Moving out of a rental in Fort McMurray usually ends with one last job: cleaning the unit before the final inspection. Whether you rent an apartment, condo, townhome or house, a clean handover makes the walkthrough with your landlord or property manager go more smoothly. This room-by-room move-out cleaning checklist covers what to clean, the spots people often miss, and how to time cleaning around moving day.
Before you start: check your lease and inspection report
In Alberta, landlords complete an inspection report with the tenant at the start and end of a tenancy. Before you clean, find your move-in inspection report and your lease. They show the condition the unit was in when you moved in and any cleaning terms you agreed to. Use them to:
- Note any marks or damage that were already there when you moved in
- Check whether your lease mentions carpet cleaning, window coverings or appliances
- Confirm the date and time you must return the keys
- Book the move-out inspection with your landlord or property manager
Cleaning is much easier once the furniture is gone, so plan to clean after the truck is loaded. If you are booking movers, ask about our move-out cleaning in Fort McMurray so the cleaning team can start as soon as the rooms are empty. Still a few weeks from moving day? Follow our guide on how to prepare for movers week by week.
Supplies to have ready
- All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, degreaser and bathroom cleaner
- Microfibre cloths, sponges and a scrub brush
- Vacuum with attachments, broom, mop and bucket
- Garbage bags and a step stool for high shelves
- Rubber gloves
Keep these out of your moving boxes, or pack a separate “cleaning day” box that stays behind.
Kitchen move-out cleaning checklist
The kitchen often gets the closest look during an inspection.
- Empty and wipe inside every cupboard and drawer, including the top shelves
- Clean cupboard doors, handles and the kickplates under the cabinets
- Degrease the stovetop, knobs, range hood and filter
- Clean the oven inside, including racks and the glass door
- Empty the fridge and freezer, wipe all shelves and drawers, and clean the door seals
- Pull out the fridge and stove if you can do so safely, and clean the floor and sides
- Clean the dishwasher door, edges and filter
- Scrub the sink and faucet, and wipe countertops and backsplash
Bathroom checklist
- Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
- Remove soap scum and hard-water marks from the tub, shower walls and glass
- Clean the sink, faucet, mirror and medicine cabinet
- Wipe inside vanity drawers and cupboards
- Clean the exhaust fan cover and light fixtures
- Wash the floor, paying attention to corners and around the toilet
Bedrooms, living room and closets
- Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and the tops of door frames
- Wipe light switches, outlet covers and door handles
- Clean baseboards and window sills
- Wash windows on the inside and clean window tracks
- Empty closets and wipe shelves and rods
- Spot-clean marks on walls where it is safe to do so (test a small area first)
- Vacuum carpets and wash hard floors
Spots renters often miss
- Inside the oven and behind the fridge and stove
- Window tracks and patio door tracks
- Baseboards, vents and heat registers
- Inside the washer and dryer, including the lint trap
- Balcony, patio or garage, if they are part of your rental
- Entryway closets, which fill with gravel and salt during Fort McMurray winters
Timing your move-out cleaning
- Move first, clean second. Cleaners need empty rooms to reach floors, baseboards and the backs of cupboards.
- Leave enough time. Give yourself a buffer between the truck leaving and the final inspection.
- Keep the utilities on. You need water, power and heat until the cleaning is done, especially during a winter move in Fort McMurray.
- Do a final walkthrough. Check every room, close windows, and take photos before you hand back the keys.
Save time with a moving and cleaning package
Doing the move and a full clean on the same day is a lot of work. Noah Moving & Cleaning can take care of both:
- Noah Complete Move — 25% off: moving plus move-out cleaning for your old home.
- Noah Full Service — 30% off: packing, moving, unpacking, and cleaning.
See all four options on our moving and cleaning packages page. Contact us for details and to book. Moving into a condo or townhome next? Our condo and townhome movers can plan around your new building’s rules.
Noah Moving & Cleaning is federally licensed in Canada and licensed by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, and carries WCB coverage, cargo insurance, and liability insurance for moving and cleaning services.
Frequently asked questions
When should I do move-out cleaning?
After all your belongings are out of the unit and before the final inspection. Empty rooms are faster and easier to clean properly.
Do I need to clean the oven and fridge before moving out?
These are areas landlords commonly check, so clean them inside and out. Check your lease and move-in inspection report for any specific requirements.
How much does professional move-out cleaning cost?
The price depends on factors such as the size of the unit, its condition, and the date. Request a free quote with your details.
Can I book move-out cleaning together with my move?
Yes. The Noah Complete Move package combines your move with move-out cleaning for the home you are leaving. Contact us for details and to book.
Book your move-out cleaning
Want to hand back the keys without the stress of a last-minute clean? Call Noah Moving & Cleaning at (780) 607-2205 or request your free quote online.