Move In Cleaning Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners and Renters
Moving into a new home is one of the most exciting moments in life. Whether you are a first time renter settling into an apartment downtown, a family moving into a larger home in Barrhaven, or a homeowner relocating to Orleans or Kanata, the feeling of starting fresh is always powerful.
But before you fully unpack, decorate, and settle in, there is one essential step that many people overlook.
Move in cleaning.
Even if a home looks clean at first glance, there are often hidden areas, dust buildup, and leftover residue that can affect comfort and hygiene. A thorough move in cleaning ensures that your new space is truly fresh, healthy, and ready for you from day one.
In this guide, we will provide a complete move in cleaning checklist for Ottawa homeowners and renters, explain why it matters, and help you understand what professional move in cleaning services include.
Why Move In Cleaning Matters in Ottawa Homes
Ottawa is a city of constant movement. People relocate for work, school, growing families, and lifestyle changes. With so many moves happening year round, especially during peak seasons, it is common for homes to change hands quickly.
Even when previous occupants have cleaned, move in cleaning is still important because:
Dust settles during vacancy
Surfaces may not have been sanitized
Bathrooms often need deeper attention
Kitchens may contain grease buildup
Floors collect dirt from moving traffic
High touch areas are rarely disinfected
Move in cleaning is about more than appearance. It is about peace of mind.
When you clean before moving in, you know that the space is truly yours, refreshed, and hygienic.
Move In Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning
Move in cleaning is not the same as weekly tidying.
Regular cleaning focuses on maintaining a lived in home.
Move in cleaning focuses on preparing an empty or recently vacated space for a brand new start.
It includes:
Deep cleaning in hidden areas
Sanitizing surfaces throughout the home
Cleaning inside cabinets and drawers
Detailing bathrooms and kitchens
Removing dust from corners, vents, and baseboards
This is why move in cleaning is often more detailed and time intensive than routine cleaning services.
The Ultimate Move In Cleaning Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners and Renters
Below is a complete room by room move in cleaning checklist designed specifically for Ottawa homes, condos, apartments, and rental properties.
1. Entryway and Hallways
Your entryway is the first impression of your home. It is also where outdoor dirt, salt, and debris enter, especially during Ottawa winters.
Move in cleaning should include:
Sweeping and mopping floors
Wiping baseboards and trim
Cleaning door handles and light switches
Dusting corners and ceiling edges
Cleaning interior doors and frames
A clean entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home.
2. Living Room and Common Areas
Living spaces may look clean, but dust often hides in overlooked places.
Checklist items include:
Dusting all surfaces, shelves, and ledges
Cleaning windowsills and frames
Vacuuming carpets or cleaning floors
Wiping baseboards and corners
Cleaning light fixtures and ceiling fans
Sanitizing switches, handles, and touch points
For renters moving into apartments, these areas often need extra dust removal after vacancy.
3. Deep Kitchen Cleaning Before Moving In
The kitchen is one of the most important spaces to clean thoroughly.
Even a visually clean kitchen can contain grease buildup, bacteria, and food residue in hidden zones.
Move in kitchen cleaning includes:
Sanitizing countertops and surfaces
Cleaning backsplash and wall areas
Scrubbing sink and polishing faucets
Cleaning inside and outside appliances
Wiping cabinet fronts and handles
Cleaning inside drawers and cupboards
Sweeping and mopping floors thoroughly
A move in kitchen clean ensures your new home is ready for safe food preparation immediately.
4. Appliance Cleaning Essentials
Appliances are often left with residue from previous use.
Move in cleaning should include:
Oven exterior cleaning
Stovetop degreasing
Microwave interior wipe down
Refrigerator shelf and drawer cleaning
Dishwasher exterior cleaning
Starting fresh with clean appliances makes the kitchen feel truly renewed.
5. Bathroom Move In Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms require the highest level of sanitation when moving into a new home.
Ottawa homeowners and renters should always prioritize deep bathroom cleaning.
Checklist items include:
Scrubbing toilets, inside and out
Cleaning and disinfecting sinks
Polishing faucets and fixtures
Deep cleaning showers and tubs
Removing soap scum and water stains
Cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces
Sanitizing handles, switches, and touch points
Mopping floors and wiping baseboards
Bathrooms should feel hygienic and refreshed before your first day in the home.
6. Bedroom Cleaning Before Unpacking
Bedrooms are where comfort matters most.
Before bringing in bedding and furniture, ensure the space is fully cleaned.
Move in bedroom cleaning includes:
Dusting surfaces, shelves, and corners
Cleaning closet shelves and rods
Vacuuming carpets or mopping floors
Wiping baseboards and trim
Cleaning windowsills and frames
Sanitizing door handles and switches
A clean bedroom supports better rest and peace of mind from the start.
7. Inside Closets and Storage Areas
Closets are often forgotten during move out cleaning, which is why move in cleaning is essential.
Checklist items:
Wiping shelves and closet floors
Dusting corners and ceiling edges
Cleaning closet doors and handles
Vacuuming or mopping inside storage spaces
For Ottawa renters, clean storage areas make settling in much easier.
8. Floors Throughout the Entire Home
Floors collect more dirt than almost any other surface, especially during moving.
Move in floor cleaning includes:
Vacuuming carpets thoroughly
Sweeping hardwood and tile floors
Mopping with proper disinfecting methods
Cleaning corners and edges
Removing dust buildup near baseboards
Ottawa homes often track in salt, mud, and debris, making floor cleaning a critical step.
9. Baseboards, Trim, and Detail Areas
Move in cleaning is about the details.
Professional cleaners focus on areas that make a home feel truly fresh:
Baseboards
Door frames
Corners
Vents
Light fixtures
Ceiling edges
These small touches create a noticeable difference.
10. High Touch Point Disinfection
When moving into a new home, it is essential to disinfect the areas touched most frequently.
These include:
Light switches
Door handles
Cabinet knobs
Appliance handles
Bathroom fixtures
Sanitizing these areas helps ensure a healthier environment from day one.
11. Window and Glass Cleaning
Clean windows make a home feel brighter and more welcoming.
Move in window cleaning includes:
Wiping interior glass
Cleaning windowsills and tracks
Removing dust from frames
Polishing mirrors throughout the home
This is especially helpful in condos and apartments with large windows.
12. Optional Deep Cleaning Add Ons
Many Ottawa homeowners choose additional services during move in cleaning, such as:
Deep kitchen detailing
Basement cleaning
Inside fridge and oven cleaning
Post renovation cleanup
Recurring residential cleaning plans after move in
These options help maintain a fresh home long after moving day.
Why Professional Move In Cleaning Is Worth It
Move in cleaning takes time, energy, and attention to detail.
Professional move in cleaning services offer:
A higher standard of sanitation
Efficient, thorough cleaning
Reduced stress during moving
Time savings when schedules are already full
Confidence that your new home is truly clean
For Ottawa families balancing work, children, and relocation, professional support makes the process far easier.
Move In Cleaning for Renters in Ottawa
Renters benefit greatly from move in cleaning because:
Apartments often have fast tenant turnover
Previous cleaning may be minimal
Landlords may not sanitize thoroughly
A fresh start creates comfort immediately
Move in cleaning helps renters feel at home right away.
Move In Cleaning for Ottawa Homeowners
Homeowners often choose move in cleaning when:
Purchasing a resale property
Moving into a larger family home
Relocating between Ottawa neighbourhoods
Preparing a home before renovations
A professionally cleaned home is the best way to begin homeownership on the right foot.
Book Move In Cleaning Services in Ottawa Today
Moving is already a major life event. Cleaning should not add unnecessary stress.
A professional move in cleaning ensures your new home is fresh, sanitized, and ready for a clean start.
Whether you are a homeowner or renter in Ottawa, we are here to provide detailed move in cleaning services designed around your needs.
Top Frequently Asked Questions
Euroshine was founded in January 2012 and provides both commercial and residential cleaning services.
Our cleaners and staff members are thoroughly trained for each cleaning task and complete required safety training. We are fully insured and our teams have passed police record checks.
We’re proud recipients of multiple industry awards, including Top Choice Award (Best Residential Cleaning Company in Ottawa), HomeStars Best of Ottawa, Consumer Choice Award, and the Canadian Choice Award (2025). We focus on consistent quality, clear communication, and dependable service.
Our team is trained, insured, and bonded, and we follow proven cleaning systems so clients know what to expect on every visit.
We’ve been recognized by multiple local awards and platforms over the years. If you’d like to see the most up-to-date list, visit our About Us page or contact us.
Cleaning
We clean all commonly used areas of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, and floors.
Our team follows a top-to-bottom system (dusting first, floors last). We focus on high-touch surfaces and visible buildup, and we can tailor priorities based on your home.
Optional add-ons by request (and time): inside oven, inside fridge, inside cabinets (if empty), interior windows/blinds. For inside appliances and behind them, the appliance must be empty and safely accessible before we arrive.
Our cleaning services* include, but are not limited to:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Sleeping areas
- Living areas
- Hardwood floors
- Carpet and area rugs
- Manufactured flooring
- Appliances
For first-time services (including deep cleans and move-in/move-out cleanings), our team brings all professional-grade cleaning products and supplies.
For recurring clients, we encourage you to keep a few basic items in your home so we can avoid cross-contamination between homes and use products that match your surfaces and preferences. If you become a regular client, we’ll send you a simple recommended list (with photos) of the products we ask regular clients to provide.
For recurring clients, we encourage you to keep a few basic items in your home (for example: a vacuum, mop, and a couple of preferred products). This helps reduce cross-contamination between homes (allergens, pet hair, or germs) and ensures we are using products that are best for your specific surfaces and preferences.
If you don’t have supplies yet, we can recommend a simple starter list.
We use professional-grade cleaning products and tools that are effective and safe for most residential surfaces.
We can accommodate eco-friendly, fragrance-free, or allergy-sensitive preferences whenever possible – just tell us what you prefer at booking.
A quick tidy helps us focus our time on cleaning rather than organizing. If possible, clear countertops and floors of personal items, and let us know in advance about any priority areas.
No – you don’t need to be home. Many clients provide entry instructions (door code, key, or garage access).
For a first-time clean, it can be helpful if you’re available (in person or by message) to confirm priorities and any do-not-touch areas.
At the end of the visit, we recommend doing a quick walkthrough while the cleaners are still there. If something was missed, we can usually address it right away.
Yes – Our cleaners are thoroughly trained for each cleaning task and complete required safety training. Euroshine is fully insured, and our cleaners have passed police record checks.
We also take professionalism and accountability seriously—our goal is to deliver consistent service you can feel confident about.
Where required, we complete background checks and maintain appropriate business insurance. We also follow WSIB requirements.
For move-out cleanings, the home should be empty so we can clean thoroughly. Please remove all personal items and garbage beforehand.
If you want inside appliances (oven/fridge) and behind them cleaned, they must be empty and safely accessible before we arrive.
We do not wash dishes or change bed sheets as part of standard service.
Windows, blinds, and other detail tasks can be added when requested, but they require additional time – please tell us in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We do our best to assign a consistent team for recurring cleanings. Occasionally, the team may change due to scheduling and availability.
All team members are trained and follow our cleaning standards and safety procedures.
Most visits are completed by a team of two cleaners.
For larger services (such as some move-in/move-out or deep cleanings), we may recommend a larger team depending on the size and condition of the home.
We provide an estimated arrival window and estimated duration based on the information you share. Times can vary slightly due to traffic and the day’s schedule.
If timing is important for you (appointments, school pickup, etc.), let us know – we’ll do our best to plan around it.
Yes – for recurring services, we aim to send the same team whenever possible so they can learn your home and preferences.
If a change is needed due to scheduling, we’ll ensure the replacement team follows the same checklist and standards.
If something doesn’t look right, please let us know as soon as possible. The best time is while the team is still in your home so we can fix it immediately.
If you notice something after the team has left, email us at info@euroshine.ca with a brief description (and
photos if helpful). We’ll review it and make it right.
Yes – you can share priorities (for example: baseboards, vents, pet hair, inside microwave) and we’ll tailor the visit based on the time booked.
If something is accidentally damaged, we will notify you as soon as possible and discuss next steps. We handle issues case by case and aim for a fair, timely resolution.
Please email us (info@euroshine.ca) in advance with the details (what you need done and when). This helps us schedule enough time and assign the right team.
Not at all – we’re happy to work in homes with pets. If your pet is anxious or protective, please let us know in advance and consider placing them in a comfortable room while we clean.
We offer recurring home cleaning, one-time/deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and post-construction cleaning. We can also tailor services based on your needs and priorities.
Prices vary depending on the size of your home and the type of service you need. However, many clients searching for “affordable house cleaning in Stittsville” or “best cleaning service in Ottawa West” find Euroshine to be the perfect blend of value and quality. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate.
We can accommodate eco-friendly or low-scent product preferences whenever possible. Please tell us at booking if you have allergies, sensitivities, or product preferences.
Deep cleans and move-in/move-out cleanings focus on extra detail and built-up areas and typically take longer than regular maintenance cleanings.
Recurring cleanings focus on maintaining the home once the baseline is established, so visits are usually more efficient over time.
If you’re unsure what you need, we’ll recommend the best option after a few quick questions.
Standard cleaning typically includes dusting, wiping surfaces, cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, vacuuming, and mopping.
Add-ons can include inside the oven or fridge, inside cabinets (if empty), interior windows/blinds, and extra buildup detail work.
Tell us what you want done and we’ll confirm what fits in the scheduled time.
For safety, we do not move very heavy furniture or lift items that could risk injury or damage.
We can usually move light items (small chairs, mats, small decor) when safe to do so. If there’s something you’d like moved, please mention it in advance.
Yes, whenever possible. Please let us know at booking if anyone in the home has allergies, sensitivities, asthma, or product preferences.
If you have preferred products, we can use them.
Appointments & Scheduling
Yes – weekend cleanings are available, but spaces can be limited.
If you’d like a weekend appointment, please email us (info@euroshine.ca) in advance with your preferred day/time and the details of your home or office, and we’ll do our best to find the closest available slot.
We do our best to accommodate preferred times, especially for recurring clients. If your preferred slot isn’t available, we’ll offer the closest alternative.
Yes. We provide both residential and commercial recurring cleaning services, and we currently serve 148+ happy regular clients.
If you’re considering a regular service, we recommend starting with an initial cleaning. This allows us to assess your space, determine a realistic schedule, and set a flat rate for your preferred frequency. Because our calendar fills quickly with ongoing clients, availability is organized week by week to accommodate new bookings as efficiently as possible.
We recommend starting with a first-time clean so we can understand your home and priorities. After that, we’ll suggest the best frequency and provide an ongoing plan.
No formal contract is required for our clients. Satisfaction with our services is the primary determinant of continued engagement, and our clients are free to terminate our service at any time without obligation.
We do not clean on public holidays. If your usual day falls on a holiday, we’ll contact you to reschedule.
Email us at least 48 hours before your scheduled visit to skip or reschedule a cleaning.
Changes made within 48 hours may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Yes – we serve Ottawa and many surrounding neighbourhoods, including Westboro, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Stittsville.
If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, contact us and we’ll confirm availability.
Yes – our minimum visit is 1.5 hours with a team of two cleaners.
Minimum time recommendations can still vary depending on the type of service and the size/condition of the home (for example, a first-time deep clean or move-in/move-out service usually requires more time). When you request a quote, we’ll confirm what’s realistic for your home.
Availability varies by season. Booking earlier gives you the best choice of dates and times, especially for move-in/move-out and holiday periods.
If you need a specific date, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Billing & Pricing
We accept e-transfer, cheque, and cash.
Yes – for recurring clients, we can keep a key or garage remote (or use a door code) so the team can enter easily and stay on schedule.
We’ll confirm your preferred entry method and who will hold the key.
Many one-time and deep cleaning services are priced by labour hour.
A labour hour means one cleaner working for one hour. For example: a team of two cleaners for 3 hours equals 6 labour hours.
We’ll confirm the rate and the estimated labour hours before your appointment.
If the team arrives and cannot access the home, it may be treated as a late cancellation because the time has been reserved for you.
If this happens, we’ll contact you right away and do our best to find a solution. Please ensure entry instructions are up to date before each visit.
Home Access
Entry is arranged based on your preference: key, door code, garage entry, or being home to let the team in.
Please share entry instructions in advance so the team can start on time.
The keys shall exclusively rest with the professional cleaning personnel entrusted with the routine maintenance of your residence.
Referrals
Yes – if you refer a new client, you may be eligible for a discount on your next routine visit. Contact us for details.