The Move-In Cleaning Checklist for Luxury Homes

Comprehensive move-in cleaning checklist for luxury homes — what to clean before unpacking, what to inspect, and how to set up for ongoing care.

Why Move-In Cleaning Is Not Optional

Even when a home is sold “professionally cleaned,” the standard varies wildly. Move-in cleaning lets you reset every surface to your standard before your possessions land, and lets you inspect the home in clean conditions — uncovering issues the prior owner concealed.

The Pre-Furniture Checklist

Every cabinet interior wiped — kitchen and bathroom. Inside of every drawer. Closets vacuumed and wiped. Inside of dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, microwave, and washing machine. All hardware (knobs, handles) sanitized. Light fixtures, ceiling fans, and HVAC vents cleaned. All windows interior. Baseboards and door frames. Floors deep cleaned and (if marble or hardwood) inspected for damage.

What to Inspect While Cleaning

Hidden water damage behind appliances. Cabinet hinges loose or broken. Drawer slides failed. Outlets dead or sparking. Smoke detectors past their date. HVAC filters never changed. Garage door tracks bent. Pool equipment leaking. Document all findings with photos before unpacking.

Setting Up Ongoing Care

Move-in is the moment to establish the ongoing schedule: weekly or bi-weekly residential cleaning, monthly deep cleaning of one zone, quarterly window service, annual marble sealing, biannual hardwood evaluation. Documenting now saves you from chasing later.

Need Professional Help?

FJ Luxury Services provides Move In Out across Beverly Hills, Bel-Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Hollywood Hills, Malibu, Hidden Hills, and Calabasas. Call (747) 966-0525 for a free consultation.