Moving Out with Kids: A Cleaning Checklist for Families

Home relocation has the most profound impact on children over five. They develop strong emotional attachments to the current place and may find it challenging to say goodbye to their room, old neighbourhood, friends, and school. As responsible parents, you’ll need to support your kids, cope with their emotional breakdown, and understand their problems.

However, you can’t overlook the importance of cleaning when moving out of your rental property in Ipswich. Apart from packing your stuff, make sure you clean every nook and cranny to secure your hard-earned bond money.

The best part is that you can involve kids in the process and teach them the importance of cleanliness. If you have toddlers, book a childcare service so that you can do all the complicated chores before the final rental inspection.

Here is a complete cleaning checklist for families when moving out with kids. Follow this guide and spruce up the entire property in the most streamlined manner.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Safety Comes First When Cleaning with Kids

Nothing is more important than the safety of your little ones. So, before you begin the move-out cleaning process, keep your kids safe and sound. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always supervise your kids when they are assisting you in the process
• Assign age-appropriate tasks to avoid serious injuries
• Keep hazardous chemicals and sharp cleaning tools at bay.
• Store cleaning supplies out of your kid’s reach
• Use eco-friendly products like white vinegar, baking soda, lemon, essential oils, castile soap, etc.
• Be cautious of slippery floors. Use non-slip mats.

2. De-clutter Your Rooms

Kids love to create a mess around the home. Scattered toys, books, papers, crumbs and more can make your home look dirty and disorganised. This can even accumulate dust particles and breed lethal bacteria.

So, it is always good to de-clutter and sort your items before tackling dirt and grime. You should involve kids in the process and encourage them to pack their scattered toys and books in a bag or box. This will instil a sense of responsibility in them.

Thoroughly inspect all your rooms, wardrobes, cabinets, dressers, and other storage units and separate items for disposal and donation. Removing heavy pieces and boxes before the arrival of expert bond cleaning Ipswich professionals can help deliver spotless cleaning results.

Tip: Pack your kid’s toys, favourite snacks, first-aid box, and comfort items in a separate box for easy access during the move-out journey.

3. Clean & Disinfect the Kid Zone

Deep clean the Kids’ room (bedroom or playroom) as it may contain dirt, debris and harmful germs that can lead to health hazards. So, it is good to begin the cleaning process from their rooms. Remove dust from surfaces like walls, windows, blinds and study tables using a damp microfiber cloth.

Wipe down the mattress, upholstery furniture and rugs. Use mild soap and a magic eraser to remove crayon marks and adhesive stains from painted walls. Gently scrub the surface for spotless results.

Tip: Use fun games to keep your kids entertained when assisting you in the cleaning process. You can set a timer for a healthy and fun competition.

4. Cleaning Checklist For Your Kitchen

Keep your kids away from the stovetop, knives and sharp objects when sprucing up your kitchen at the end of your tenancy. Here are the important tasks to consider:

• Remove grime and dust from ceiling walls and exhaust fans
• Empty and clean cabinets and drawers inside and outside
• Remove grease stains from wooden cabinets using vinegar spray
• Deep clean kitchen appliances inside and outside (oven, microwave, dishwasher)
• Empty and clean your fridge inside and outside
• Wipe down countertops and stovetop
• Clean and disinfect sink and faucets
• Unclog garbage disposal
• Empty and disinfect the bin
• Sweep and mop the floor

Delegate kitchen cleaning chores with other members of your family and manage each task for sparkling results. Younger kids can help sweep the floors, while older ones can mop to remove stains and spills. You can also hire experts for a quality bond cleaning Ipswich to manage your move-out process.

5. Bathroom Cleaning and Sanitisation

Here is a comprehensive checklist to help you clean and disinfect bathroom fixtures and fittings like a pro. It is good to refer to the entry condition report and click photos before and after the cleaning process:

• Clean the shower head and walls using a vinegar solution. For best results, soak the head in the vinegar and water solution.
• Remove soap scum from shower doors and curtains.
• Scrub the bathtub, toilet and tiles.
• Wipe down counters, faucets and towel rails
• Polish mirrors
• Mop the floors

Tip: Older kids can help with scrubbing chores, while younger ones can assist you in organising things. Also, let kids sort through cabinets. This will keep them engaged.

6. Living Room Cleaning Checklist

Start the process from the top of your room, such as ceiling walls, fans, and light fixtures, and make your way towards windows, blinds, and floors. This will help you streamline the process and manage it easily.

• Remove cobwebs and insect marks from ceiling walls
• Wipe down light fixtures and fittings, shelves and cabinets
• Wash windows inside and outside
• Vacuum blinds, door and window tracks
• Clean Leather Couch and upholstery furniture
• Vacuum carpets and rugs
• Sweep and mop floors

Kids can help clean lower surfaces and baseboards. When cleaning upholstered furniture, little ones can remove cushions and toys, saving you time and energy.

7. Pay Attention to Exterior Areas

Do you have a backyard or outdoor play area in your rental property? Start by removing loose debris, clutter, and unwanted stuff from the space. Also, make sure you remove stains and grime from patio furniture, decks, and driveways.

Remove cobwebs from garage walls and mop the floors before the final inspection. Keep your children away from driveways. Instead, let them pick dead leaves from the yard.

However, if you are at the end of your tenancy, book experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Ipswich and secure the hard earned deposited security.

Stress-Free Moving with Kids: A Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Wrapping up

Moving out with kids can be challenging for parents. However, with the help of this checklist, you can spruce up the entire property and pass the rental inspection at the end of your lease. You can involve your family and kids in the process, teach them cleaning chores and maintain a spotless property like a pro.