Seasonal checklists

Your Move-Out Checklist: Repairs, Cleaning and Haul-Off

A room-by-room list of small repairs, cleaning and haul-off to finish before you hand over the keys.

Moving out is a lot of work, and the last few days always fill up faster than you expect. Whether you're a renter trying to get your deposit back or a seller handing the keys to new owners, a plan makes it easier. This move-out checklist covers the repairs, cleaning and haul-off that usually need doing.

Two weeks out: plan and sort

• Read your lease or sales contract. Note what condition the home needs to be in and any cleaning or repair requirements.
• Walk through with a notepad. List every hole, scuff, drip and broken item.
• Sort your stuff into keep, sell, donate and toss. The less you move, the easier move-out day is.
• Schedule help for anything you can't do yourself: repairs, cleaning, haul-off.

Repairs to tackle

Walls

• Fill nail and screw holes from pictures, shelves and TV mounts
• Patch dents and doorknob holes
• Touch up paint, matching color and sheen
• Remove tape, hooks and adhesive strips carefully

Our guide on patching a small drywall hole walks through the steps. Big patches or full rooms of paint are often easier to hand off.

Doors and hardware

• Tighten loose doorknobs, hinges and cabinet pulls
• Adjust doors that stick or won't latch
• Replace missing doorstops
• Make sure every key and remote is accounted for

Plumbing fixtures

• Fix dripping faucets and running toilets
• Clear slow sink and tub drains
• Check under sinks for leaks or water stains

Lights and fans

• Replace burned-out bulbs
• Dust ceiling fan blades and light covers
• Make sure fixtures and fans work

Floors

• Fix loose transition strips and lifting baseboards
• Note any damage to floors for your records

Outside

• Mow the lawn and trim shrubs
• Clear leaves and debris from beds and walkways
• Remove anything you left in the shed, garage or under the porch
• Haul off trash and yard debris

Room-by-room cleaning

Clean from top to bottom so dust falls onto areas you haven't cleaned yet.

Kitchen

• Inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
• Inside the oven, stovetop and range hood
• Inside the refrigerator and freezer, and behind it if you can move it safely
• Microwave, dishwasher and sink
• Counters, backsplash and light switches

Bathrooms

• Toilet, inside and out, including the base
• Tub, shower, tile and grout
• Sink, faucet and mirror
• Cabinets and drawers
• Exhaust fan cover

Every room

• Ceiling corners and cobwebs
• Ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents
• Window sills, blinds and tracks
• Baseboards, doors and door frames
• Light switches and outlet covers
• Closets and shelves
• Floors: vacuum, mop, and spot-clean carpet

Haul-off

Leftover furniture, boxes and junk can hold up a move-out. Sell or donate early, and schedule a haul-off for what's left. Paint, chemicals, batteries and electronics often have special disposal rules, so check with your local landfill or recycling center.

Document everything

Once you're done, walk through and take dated photos and video of every room, including inside closets, cabinets and appliances. If you're a renter, ask for a walk-through with your landlord. Keep copies of your photos and any receipts for repairs or cleaning.

Selling instead of renting?

If you're selling, many of the same steps apply, plus a few more. See our guide on getting your house ready to sell.

Let us take some of it off your plate

We handle move-out cleaning, cleanouts and haul-off and drywall repair, plus small fixes and yard work. Text a few photos to (706) 594-5049, or use our free estimate form for a free estimate. Give us a call early so your move-out timeline has some breathing room.