Preparing for end of lease cleaning is an essential step in ensuring you leave your rental property in good condition and secure your bond refund. Whether you plan to clean the property yourself or hire professional move out cleaners, proper preparation can make a huge difference in the cleaning process’s efficiency and effectiveness. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for end of lease cleaning in Geelong.
✅ 1. Declutter the Property
Before the cleaners arrive, it’s important to declutter all rooms. This means removing all personal belongings, furniture, and items from the property. This will allow the cleaning team to access every corner of the home and clean all surfaces without any obstacles.
What to Do:
- Pack up your personal items such as clothing, books, and decorations.
- Remove any furniture or larger items unless they are being cleaned as part of the service.
- Empty out storage areas, including cupboards, drawers, and closets.
Why It’s Important:
Decluttering ensures the cleaners can work more efficiently and prevents items from being damaged during the cleaning process.
✅ 2. Handle Minor Repairs
If there are any minor repairs that need to be made, such as fixing holes in the walls, repairing leaky faucets, or replacing light bulbs, it’s best to take care of them before the cleaning begins. Many landlords may deduct repair costs from your bond if minor damages are left unaddressed.
What to Do:
- Patch up holes or dents in the walls.
- Replace missing or broken light fixtures or bulbs.
- Fix any leaks or drips in faucets or showerheads.
Why It’s Important:
Taking care of small repairs shows that you’ve maintained the property well, and it will likely help you secure your full bond refund.
✅ 3. Empty the Fridge and Freezer
One of the most time-consuming tasks for cleaners is cleaning the fridge and freezer. Before the cleaners arrive, empty out the fridge, remove expired food, and wipe down shelves. It’s also a good idea to defrost the freezer, if necessary.
What to Do:
- Remove all food from the fridge and freezer.
- Clean any spills, crumbs, or stains on the shelves and inside drawers.
- Defrost the freezer if needed and wipe it down.
Why It’s Important:
A clean and empty fridge makes the cleaning process easier and more thorough. It also prevents unpleasant odors from lingering.
✅ 4. Remove Trash and Unwanted Items
Before the cleaning crew arrives, take out all trash and dispose of any unwanted items that you don’t need to leave behind. This includes general household waste, old furniture, or any other items that won’t be part of the property handover.
What to Do:
- Take out all trash, including kitchen bins, bathroom bins, and outdoor waste.
- Remove any leftover items you no longer need.
Why It’s Important:
Clearing the space of unwanted items ensures the cleaners can focus on actual cleaning and prevents any unnecessary clutter from interfering with the process.
✅ 5. Create a List of Special Requests
If you have any specific areas of the property that require special attention, or if you need extra services like carpet steam cleaning or oven cleaning, make a list of these requests ahead of time. When hiring a professional cleaning company, communicate these requests clearly so they can provide a tailored cleaning plan.
What to Do:
- List any areas that need deep cleaning, such as the oven, carpets, or bathroom tiles.
- If you have pets, request special treatments for pet-related stains or odors.
Why It’s Important:
Clear communication with your cleaning service ensures that all your expectations are met, and nothing is overlooked.
✅ 6. Take Photos of the Property’s Condition
To protect yourself from any unfair bond deductions, it’s a good idea to take photos of the property’s condition before and after the cleaning. These photos can serve as proof that you left the property in good condition and that the cleaning was done thoroughly.
What to Do:
- Take detailed photos of each room, focusing on the floors, walls, appliances, and any other areas that are important.
- Compare photos before and after cleaning to make sure the property is up to standard.
Why It’s Important:
Photos can provide documentation if there’s ever a dispute with your landlord regarding the property’s condition.
✅ 7. Ensure Easy Access for Cleaners
On the day of cleaning, ensure that the cleaners have easy access to the property. If you’re hiring bond cleaning Geelong professionals, they’ll need access to all rooms, including bathrooms, kitchen, and any outdoor areas.
What to Do:
- Make sure the cleaners can access all areas of the property.
- Provide them with keys or instructions if necessary.
- Make sure the property is free from any obstructions that may delay the cleaning.
Why It’s Important:
Having everything prepared for the cleaners ensures the process goes smoothly and on time.
✅ 8. Take Care of Cleaning the Carpets (If Needed)
Some rental agreements require tenants to have the carpets professionally cleaned before moving out. If this is the case, it’s essential to schedule carpet cleaning in advance, as it may take longer than regular cleaning.
What to Do:
- If required, book a carpet cleaning service before your final inspection.
- Make sure the carpets are clean and dry by the time the final inspection happens.
Why It’s Important:
Carpet cleaning is often a requirement for bond refunds, and addressing this before the inspection ensures you meet the lease agreement’s terms.
✅ 9. Schedule the Cleaning on Time
Timing is everything when it comes to end of lease cleaning. Be sure to schedule your cleaning service close to your move-out date but with enough time to allow for any last-minute adjustments. You’ll also want to ensure that the cleaning is done before your final inspection.
What to Do:
- Schedule the cleaning with enough time to complete any additional tasks.
- Ensure that the cleaning date aligns with the lease agreement and property inspection schedule.
Why It’s Important:
Having the cleaning done at the right time ensures that the property looks its best when the landlord or property manager arrives for the final inspection.
✅ 10. Double-Check the Checklist
Many end of lease cleaning Geelong companies provide a checklist of tasks they will complete during the cleaning process. Before the cleaners arrive, double-check the list to ensure that all areas of the property are covered. You can also use this checklist to confirm that the cleaning service meets your expectations.
What to Do:
- Review the cleaning checklist provided by the company.
- Make sure all areas are included and that any special requests are addressed.
Why It’s Important:
A checklist ensures that nothing is overlooked during the cleaning and that the property is returned to the same condition as when you first moved in.
✅ Final Thoughts
Preparing for end of lease cleaning in Geelong doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the cleaning process goes smoothly and efficiently. Whether you choose to clean the property yourself or hire bond back cleaning Geelong professionals, taking the time to prepare will save you stress and help secure your bond refund.
Proper preparation also helps avoid last-minute surprises and ensures the property is in pristine condition for the final inspection. So take the time to declutter, fix any repairs, and ensure everything is ready for a thorough clean. With a little effort upfront, you can make your move-out process hassle-free.