Moving is exciting — whether you’re starting fresh in a new home or handing over the keys to your old one. But between packing boxes, scheduling movers, and signing paperwork, it’s easy to overlook one crucial step: thorough cleaning.
That’s why so many homeowners and renters in Florida turn to move in and move out cleaning Orlando services. Professionals know the places most people forget to clean — the same places that landlords, buyers, or new residents notice right away.
If you’re about to move, here’s your go-to checklist for the 8 most commonly forgotten spots and how to make sure they sparkle before you lock the door for the last time or settle into your new space.
1. Inside Kitchen Appliances
When you’re focused on packing dishes and cookware, it’s easy to ignore the inside of your oven, fridge, or microwave. Unfortunately, these appliances are some of the first places a new homeowner or landlord will check.
Why it’s important:
- Food spills, grease, and odors can linger for months.
- Leftover crumbs or residue can attract pests.
How to clean it:
- Remove and wash shelves and drawers in warm soapy water.
- Use a baking soda paste to scrub oven interiors and stubborn stains.
- Wipe microwave walls with vinegar steam to loosen dried-on splatters.
Pro tip: A professional move in and move out cleaning team will clean appliance interiors and exteriors thoroughly — saving you hours of scrubbing.
2. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
Out of sight often means out of mind, and ceiling fans are a classic example. Over time, dust builds up on fan blades and light covers.
Why it’s important:
- Dust can trigger allergies.
- Dirty fixtures instantly make a space feel neglected.
How to clean it:
- Use a pillowcase to catch dust as you wipe each fan blade.
- Remove light covers and wash them in warm, soapy water.
Cleaning these before you leave makes the home look brighter and more inviting — something every buyer or landlord appreciates.
3. Behind and Under Appliances
Pulling out the fridge, stove, or washer might seem like extra work, but it’s worth it.
Why it’s important:
- Food crumbs, grease, lint, and even pet hair collect here.
- These hidden messes can cause odors or even attract pests.
How to clean it:
- Sweep or vacuum debris.
- Mop with a degreasing solution for kitchen appliances.
Professional cleaners in move in and move out cleaning Orlando services are used to moving appliances safely and efficiently to tackle these overlooked areas.
4. Baseboards and Trim
Baseboards are dust magnets, but because they’re low to the ground, they often get ignored.
Why it’s important:
- Dusty, scuffed baseboards make rooms look dingy.
- Freshly cleaned trim instantly upgrades the space’s appearance.
How to clean it:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe away dust and marks.
- For stubborn scuffs, a magic eraser works wonders.
5. Inside Cabinets and Drawers
You might wipe the countertops, but do you think to clean inside every cabinet and drawer?
Why it’s important:
- Dust, crumbs, and even sticky residue can remain from years of use.
- New residents expect these storage spaces to be spotless.
How to clean it:
- Remove any remaining items.
- Wipe the interiors with warm soapy water or a mild cleaner.
- Let them dry completely before closing to prevent musty odors.
6. Vents and Air Returns
HVAC vents and air returns are easy to forget during a move — but they’re often full of dust.
Why it’s important:
- Dirty vents can spread dust and allergens.
- Clean vents improve airflow and give a “fresh” feeling to the home.
How to clean it:
- Remove vent covers and vacuum inside with a hose attachment.
- Wash covers with warm soapy water and let them dry before reinstalling.
A move in and move out cleaning professional can also coordinate with duct cleaning services for an even deeper clean.
7. Door Frames, Knobs, and Light Switches
These high-touch areas collect fingerprints, smudges, and grime over time.
Why it’s important:
- They’re some of the first things people touch when entering a room.
- Dirty switches and knobs can give a bad first impression.
How to clean it:
- Wipe with disinfecting wipes or a cloth and mild cleaner.
- Pay attention to the tops of door frames, which collect dust.
8. Patio or Balcony Areas
If your home has an outdoor space, it’s part of the move-in/move-out impression.
Why it’s important:
- Swept and tidy patios make a property feel well cared for.
- Outdoor debris can get tracked back inside.
How to clean it:
- Sweep leaves, dirt, and cobwebs.
- Wipe railings and light fixtures.
Why These Spots Get Missed
Moving is overwhelming — you’re juggling packing, logistics, and deadlines. It’s no wonder these details slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, forgetting them can have consequences:
- Renters: You risk losing part of your security deposit.
- Sellers: Small cleaning oversights can make buyers question the home’s condition.
- New homeowners: Skipping these areas can mean moving into a home that’s not truly clean.
How Professionals Make the Difference
When you hire move in and move out cleaning Orlando specialists, you’re paying for more than just time saved — you’re paying for thoroughness.
Professional cleaners:
- Work from a comprehensive checklist that covers every surface, nook, and cranny.
- Have the tools and techniques to clean hard-to-reach or stubborn areas.
- Know what landlords, buyers, and tenants expect — and make sure the property meets that standard.
A Complete Move Cleaning Checklist
While the 8 spots above are the most commonly forgotten, a proper move in and move out cleaning includes:
- Floors vacuumed and mopped
- All surfaces dusted and wiped
- Windows cleaned (inside)
- Bathrooms sanitized top-to-bottom
- Kitchen appliances and cabinets cleaned inside and out
- All trash removed
When done right, the result is a space that feels fresh, welcoming, and move-in ready.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re leaving a rental, selling your home, or stepping into a new place, skipping those hidden, easy-to-miss spots can cost you — in money, time, or first impressions.
The solution? Either tackle them yourself with a detailed checklist or leave it to the pros at Dina Enterprises. Our move in and move out cleaning Orlando team knows exactly what to clean, how to clean it, and when to get it done so you can focus on the move itself.
Call us today at (407) 437-5409 or request your free estimate online — and move with less mess and more peace of mind.