Moving Cleaning Checklist for Coconut Creek, FL

Coconut Creek sees a steady mix of moves: retirees settling into condos in the 55-plus villages, families trading up to a bigger house near the schools, renters moving between apartments and townhomes, and owners downsizing out of a home they raised children in. Whatever kind of move you are making, the cleaning tends to be squeezed in at the end, when everyone is tired. A plan made ahead of time makes the last day much calmer.

Start with the paperwork

Before you think about scrubbing anything, find out what is expected of you.

• Renters: reread the move-out section of your lease. Note anything it says about cleaning, carpets, and the condition of appliances and walls, and when the inspection will happen.
• Sellers: check your contract for the condition the home should be in at closing, and when the buyer's final walk-through is set.
• Condo and HOA residents: ask the association office about moving rules. Associations often require registration for movers, set allowed days and hours, and may ask for a certificate of insurance from the moving company. Gatehouses may need names in advance.

Clear out what is not coming

Coconut Creek's garbage, bulk and yard waste are collected by Republic Services, and bulk goes out weekly. Call Republic Services ahead of time to confirm what counts as bulk and how to set it out. Keep in mind that a large dumpster is a separate service; Republic Services is the only provider for roll-off containers in the city.

Some things should never go to the curb. Leftover paint, pool chemicals, pesticides, propane tanks, fluorescent tubes and rechargeable batteries go to the household hazardous waste and electronics drop-off events the city holds with neighboring communities. Bring proof of residency. Old TVs, computers and printers can go to the same events.

Time the move around the weather

From June 1 to November 30, keep an eye on the tropics. If a storm is forecast, movers and cleaners may need to shift dates, and you do not want a truck half loaded when the wind picks up. In the summer wet season, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so plan to load early and protect floors at the entry with mats or drop cloths. Wet footprints and grass on tile are among the most common things left behind on moving day.

Move-out cleaning checklist

Work from the top of each room down, and from the far end of the home toward the door.

Every room

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Wipe air vents and return grilles.
• Wipe light switches, outlet covers, door handles and doors.
• Clean window sills, blinds and slider tracks.
• Wipe baseboards.
• Vacuum closets and wipe closet shelves.
• Vacuum carpet and mop hard floors last.

Kitchen

• Wipe cabinet doors and handles.
• Clean the outsides of the refrigerator, dishwasher, range and microwave.
• Degrease the stovetop and range hood.
• Scrub the sink and polish the faucet.
• Clean the counters and backsplash.

Bathrooms

• Scrub the shower, tub and tile, and remove soap scum from the glass.
• Clean the toilet, including the base and the floor around it.
• Clean the mirror, vanity and sink.
• Wipe grab bars and accessories you are leaving behind.
• Check for mildew in corners and at the caulk.

Balcony, lanai and garage

• Sweep the balcony or lanai and wipe the railings.
• Remove anything stored in the screen enclosure.
• Sweep the garage and clear leftover boxes.

The walk-through

When the home is empty and clean, take photos of each room with the date. Walk through with your lease, contract or association checklist. Leave keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, pool keys and any gate fobs together on the kitchen counter, or hand them over in person.

Moving in

A clean start makes unpacking more pleasant.

• Set the AC to a comfortable temperature and let it run, especially if the home sat closed in summer.
• Wipe the inside of kitchen cabinets and drawers before stocking them.
• Clean the bathrooms before anyone showers.
• Vacuum and mop every floor before furniture goes down.
• Change the AC filter.
• Look under sinks and around the water heater for leaks.
• Update gate and garage codes, and change the locks.

Notes for condo moves

In single-level condos from the late 1970s and 1980s, such as many in Wynmoor, closets and storage rooms can be small and easy to forget. Check every storage closet, the space above the washer and dryer, and the balcony storage room. Older carpet may show traffic paths once furniture is gone, so plan to vacuum slowly and thoroughly.

Hiring help

TotalCare Cleaning offers move-out and move-in cleaning in Coconut Creek. Professionals bring their own supplies and equipment, follow a written checklist, and aim to leave the home inspection-ready. Book by entering your ZIP code at /booking or call (888) 378-7451, answered 24/7.