Moving out is stressful enough without scrubbing behind the fridge at 11 PM the night before your walkthrough. Whether you’re tackling the cleaning yourself or thinking about bringing in some help, this checklist covers what Helena landlords and property managers typically expect before they hand that deposit back.
Before You Start
A few things worth doing before you grab the cleaning supplies:
- Read your lease. Some landlords in Helena require professional carpet cleaning. Others just want “broom-swept.” Know what you’re working with before you spend a Saturday on your hands and knees.
- Take photos. Photograph every room before and after cleaning. If there’s a dispute about your deposit later, you’ll be glad you did.
- Work top to bottom. Dust falls. Clean ceilings and light fixtures first, floors last.
Kitchen
The kitchen is where most deposit deductions happen. Landlords check here first.
- Clean inside the oven, microwave, and dishwasher (yes, inside — pull out the racks)
- Wipe down the refrigerator inside and out, including the top and the coils behind it
- Scrub the stovetop, drip pans, and range hood
- Clean countertops, backsplash, and sink — don’t forget the faucet and handles
- Wipe down cabinet fronts, inside shelves, and drawers
- Clean behind and under the stove and fridge (this is the one people skip — don’t skip it)
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind it
- Clean the tub, shower walls, and grout lines
- Wipe down the vanity, sink, mirror, and faucet
- Clean inside the medicine cabinet and any drawers
- Wipe down light fixtures and exhaust fan
Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Wipe down all baseboards (Montana’s dust gets everywhere, especially in winter)
- Clean window sills, tracks, and glass — inside and out if accessible
- Remove any nails or hooks and fill holes with spackle
- Clean closet shelves, rods, and floors
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Wipe down all doors and door frames, including the tops
Floors
- Vacuum all carpets (if professional cleaning isn’t required by your lease)
- Mop hard floors — pay attention to corners and edges
- Clean any floor vents or registers
Final Details
- Replace any burned-out light bulbs
- Check the garage or storage area
- Remove all personal items, trash, and leftover moving supplies
- Do one final walkthrough with your phone camera rolling
Rather Not Do This Yourself?
We get it. Between packing, coordinating the move, and trying to remember where you put the box with all the tape, cleaning is the last thing you want to think about. That’s what we’re here for.
Nautilus Group offers move-in and move-out cleaning services throughout Helena and Lewis & Clark County. We’ll handle the scrubbing so you can focus on not losing the cat during the move.