Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Michigan Renters

Why the move-out clean matters

In Michigan, landlords generally have 30 days after you move out to return your security deposit or send you an itemized list of deductions. Cleaning is one of the most common reasons money gets held back, so a thorough clean is worth the effort.

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, take photos of every room after cleaning, and keep a copy of your move-in checklist to compare.

Kitchen

• Empty and wipe every cabinet and drawer, inside and out.
• Clean inside the refrigerator and freezer, including drawers and door shelves.
• Clean the oven, stovetop, drip pans and range hood.
• Scrub the sink and wipe the backsplash and counters.
• Sweep and mop, including under the fridge and stove if you can move them safely.

Bathrooms

• Scrub the tub, shower walls and grout.
• Clean the toilet inside, outside and around the base.
• Empty and wipe vanities and medicine cabinets.
• Shine the mirror and fixtures.
• Mop the floor and wipe baseboards.

Every room

• Wipe baseboards, doors, door frames and light switches.
• Clean window sills and tracks (Michigan winters leave plenty behind).
• Vacuum closets and wipe shelves.
• Patch nail holes only if your lease allows it.
• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors last, working toward the door.

When to call in help

If you're short on time or the place needs more than a weekend of work, a professional move-out clean can save stress. We clean empty homes and apartments across Bay City, Saginaw and Midland.