Move-in cleaning: what to do before the boxes arrive

Cleaning an empty home is much easier than cleaning a furnished one. The cost is the same; the result is dramatically better. Take advantage of the access.

The 10-step move-in protocol

1. Kitchen cabinet interiors — wipe every shelf and drawer
2. Inside oven and dishwasher — even if they look clean, run a citric-acid cycle
3. Inside fridge — sanitize all surfaces and gaskets
4. All bathroom porcelain — toilet bowl, tub, shower, sink, including underneath rims and behind the tank
5. Bathroom grout sealing if grout looks unsealed
6. Inside cabinets and drawers everywhere — bedrooms, hall closets, bathrooms
7. Light fixtures and ceiling fans — wipe before turning them on
8. Vents and registers — likely full of construction or prior-occupant dust
9. Window tracks and inside windows
10. Floor edges and baseboards — even on new floors, factory residue

Four surfaces that need attention before furniture sits on them

• Carpet — vacuum twice and consider hot-water extraction if prior occupants had pets
• Closet shelves — clothing on dirty shelves picks up the dirt within days
• Hardwood floors — apply furniture pads only to clean floors; grit underneath causes scratches forever
• Kitchen cabinet shelves — putting dishes on dirty shelves transfers crumbs and residue

Cost in Edmonton

A move-in clean of a 2-bed/1-bath Edmonton condo is $239–$329, slightly less than a move-out because there's typically no oven build-up or fridge mess. We schedule for the morning of move-in day or the day before.