Moving is already a full-time job. Between packing boxes, coordinating movers, changing addresses, and juggling timelines, cleaning often gets pushed to the very end—or rushed altogether. Unfortunately, what doesn’t get cleaned during a move can cost you more than you think.

Whether you’re moving out of a rental, selling your home, or preparing to move into a new space, there are several commonly overlooked areas that can impact security deposits, showings, inspections, and overall peace of mind.

Here’s what most people forget to clean when moving—and why it matters.

Cabinets, Drawers & Closets (Inside, Not Just Outside)

At a glance, cabinets and closets may look clean—but landlords, buyers, and inspectors often open them.

What’s often missed:

Inside kitchen cabinets and drawers
Closet shelves and rods
Built-in storage units

Why it matters: Dust, crumbs, and residue left behind can signal neglect. For renters, this can affect your deposit. For sellers, it can leave a negative impression during walkthroughs and showings.

Kitchen Appliances (The Real Deal-Breaker)

Appliances are one of the most scrutinized areas during move-out inspections—and one of the most time-consuming to clean properly.

Commonly forgotten:

Inside ovens and stovetops
Refrigerator shelves and drawers
Dishwasher filters and door seals

Why it matters: Grease, food residue, and odours are immediate red flags. These are often explicitly listed in lease agreements and real estate checklists.

Bathrooms Beyond the Surface Clean

Bathrooms may look clean at first glance, but it’s the details that count.

Frequently overlooked:

Grout lines and tile edges
Exhaust fans
Inside medicine cabinets and vanities
Under sinks

Why it matters: Moisture-prone areas show buildup quickly. A less-than-thorough bathroom clean can suggest hidden issues—even when there aren’t any.

Windows, Tracks & Screens

Windows are often cleaned last—or skipped altogether.

What’s missed:

Interior window tracks
Screens
Fingerprints and streaks on glass

Why it matters: Clean windows dramatically affect first impressions. For sellers, they help maximize natural light. For renters, dirty tracks and screens are easy deductions during inspections.

Baseboards, Door Frames & Light Switches

These are high-touch areas that quietly collect dust and grime.

Often forgotten:

Baseboards throughout the home
Door frames and handles
Light switches and outlet covers

Why it matters:These details are subtle but noticeable—especially in an empty home where nothing distracts from unfinished cleaning.

Floors, Corners & Hidden Edges

Once furniture is gone, floors reveal everything.

What people miss:

Corners and edges of rooms
Behind and under appliances
Stair edges and railings

Why it matters: An empty home highlights dust, pet hair, and debris. Floors are often the final impression during a move-out or pre-listing walkthrough.

Why Professional Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Makes Sense

Move-related cleaning isn’t the same as regular house cleaning. It requires detail, timing, and efficiency—often under tight deadlines.

Professional cleaning helps by:

Taking pressure off your moving timeline
Ensuring nothing important is missed
Providing peace of mind before handing over keys or moving furniture in
Helping renters protect deposits and sellers present their home at its best

Moving Soon? Let us Help.

Whether you’re moving out, moving in, or preparing a property for its next chapter, a professional cleaning can make all the difference.

If you’d like help scheduling a move-in or move-out clean in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga-West, or across Halton, our team is here to help you wrap up your move with confidence.

👉 Book your cleaning before you hand over the keys—or schedule it just after you return.
A clean start is always worth it. malinis.ca/book-now

What Most People Forget to Clean When Moving