchors or picture hooks (patch holes per tenancy agreement)
  • Clean ceiling fan blades if present

Living & Dining Areas

  • Vacuum carpet thoroughly — use edge attachment for baseboards
  • Sweep and mop hardwood or laminate floors
  • Wipe all baseboards
  • Clean window sills, tracks, and frames
  • Clean blinds or curtain rods
  • Wipe light switches, outlet covers, and door handles
  • Clean fireplace surround and hearth if applicable
  • Remove scuffs from walls (Magic Eraser works for minor marks)

Laundry Room

  • Wipe inside washer drum and door seal
  • Clean dryer lint trap and surrounding area
  • Wipe exterior of washer and dryer
  • Clean utility sink if present
  • Sweep and mop floor — under and behind machines

Final Walkthrough

  • Check all light fixtures — replace burned-out bulbs
  • Test all windows and doors open and close properly
  • Remove all garbage and recycling from the unit
  • Sweep balcony or patio and remove all items
  • Take final timestamped photos of every room
  • Return all keys, fobs, and parking passes

BC Tenancy Note

Under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, tenants must return the rental unit in the same condition as at move-in, allowing for reasonable wear and tear. For official tenancy information, visit the BC Residential Tenancy Branch. This checklist is a practical guide, not legal advice.

Rather Have a Professional Handle It?

SturdyBee Cleaning provides professional move-out cleaning across Metro Vancouver. Flat-rate, insured, inspection-ready.