What should I clean before moving out?
MOVING OUT? CLEAN THESE 11 SPOTS OR KILL YOUR SALE
Quick promise
If you want top offers in Georgetown, ON, clean like you want the buyer to move in tomorrow. Clean for photos. Clean for inspections. Clean for offers. Clean cheap, clean fast, but clean right.
Why cleaning matters for sellers in Georgetown, ON
The Georgetown market rewards move-in-ready homes. Buyers here expect charm and care — especially in established neighbourhoods around downtown Georgetown, Glen Williams, and Acton Road. A spotless home:
- Sells faster. Clean properties list better in photos and show well at open houses.
- Commands higher offers. Buyers equate cleanliness with maintenance.
- Lowers friction at inspection and appraisal. Clean shows fewer hidden problems.
You don’t have to be perfect. You must be obvious. Clean surfaces, decluttered rooms, and clear mechanical spaces tell buyers the home was cared for.
The simple strategy: clean for photos, clean for inspection, clean for move-out
Three targets. Prioritize in this order:
- Photos: Make first impressions count. Clean, decluttered rooms photograph bigger and brighter.
- Inspection: Make commonly inspected areas spotless — furnace room, crawl space access, electrical panels, and plumbing under sinks.
- Move-out: Deep clean floors, appliances, windows, baseboards, and outside curb appeal.
Do the photo clean first. If it looks great online, you’ll get more showings. More showings = more offers.
The room-by-room checklist (do these first)
Kitchen
- Clean inside and behind the fridge and stove. Buyers open appliances.
- Degrease and wipe down range hood, backsplash, and countertops.
- Empty and clean all cabinets and drawers. Buyers open them.
- Clean oven interior and microwave. Remove crumbs and stains.
- Descale the sink and polish fixtures.
Why this matters: The kitchen sells the house. Buyers check appliances and storage. Dirty cabinets and greasy surfaces trigger negotiation points.
Bathrooms
- Remove soap scum and hard water stains from glass, tiles, and fixtures.
- Clean grout lines or re-caulk where needed.
- Sanitize toilets, sinks, and tubs. Replace stained shower curtains.
- Clear and organize medicine cabinets and under-sink storage.
Why this matters: Bathrooms either reassure buyers or raise red flags about maintenance.
Living areas and bedrooms
- Dust high and low: ceiling fans, crown moldings, baseboards.
- Vacuum carpets and shampoo where stained. Consider professional cleaning for older carpets.
- Clean windows inside and out where accessible. Bright rooms sell.
- Remove personal photos and heavy clutter. Leave a few neutral touches.
Why this matters: Buyers want space and light. Clean rooms feel larger and newer.
Floors, baseboards and vents
- Sweep and mop all floors. Rent a floor scrubber for tough grime on tiles.
- Clean baseboards and door frames — buyers notice scuffs.
- Dust and vacuum vents and replace HVAC filters.
Why this matters: Clean floors and vents signal home health. HVAC maintenance reduces buyer worry.
Appliances and mechanical spaces
- Clean washer and dryer lint traps and the area behind units.
- Wipe down the furnace, utility room, and water heater area. Leave manuals and receipts neatly stacked.
- Clear access to electrical panels and label breakers.
Why this matters: Inspections focus on safety and access. A tidy mechanical room reduces inspection objections.
Basement, garage and storage
- Declutter and sweep out. Remove old paint cans, chemicals, and expired items.
- Clear a visible path and light the space for showings.
Why this matters: Buyers see basements and garages as value add. A messy space lowers perceived value.
Exterior and curb appeal
- Power wash driveway, walkway, and siding.
- Tidy landscaping: trim hedges, mow, rake, and remove dead plants.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. Repair any loose eaves or boards.
- Paint or refinish the front door, clean hardware, and add a welcoming mat.
Why this matters: First impressions begin at the curb. Clean exteriors convert drive-bys into showings.
Quick checklist for last 48 hours
- Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms again.
- Vacuum and mop all floors.
- Remove all trash and personal items.
- Leave clean, minimal staging items (fresh towels, a bowl of fruit, a plant).
- Crack windows for 10 minutes before showings to air out.
Save time: when to DIY vs hire pros
Hire pros when time or quality matters:
- Carpet shampooing: use pros for heavy stains.
- Oven and appliance deep cleans: pros get it spotless faster.
- Power washing and exterior jobs in winter.
DIY when it’s low cost and quick:
- Dusting, wiping cabinets, decluttering, and staging.
- Replacing bulbs, HVAC filters, and small hardware fixes.
A good breakdown: spend 60% of cleaning budget on kitchen, bathrooms, and photos. The remaining 40% on floors, exterior, and mechanical spaces.
Pricing guide (Georgetown market rough estimates)
- Basic professional clean (3-bedroom home): $150–$300
- Deep kitchen + oven clean: $100–$250
- Carpet cleaning (per room): $30–$80
- Power washing driveway and siding: $150–$400
Investing a few hundred dollars in cleaning often returns thousands in sale price or faster selling time.
Local Georgetown tips that matter
- Seasonal timing: In Georgetown, spring and fall markets are busiest. Clean exteriors before spring photos — melt-out and mud can make properties look neglected in March.
- Bring brightness: The town has narrow downtown streets and older homes. Clean windows and lighting to make interiors feel light and airy.
- Buyers care about basements: Many Georgetown buyers want usable basement space. A clean, dry-looking basement increases perceived usable square footage.
- Parking and curb clarity: For showings, clear the driveway of vehicles so buyers see parking potential.
Inspection and legal wins
Clean homes reduce inspector concerns. Common failing notes come from:
- Rusty or leaking fixtures under sinks.
- Blocked mechanical access.
- Heavy dust or mold signs in basements and attics.
Fix or document these before listing. Provide receipts for recent furnace service or pest control. This builds buyer confidence and speeds closing.
Photo and listing day plan
- Clean rooms for photos first — remove clutter and personal items.
- Stage minimally: neutral pillows, one plant, a tidy table.
- Hire a photographer. Bright, clean photos increase showings dramatically.
- Keep the house guest-ready for the first two weeks after listing.
Call to action
Want a selling plan tailored to your Georgetown home? I’m Tony Sousa — local realtor in Georgetown, Ontario. I’ll walk your cleaning checklist with you, recommend vendors, and time the cleaning for inventory photos and showings. Contact me: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — fast answers for Georgetown homeowners
Q: Do I need a full deep clean before listing my house?
A: No, but you must deep-clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and any visible mechanical areas. Prioritize what buyers touch.
Q: Will cleaning affect appraisal value?
A: Yes. Clean, well-maintained homes appraise higher because appraisers compare to similar move-in-ready properties.
Q: How long before listing should I clean?
A: Start 7–14 days before listing. Do a photo-clean 2–3 days before the photographer arrives and a quick refresh before each weekend of showings.
Q: Which cleaning job gives the best ROI?
A: Kitchen and bathroom deep-cleans, carpet cleaning, and exterior curb improvements. They increase buyer confidence and offers.
Q: Should I disclose cleaning receipts or maintenance work?
A: Yes. A folder with recent service receipts (furnace, roof, pest control) builds trust and reduces buyer hesitation.
Q: Do buyers expect cleaners to remove odors and pet stains?
A: Absolutely. Pet odors and stains are major deal killers. Address them professionally.
Q: What if I’m selling in winter in Georgetown?
A: Focus on interior warmth and brightness. Clear walkways of snow, salt driveway, and remove winter clutter. Bright photos and well-lit interiors offset dreary weather.
Q: Do I need to be present for showings while cleaning?
A: No. Ideally you’re not home. Leave the house tidy and let your agent manage showings.
Q: Can cleaning speed up closing?
A: Yes. Cleaner homes generate fewer inspection requests and fewer seller concessions.
Q: How do I choose a cleaning company in Georgetown?
A: Ask for references, sample photos, insurance, and a written checklist. Compare two quotes and check local reviews.
If you want a walk-through checklist for your specific Georgetown property, or vendor recommendations for cleaners, carpet pros, and power washers, email me at tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. I handle the selling plan. You handle the moving.
