Moving house is exciting… until it’s not.
One minute you’re daydreaming about your new place, the next you’re knee-deep in boxes, living off takeaway, and discovering you somehow own 47 random phone chargers and a single lonely sock that’s been missing since 2018.
And then comes the final boss battle: the move out clean.
If you’re about to hand back the keys and you want your bond back in one piece, this blog is for you. Because move out cleaning in NZ isn’t just “give it a quick wipe.” It’s the kind of clean where you’re suddenly noticing things you’ve never noticed before, like the top of the fridge, the inside of the oven, and that one corner behind the toilet that has been ignored by society.
So here’s your move out cleaning checklist, Candoo style. Not a boring list you’ll forget in 10 seconds, but a proper game plan you can actually follow.
First Things First: Know What You’re Cleaning For
Move out cleaning is different from your normal “quick tidy before guests arrive” clean. This is a clean designed to pass inspection. It’s about leaving the place looking as close to move-in ready as possible.
Property managers and landlords usually check the same key areas every time, and they’re not shy about it. They’ll open cupboards. They’ll check windows. They’ll look at the bathroom like they’re judging it for a national award.
So the goal here is simple: leave no crumbs, no grime, no suspicious marks that could cost you your bond.
The Move Out Cleaning Rule Everyone Forgets
Clean from top to bottom.
If you start by vacuuming and then dust the blinds, you’ve just created extra work for yourself. Same if you mop and then clean the shower and drip water everywhere. You’ll feel like you’re cleaning forever and somehow getting nowhere.
Start high, finish low. It’s not just good cleaning advice, it’s survival.
Kitchen: Where Bonds Go to Die
If there’s one place that can make or break your move out cleaning, it’s the kitchen. It’s also the place where people underestimate how much grime builds up over time.
Start with the oven. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it takes effort. But if you leave it, it’ll haunt you.
A proper move out clean should cover:
- The oven interior and trays
- The stovetop, knobs, and splashback
- Rangehood filter if it’s looking greasy
- Cupboards wiped inside and out
- Benches, sink, and taps
- The inside of the microwave
- Floors, especially the corners
And don’t forget the fridge. Even if you’ve emptied it, the inside still needs a wipe down. No one wants to discover a sticky shelf situation during the final inspection.
Quick tip: if your kitchen smells even slightly funky, check the rubbish bin area, the sink drain, and any hidden food crumbs in drawers. Those little bits love causing drama at the worst time.
Bathroom: The “Don’t Miss Anything” Zone
Bathrooms are another inspection hotspot. They’re small, but they’re intense.
For move out cleaning, you want to focus on the places that build up soap scum, grime, and water marks:
- Shower glass and tiles
- Grout lines
- The toilet, including behind it
- Vanity, sink, and tapware
- Mirrors
- Exhaust fan if it’s dusty
- Floors and skirting edges
If your bathroom smells clean, looks shiny, and doesn’t have any weird hair surprises, you’re on the right track.
Side note: if you’ve ever wondered how water can leave so many marks, welcome to adulthood. It’s thrilling.
Bedrooms and Living Areas: Easy Wins, If You Do It Right
These spaces usually feel simpler, but don’t get too confident. This is where dust, marks, and sneaky corners can trip you up.
A good move out clean includes:
- Dusting window sills, ledges, and skirting boards
- Spot-cleaning marks on walls
- Wiping light switches and door handles
- Cleaning inside wardrobes if they’re dusty
- Vacuuming thoroughly, including edges
- Mopping hard floors properly
If you’ve got carpets, take your time with the vacuuming. A quick once-over won’t cut it if the carpet has been through a year of crumbs, shoes, and general life.
Windows: The Final “Wow” Factor
Windows are one of those things people forget, but property managers definitely don’t.
You don’t always need to do a full professional window clean, but you should at least:
- Wipe fingerprints off glass
- Clean the inside window tracks
- Dust blinds
- Wipe down window frames
If you’ve got sliding doors, check the tracks. They collect dirt like it’s their hobby.
The Laundry: Small Room, Big Impact
Even if you barely used it, the laundry still gets checked. It’s usually quick to clean, which makes it a perfect “finish strong” moment.
Make sure you:
- Wipe the tub and taps
- Clean any lint build-up
- Mop the floor
- Check behind the washing machine if possible
The Last Sweep Before You Hand Back the Keys
Once everything is cleaned, do a final walk-through like you’re the property manager. Pretend you’re inspecting the place for the first time. You’ll spot things you missed, guaranteed.
Look for:
- Dust on skirting boards
- Marks on walls
- Smudges on mirrors
- Crumbs in drawers
- Any lingering smells
- Floors that need one last pass
This is also the moment to take photos, just in case. It’s not being dramatic, it’s being smart.
Don’t Want to Do It Yourself? Fair Enough
Move out cleaning is a lot, especially when you’re already juggling moving trucks, keys, power accounts, and the emotional stress of deciding what to do with that chair you hate but feel bad throwing out.
That’s where Candoo Crew can help. We know what needs to be done to get a place move-out ready, and we clean with inspection day in mind. No panic scrubbing the night before. No last-minute disasters.
Candoo Crew Locations Across NZ
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, we’ve got teams in locations all over New Zealand.
Click here to find a location to suit your needs and we’ll get you sorted with a crew near you. Easy as.
Ready to Tick It Off Your List?
If you want to hand back the keys with confidence and keep your bond where it belongs, we’ve got you.
- Click here to get a personalised, no obligation quote and we’ll help you lock in a move out clean that fits your timeline.
- Click here to see our full list of services on our website, because moving comes with a million jobs and we can help with more than just cleaning.
- Click here to explore our Instagram and Facebook for satisfying clean transformations, before-and-afters, and a bit of cleaning motivation when you need it most.
Now go enjoy your new place. You’ve earned it!
Dan Doo
