Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: Room by Room
The checklist our cleaners use on Calgary move-outs. Use it to get your deposit back, or to know what to expect from a professional clean.
Quick summary: Clean top to bottom, inside everything: cabinets, drawers, oven, fridge, dishwasher, closets and window tracks. Inspectors look first at the oven, fridge, bathroom and floors. Take dated photos when you finish.
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe inside every cabinet and drawer, including shelves and door edges
- Counters, backsplash, sink, faucet and drain
- Range hood and filter (soak the filter in hot water and degreaser)
- Light switches, outlet covers and cabinet handles
Appliances
- Oven inside, racks, door glass and the drawer underneath
- Stovetop and burners or glass top
- Fridge and freezer: remove shelves and drawers, wash, dry, wipe seals; pull it out and clean behind if you can
- Dishwasher door, seals and filter; microwave inside and out
Bathrooms
- Toilet, including the base, behind it and the hinges
- Tub, shower walls, glass and tracks; scrub grout
- Vanity inside and out, mirror, faucets and drain
- Exhaust fan cover, light fixtures and towel bars
Every room
- Spot-clean walls; don't scrub flat paint hard or it shines
- Baseboards, doors, frames, switches and outlet covers
- Interior windows, sills and tracks; dust blinds
- Closets, shelves and hanging rods
- Vacuum, then wash hard floors, including corners
- Empty every garbage, recycling and compost bin. Calgary Eco Centres take items that can't go in the cart.
Supplies you need
- All-purpose cleaner, degreaser and a non-scratch oven cleaner
- Bathroom cleaner and a grout brush
- Microfibre cloths, a scrub sponge and a magic eraser for scuffs
- Vacuum with crevice tool, mop and bucket
- Step stool for upper cabinets, fans and light fixtures
- Garbage bags and boxes for anything left behind
What inspectors check first
The oven, the fridge, the bathroom and the floors. If those four are spotless, most move-out inspections go smoothly. Photograph each one when you finish, with the date. See our damage deposit guide for how deductions work.
DIY or professional?
A one-bedroom done properly is a full day of work for one person, longer if the oven and fridge haven't been cleaned in a while. A professional move-out clean brings the products and equipment and finishes with a photo record. Landlords often book it as part of a turnover.
Get a free quote
Tell us about the job and we'll reply with a scope and price within one business day.
Request a quote, call +1 (587) 997-5510 or email info@unitrevive.ca
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a move-out clean?
Inside and outside cabinets and drawers, all appliances inside, bathrooms top to bottom, walls spot-cleaned, baseboards, windows and tracks, closets and floors.
How long does a move-out clean take?
Most apartments and condos take a full day; larger or heavily soiled homes take longer.
Do I need to clean carpets when I move out?
Vacuum them at a minimum. Whether shampooing is required depends on your lease and the carpet condition at move-in.
What do landlords check first?
The oven, fridge, bathroom and floors.
Should I take photos after cleaning?
Yes. Dated photos of each room, especially the oven, fridge and bathroom, are your best evidence if a deduction is disputed.
Last updated November 4, 2026. More answers on our FAQ page.