End-of-Lease Cleaning and Move-Out Guide

Moving out of a rental property? Whether you're leaving a house or an apartment, one thing is certain: end-of-lease cleaning matters. Not only is it often required by your lease agreement, but it can also be the difference between getting your full bond back – or being a month’s rent poorer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s involved, what landlords look for, and how to make move-out cleaning less of a headache.

Why End-of-Lease Cleaning Is So Important

When returning a rental property, you’re expected to leave it in the same condition as when you moved in, minus fair wear and tear. Most agents and landlords are especially picky, and any missed areas could result in a deduction from your bond.

Proper lease return cleaning ensures:

• You meet tenancy requirements
  
  
• You increase your chance of a full bond refund
  
  
• You avoid disputes or delays in vacating
  
  
• You leave a good reference for future rentals
  
  

What’s Included in End-of-Lease Cleaning?

While requirements vary slightly by property manager, most move-out cleaning checklists include the following:

General Cleaning

• Wipe down all walls, skirting boards, and doors
  
  
• Clean light switches, power points, and air vents
  
  
• Vacuum and mop all floors
  
  
• Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
  
  

Kitchen

• Clean inside and outside of all cupboards
  
  
• Degrease the oven, stovetop, rangehood, and splashbacks
  
  
• Wipe down benchtops, sinks, and taps
  
  
• Remove all food residue from fridge space and pantry
  
  

Bathroom & Laundry

• Scrub shower tiles and screens
  
  
• Clean the toilet, vanity, basin, and mirrors
  
  
• Remove mould and soap scum
  
  
• Clean washing machine taps and laundry sinks
  
  
• Bonus tip: make sure to clean the top of the showerhead. This area is often forgotten, but is the reason many tenants are called back to clean their previous rentals.
  
  

Bedrooms & Living Areas

• Dust and wipe surfaces
  
  
• Clean inside wardrobes and cupboards
  
  
• Vacuum thoroughly, including edges and corners
  
  
• Wash curtains (if required) or dust blinds
  
  

Windows & Outdoor Areas

• Clean inside and outside of all accessible windows
  
  
• Sweep balconies, verandas, or courtyards
  
  
• Remove rubbish and mow lawns (if applicable)
  
  

Move-Out Cleaning Tips from a Removalist’s Perspective

At Jim’s Removals, we’ve helped thousands of customers move out of their rentals – and we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Here are a few tips from the team:

• Book your clean the day after your move, not before. It’s much easier to clean an empty home.
  
  
• Don’t forget hidden areas like behind the fridge, under beds, or inside the dishwasher.
  
  
• Use a checklist to stay on track. Most property managers have one they can provide.
  
  
• Photograph your clean before handing back keys for your own peace of mind.
  
  
• Bundle services: If you're moving and cleaning, consider using companies that can help coordinate both to save time and hassle.

Should You Hire Professional Cleaners?

If you’re short on time or energy, professional end-of-lease cleaners can be worth every dollar, especially if your lease requires a receipt from a registered business. They’ll have the tools and experience to do a thorough job and often offer bond-back guarantees.

But if you’d prefer to DIY, make sure you:

• Allocate a full day (or more)
  
  
• Use high-quality cleaning products
  
  
• Have all your equipment ready (mop, vacuum, etc.)
  
  

Frequently Missed Areas in End-of-Lease Cleans

Even the tidiest tenants often forget these:

• Ceiling fans and light fittings
  
  
• Window tracks and flyscreens
  
  
• Inside drawers and behind appliances
  
  
• Grout and bathroom exhaust fans
  
  
• Garage or storage areas
  
  

Agents will check these, and charge if they’re missed.

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What If You’re Doing a Same-Day Move?

Doing the move and the clean in one day? It’s possible, but exhausting. We recommend:

• Booking an early move with a removalist team that arrives on time
  
  
• Having one person start cleaning while others finish packing or supervising the move
  
  
• Scheduling a cleaner for the afternoon after the move is complete
  
  

Need a last-minute removalist with your end of lease clean? Jim’s Removals can often assist with same-day services – just ask when you get your quote.

Final Checklist Before You Return the Keys

 ✅ House completely empty
✅ All rubbish removed
✅ Cleaning complete
✅ Keys and remotes returned
✅ Final inspection booked
✅ Photos taken as proof

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Need Help Moving Out?

At Jim’s Removals, we work closely with end-of-lease cleaners across Melbourne to help make your exit as smooth as possible. From careful furniture handling to flexible move-out times, our team understands what real estate agents expect – because we see it every day.

Get a free moving quote today, and let’s help you end your lease on the right foot.