Move In Cleaning Baton Rouge Before you unpack checklist
Move In Cleaning in Baton Rouge: The Before-You-Unpack Checklist (Room-by-Room)
Moving is exciting… and exhausting. And one of the biggest regrets people have after closing day is unpacking into a home that still feels dusty, grimy, or “not quite fresh.” The best time to clean is before the boxes show up.
If you’ve been searching for move-in cleaning in Baton Rouge, this guide gives you a simple, room-by-room checklist so your new place feels clean on day one. It also works if you’re moving to nearby areas like Prairieville and you’re looking for move-in cleaning in Prairieville. The goal is the same: clean first, then unpack.
Quick health note: For a fresh start—especially if someone in the home has allergies—high-touch surfaces and common areas matter most. The CDC provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting here: CDC: When and How to Clean and Disinfect.
Why “before you unpack” matters
Once furniture and boxes are in place, a deep, thorough clean takes longer and becomes harder to do well. Cleaning first gives you full access to corners, baseboards, cabinets, and bathrooms—so you start fresh instead of cleaning around clutter for the next month.
What a move-in clean should accomplish
- Remove dust and residue from surfaces, corners, and edges
- Reset bathrooms and kitchen so they feel truly fresh
- Handle high-touch points (handles, switches, fixtures)
- Finish floors last so the home feels “done” when you walk in
The room-by-room move-in cleaning checklist
You don’t have to do everything perfectly to get a big result. Focus on the areas you’ll use immediately: kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and main living areas.
Entryway + main walk paths
- Wipe down the front door handle area and light switches
- Dust reachable ledges and corners near the entry
- Vacuum along edges where dust collects
- Spot mop hard floors (or plan a full mop in the final step)
Kitchen (the “fresh start” room)
- Clean and detail the sink + faucet area
- Wipe counters and backsplash zones
- Wipe cabinet fronts around handles (where fingerprints show)
- Clean appliance exteriors (fridge handle, stove knobs, microwave buttons)
- Clean inside of key spots if needed (sink basin, visible shelves)
Bathrooms (make them feel new again)
- Clean mirrors and fixtures for shine
- Scrub tub/shower edges and corners
- Clean and disinfect toilet exterior (including the base area)
- Wipe vanity fronts/handles and high-touch surfaces
- Vacuum and mop floors last for the finished feel
Bedrooms (comfort + dust control)
- Dust reachable surfaces (windowsills, ledges, furniture if present)
- Wipe light switches and door handles
- Vacuum edges and corners (dust bunnies show up fast)
- Spot-clean baseboards where visible
Living areas (what you’ll notice daily)
- Dust top-to-bottom on reachable surfaces
- Wipe high-touch points (switches, handles, railings)
- Vacuum main areas and edges
- Wipe obvious smudges on interior doors
Final step: floors (always last)
- Vacuum everywhere first (especially edges and corners)
- Mop hard floors after vacuuming so you don’t spread grit
- Do a quick “walkthrough” and spot-clean anything you notice
If you’re selling or moving out too: A clean home can make a strong impression on buyers and renters. The American Cleaning Institute has helpful move-related cleaning tips here: Clean House Tips for Home Sellers (ACI).
When it’s worth hiring move-in cleaning in Baton Rouge (or Prairieville)
If you’re on a tight schedule, juggling work, or just want the peace of mind of walking into a truly clean home, professional move-in cleaning in Baton Rouge is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress during moving week. It’s especially helpful when you want:
- Bathrooms and kitchen handled thoroughly (the most time-consuming rooms)
- High-touch surfaces reset so the home feels fresh and safe
- Edges, corners, and floors finished properly
- A true “blank slate” before you unpack
At Come Back Clean, our move-related service is designed for exactly this moment: Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning.
If you’re moving locally, you can also view the service areas here: Baton Rouge and Prairieville.
Ready to start fresh?
Whether you do this checklist yourself or want a team to handle the reset, the key is simple: clean first, then unpack. If you want help, we’ll make it easy.
Questions first? Visit our FAQs.
FAQ: Move-In Cleaning in Baton Rouge
When should I schedule move-in cleaning?
Ideally, schedule cleaning after the home is empty and before boxes arrive. That gives the best access to corners, floors, bathrooms, and kitchen surfaces.
Do I need a deep clean or a standard clean before moving in?
Many people benefit from a deeper reset when moving in—especially in bathrooms and the kitchen—so the home feels truly fresh.
What rooms matter most if I’m short on time?
Prioritize bathrooms, the kitchen sink/counters, and floors in main living areas. Those create the biggest “fresh start” impact.
Where can I learn more about your move-in/move-out service?
You can view details here: Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning.
More from Come Back Clean: Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning • Get a Quote • Our Services