Move-In Cleaning Checklist for San Diego Renters

Quick Answer

Clean your new place before moving in: Document existing condition with photos, clean top-to-bottom (ceilings to floors), focus on kitchen and bathrooms, clean inside all cabinets and appliances, and finish with floors. This is your only chance to clean an empty space!

Moving is exciting—you're starting fresh in a new space. But before you unpack that first box, there's an important step many people skip: the move-in clean. Even if your new place looks clean, it likely isn't. And once your furniture arrives, thorough cleaning becomes nearly impossible.

In San Diego's competitive rental market, turnover is fast. Previous tenants may have rushed their move-out, and landlord cleaning standards vary widely. Take control of your new home's cleanliness from day one.

Day 1

Clean before unpacking

Photos

Document condition

4-8 hrs

DIY cleaning time

Move-In Cleaning Process

Document the Starting Condition

Before cleaning, photograph every room, noting any existing damage or dirt. This protects you when you eventually move out. Pay special attention to walls, floors, and appliances.

Start High, Work Down

Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, and tops of cabinets first. Dust and debris will fall down, so save floors for last. Wipe down walls if needed—apartment walls often have scuffs and marks.

Deep Clean Kitchen Cabinets

Wipe inside all cabinets and drawers before putting anything in them. Check for crumbs, stickiness, or pest evidence. Line with shelf paper if desired. Clean under the sink thoroughly.

Clean Inside All Appliances

Clean inside the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar. Check and clean the garbage disposal. These are often neglected by previous tenants.

Sanitize All Bathrooms

Scrub toilet, tub, shower, and sink thoroughly. Clean inside medicine cabinet and vanity. Check for mold in grout and caulk. Replace the toilet seat if you prefer (and save the old one to reinstall when you leave).

Clean All Closets

Vacuum or wipe closet floors and shelves. Clean closet rods. Check for and address any musty smells. This is your chance before they're full of clothes and boxes.

Wash Windows and Tracks

Clean windows inside and out if accessible. Clean window tracks—they accumulate dirt and dead bugs. Wipe down blinds or wash curtains from the previous tenant.

Clean All Floors

Vacuum carpets thoroughly, including edges and closets. Mop hard floors. Clean baseboards around the entire perimeter. Consider professional carpet cleaning if carpets look worn.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Kitchen

Inside all cabinets & drawers
Inside refrigerator & freezer
Inside oven & microwave
Clean dishwasher
Under sink area
Countertops & backsplash
Floor & baseboards

Bathroom

Toilet inside & out
Shower/tub & grout
Vanity & sink
Medicine cabinet
Exhaust fan
Behind toilet
Floor & baseboards

San Diego Move-In Tips

Check for Pests

San Diego's warm climate means pests can be an issue. Check cabinets for droppings, inspect window screens, and look for ant trails. Address any concerns with your landlord immediately.

Hard Water Buildup

Previous tenants may have left hard water stains in showers and on fixtures. Vinegar soaks and commercial hard water removers can restore shine. Check showerheads for mineral buildup.

Beach Proximity

For coastal units, clean window tracks thoroughly—salt air residue builds up. Check for humidity-related issues near the coast, and ensure bathroom exhaust fans work properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean before or after moving furniture in?

Before! Clean the empty space first—you'll have full access to floors, closets, and corners. Once furniture arrives, thorough cleaning becomes much harder. Schedule your move-in clean before the moving truck arrives.

What if the previous tenant didn't clean well?

Document any cleanliness issues with photos before cleaning. Contact your landlord if the condition is significantly below standards. A professional move-in clean can address most issues, but severe problems may require lease negotiation.

How long does a move-in clean take?

A thorough DIY move-in clean takes 4-8 hours depending on size and condition. Professional cleaners typically complete a standard apartment in 2-4 hours because they work in teams with commercial-grade products.

Is move-in cleaning worth it for a 'new' apartment?

Absolutely. Even new or renovated apartments have construction dust, fingerprints, and overlooked areas. Brand new doesn't mean clean—builders focus on completing the project, not deep cleaning.

Art Machekin·Founder

Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.

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