Checklist for move-in cleaning

Before you get started:

Make the job easier for yourself by moving all your belongings out of the apartment before cleaning. You're doing yourself a disservice by assuming you can move boxes back and forth between rooms - which only means that you drag dirt back and forth and end up having to clean twice.

Before moving all the boxes out, make sure that all drawers and cupboards are empty. Also check cupboards you never use - you may suddenly find things you placed there a long time ago. If you don't want to take any furniture or belongings with you, sell them on Finn.no or bring them to a recycling centre. Remember that everything you brought into the apartment must be removed again - and the waste room in the building is for household waste only. 

General cleaning instructions for all rooms: 

Regardless of the number of rooms and the size of the apartment, there are a number of tasks that need to be done in every room. The order in which you choose to do this is not important, apart from vacuuming and washing all floors completely at the very end. 

• Ceilings and walls must be dry mopped. If there are stains, wash with soap and water, but do not do this otherwise because it can be difficult to clean evenly. If you clean one area on the wall, you often need to clean the entire wall so that it doesn't show. 
• Clean the windows on the inside and outside.
• Dust/clean all mouldings, air vents, window sills, wall sockets, doors and door frames.
• Empty and clean the wardrobes. Also remember to clean on top of the wardrobes.
• If there is a balcony, sweep and clean it.
• If you have removed or moved wardrobes or other furnishings, return them to their original location.
• Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench to tighten door handles and kitchen doors.
• Vacuum all rooms before washing all floors.

Kitchen cleaning:

A lot needs to be cleaned in the kitchen that is probably not part of your normal weekly cleaning. Make sure you have the right cleaning supplies to make the job easier and achieve satisfactory results. It may be helpful, for example, to have a cleaning product that is effective against grease and oil.

• All appliances that are not built in should be pulled out and cleaned behind them.
• The refrigerator and freezer should be emptied, cleaned and de-iced.
• Clean the stove thoroughly. Remove the glass panel to access all surfaces. The baking tray and racks should be completely free of food residue and grease. If they are very worn-out, they must be replaced.
• Clean the exhaust fan and replace the filter if necessary. The fan and filter must be clean and free of grease.
• Clean the dishwasher inside and out. Remember to clean the filter.
• All cupboards and drawers must be opened and cleaned, including the tops of cupboards.
• Scrub and polish the sink. Remember to clean the drain thoroughly. 
• Finally, thoroughly wipe down all surfaces to remove all soap residue and water drops.

Bathroom cleaning:

When it’s time to clean the bathroom, find the right cleaning supplies and put on a good playlist. If you have an old toothbrush, it can be useful for scrubbing between tiles and getting into corners. You are now ready to start cleaning the bathroom and you may want to consider cleaning in the following order: 

• Clean all cupboards inside and out and remember to dust/clean on top.
• Dust/wash the lights.
• Clean and polish the sink, clean the toilet, fittings and mirrors.
• Clean and empty the drain. 
• Clean and scrub the shower, including the fittings.
• Clean all tiles thoroughly. 
• Finally, make sure to rinse off all soap residue and wipe dry all surfaces. 

Other things to remember:

• All light bulbs and fluorescent tubes must be working.
• Empty the mailbox and remove the name tag.
• If you have a storage room, it must be emptied, swept and the lock removed.

And finally: Remember that all keys must be returned.