Moving from one home to another is one of the busiest phases in a family’s life: organizing, packing, transporting, and arranging. Amid this whirlwind of tasks, one very important aspect is often overlooked: cleaning the home before handing it over or before moving into the new residence.
Pre-move cleaning ensures you deliver the property in acceptable condition if you’re a tenant, and guarantees that you settle into your new home in a clean and healthy environment.
This comprehensive guide explains, step by step, how to prepare your home for pre-move cleaning, what should be cleaned, the right tools and cleaning materials to use, how to handle difficult stains and special items, and when to rely on a professional company like Bareeq Clean Home Services to achieve professional results while saving time and effort.
Why Is Pre-Move Cleaning So Important?
1. Family Health
A clean home reduces the risk of allergies and respiratory issues caused by dust, mold, and traces left by insects or rodents.
2. Professional Appearance During Handover
If you’re a tenant, cleaning the home before handing it over ensures you get your security deposit back and avoids disputes with the landlord.
3. Faster Organization at the New Home
A clean, ready-to-use home makes furniture setup easier and eliminates the need for additional cleaning later.
4. Early Detection of Issues
During cleaning, you may discover leaks, minor electrical issues, or other problems that need attention before handing over the property or assembling furniture.
Before You Start: A Time Plan and Work Schedule
To achieve thorough, professional-level cleaning before moving, create a timeline spread across days instead of trying to do everything in one day—especially if the home is large.
A Practical Suggested Plan:
2–3 weeks before: Begin decluttering, donating, and sorting items for disposal or sale.
1–2 weeks before: Schedule a professional cleaning company if desired, or gather tools and cleaning products.
3–5 days before: Perform basic cleaning such as dusting, window cleaning, and washing curtains if possible.
The day before moving/handover: Deep clean the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors; empty remaining boxes; and perform final sanitization.
Essential Tools and Cleaning Materials
High-power vacuum cleaner with multiple attachments
Mop and bucket; various cleaning brushes
Multi-surface cleaners (floors, glass, kitchen, bathrooms)
Safe disinfectants and strong degreasers for the kitchen
Descaling agents for bathrooms and showers
Carpet and curtain cleaners, or arrange for a professional session
Rubber gloves, cotton towels, and garbage bags
Light repair tools: screwdriver, tape, nails, filler tools
Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide
1) Kitchen (The Most Critical Area Before Handover)
The kitchen requires special attention due to grease, stains, and food residues.
Empty cabinets and wipe the interiors thoroughly
Clean the oven and microwave using a degreaser
Wash countertops, shelves, and walls around cooking areas
Clean the refrigerator inside-out using a water–vinegar solution
Clear sink drains and ensure no blockages
Disinfect cabinet handles, electrical switches, and doorknobs
2) Bathrooms
Bathrooms are prone to stains, mineral deposits, and bacteria.
Use descaling cleaners for sinks and showers
Deep clean the toilet with disinfectant and descaler
Clean mirrors and windows
Mop floors and disinfect all surfaces
Check for leaks in faucets or pipes
3) Bedrooms
Remove or wash curtains
Dust cabinets, fans, and elevated surfaces
Clean windows inside and outside (if accessible safely)
Mop floors or vacuum carpets thoroughly
4) Majlis and Living Rooms
Vacuum carpets and rugs; apply spot cleaner or hire a professional service if needed
Wash or refresh cushions and upholstery
Clean air-conditioning vents and filters
5) Balconies, Facades, and Outdoor Windows
Wash interior and exterior windows (use a professional if outdoor access is unsafe)
Wipe exterior walls if visibly dusty
Clean floors and railings
6) Floors
Rinse and scrub floors using appropriate cleaners
For wooden floors, use suitable protective and polishing products
Dealing with Tough Stains: Practical Tips
Grease stains in the kitchen: Sprinkle baking soda or dish powder, let it absorb, brush gently, then rinse with degreaser
Ink or paint stains on carpets: Use diluted alcohol or a carpet-specific cleaner; always test first
Persistent odors: Spray a water–vinegar mix or place baking soda bowls in the room
Bathroom scale buildup: Use specialized descaling cleaners followed by proper rinsing and ventilation
When Should You Hire a Professional Cleaning Company?
It is highly recommended to hire a professional such as Bareeq Clean Home Services when:
The property is large or a villa requiring multiple teams
You have luxury carpets or delicate fabrics needing special equipment
The property must be delivered with official sanitization standards
There are stubborn stains or odors requiring extraction machines
Time is limited before moving or handover day
Bareeq Clean Home Services provides specialized pre-move cleaning including deep kitchen cleaning, bathroom sanitization, carpet extraction, and external window cleaning. You can explore services and book through:
https://www.bareeq-clean.com
For residents of Al-Baha, a dedicated service page is available:
https://www.bareeq-clean.com/أفضل-شركة-تنظيف-بالباحة/
How to Choose the Right Cleaning Company — A Checklist
Experience & reviews: Are there proven previous jobs and good ratings?
Equipment & materials: Does the company use modern machines and safe products?
Guarantee & follow-up: Is re-cleaning offered if results are unsatisfactory?
Transparent pricing: Request a clear, itemized quote
Speed & flexibility: Can the service be scheduled at a suitable time before moving?
Real testimonials: Check genuine customer feedback and case studies
Expected Costs & Tips to Reduce Expenses
Costs vary depending on property size, level of dirt, and services required (carpet cleaning, sanitization, facade cleaning...).
To reduce expenses:
Do partial preparation yourself (decluttering and minor cleaning)
Request multiple quotes but avoid choosing the cheapest without ensuring quality
Bundle services into a package for a better price
Safety & Environmental Considerations
Use certified, safe cleaning products—especially if children or pets are present
Avoid mixing strong cleaners (e.g., chlorine with vinegar), which creates harmful fumes
Prefer eco-friendly or low-toxicity cleaning solutions when possible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to clean a small home before moving?
A: Typically 4–8 hours depending on dirt level and number of rooms.
Q: Should carpets be cleaned before or after moving furniture?
A: Ideally after removing furniture for maximum coverage, but it can also be done after moving depending on the situation.
Q: Does pre-move cleaning include official sanitization?
A: Some companies offer certified sanitization for an extra fee, useful for high-hygiene needs such as post-illness cases.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Pre-move cleaning is an investment in your comfort, your family’s health, and the value of the property you’re leaving—or moving into. If you want quick, safe, and efficient results without draining your energy before moving day, a professional team can save you considerable stress.
Bareeq Clean Home Services offers tailored pre-move packages including deep kitchen and bathroom cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, full sanitization, and additional services as needed.
Book your service at:
https://www.bareeq-clean.com
And for those specifically searching for cleaning services in Al-Baha, the dedicated page provides detailed information, estimated pricing, and real case examples:
https://www.bareeq-clean.com/أفضل-شركة-تنظيف-بالباحة/