New Home, Same Old Dirt
Buying or renting a new place in Temecula? First off, congrats. Whether you’re moving into your dream home, downsizing, or just relocating across town, something is exciting about getting the keys to a new space.
But here’s the part no one talks about until it’s too late:
That “clean” home you just walked through? It probably isn’t.
We’ve cleaned a lot of homes over the years, and trust me, what looks clean at a walk-through often still has dust in the vents, residue in the cabinets, and leftover grime in places people don’t think to check. And that’s before you move in your furniture, your family, and your pets.
That’s why a pre-move-in cleaning matters. It literally gives you a clean slate.
Whether you hire a team like us or handle it yourself, here’s what we recommend tackling before move-in day.
Your Pre-Move-In Cleaning Checklist
This list is based on what we clean most often during move-in services around the Temecula area. Some of it seems obvious. Some of it is stuff people don’t realize until after the fact.
1. Start with the Kitchen
- Wipe out all cabinets and drawers (crumbs and mystery debris love to hide here)
- Clean the inside of the fridge, freezer, and oven
- Disinfect countertops and backsplashes
- Clean the sink and run the disposal
- Wipe down baseboards and corners
If appliances were included, assume they need attention. Even “clean” ovens usually need a second pass.
2. Deep Clean Bathrooms
- Scrub showers, tubs, toilets, and sinks
- Wipe down mirrors and any chrome or glass
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Disinfect high-touch areas like light switches and handles
- Mop floors thoroughly (pay attention to corners)
Tile and grout often hold onto more than you’d expect. A detailed cleaning makes a big difference.
3. Floors and Carpets
- Sweep and mop all hard floors
- Vacuum carpets, including edges and underneath closets
- Consider steam cleaning if the carpets weren’t recently done
This is one area where new homeowners often regret skipping professional help. Carpets can look okay but still hold pet hair, allergens, and odors from the previous occupants.
4. Dusting (Yes, Even in an Empty House)
- Ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures
- Window sills and tracks
- Baseboards, doorframes, and closet shelves
Dust hides everywhere. Even homes that sat empty for a few weeks can build up a layer just from sitting.
5. Windows and Glass
- Clean interior windows and sliding glass doors
- Wipe down mirrors
- Make sure tracks and edges are free from gunk or buildup
Natural light makes dirt more obvious. You’ll want these surfaces clean before the sun shines in and shows everything.
6. Check the Details
- Wipe light switches and door handles
- Clean closet shelves and rods
- Dust AC returns and vents
- Look inside the washer and dryer, if they’re staying
This is the stage where it helps to pretend you’re a guest seeing the space for the first time. What would stand out?
Why Move-In Cleaning Is Worth It
Move-in day is stressful enough. You’re coordinating trucks, paperwork, utilities, and probably trying to figure out where your coffee maker ended up.
The last thing you want to deal with is scrubbing a toilet or discovering pet hair in the carpet as you’re laying down your area rugs.
A thorough pre-move-in cleaning gives you peace of mind and a true fresh start. No weird smells, no sticky cabinets, and no leftover grime from someone else’s life.
You’ll also settle in faster when the space feels clean and ready.
Move-In Cleaning Services in Temecula
At The Cleaning Squad, we’ve helped hundreds of local families get their new homes move-in ready. Whether you’re coming from across town or just closed on your first home in Wine Country, we bring the supplies, the crew, and the attention to detail to make sure your space is spotless before the boxes start arriving.
We clean homes, condos, apartments, and rental units throughout Temecula and the surrounding area.
And we’re happy to work with:
- Realtors
- Property managers
- Homebuyers
- Renters preparing to move in fast
Want to take one thing off your move-in list? We’ll handle the cleaning so you can focus on settling in.
