Move-out cleaning in Manhattan and New York City isn’t about making the place perfect – it’s about hitting the items that landlords and building staff actually check. A focused checklist is faster than scrubbing everything randomly.
Here’s TwoGuysAndATruckNYC’s room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist.
Before you start
– Take “before” photos after you’ve moved furniture out.
– Bring trash bags, microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, and a vacuum.
– Patch small nail holes if your lease requires it.
Kitchen
– Clean inside fridge/freezer (and remove odors).
– Wipe inside cabinets and drawers.
– Degrease stovetop and inside oven (check drip pans).
– Clean sink and faucet; remove limescale if present.
Bathroom
– Scrub shower/tub grout lines.
– Clean toilet base and behind the bowl.
– Wipe vanity drawers and mirror.
– Clear hair from drains.
Living room / bedrooms
– Vacuum edges and baseboards (dust collects there).
– Wipe window sills and ledges.
– Check closets and behind doors.
– Remove adhesive hooks carefully (avoid paint damage).
Floors
– Vacuum thoroughly.
– Spot mop visible marks (especially near entryways).
– In older buildings, be gentle with finishes.
Final walkthrough
– Check all light fixtures and switch plates.
– Replace missing bulbs if needed.
– Make sure nothing is left in drawers, closets, or on high shelves.
If you’re on a tight move window, do the cleaning after the truck is loaded – the apartment is empty and it’s much faster. TwoGuysAndATruckNYC can also advise on scheduling so you have enough time for both the move and the clean in Manhattan and New York City.