Moving Into a Vancouver Apartment? Clean These 10 Things First

Moving into a new apartment in Vancouver is exciting—but before you start unpacking, there’s something most renters don’t realize until it’s too late: Apartment turnover cleaning is not the same as deep cleaning.

Even in well-managed buildings, move-in standards focus on what looks clean, not what is clean. In condos especially, tight spaces, shared ventilation, and moisture make skipped areas noticeable fast.

If you want your unit to feel truly fresh, knowing what to clean before moving into a Vancouver apartment makes all the difference.

Why Apartment Move-In Cleaning Matters in Vancouver

Apartments in Vancouver often go through quick turnovers. During that process:

• Dust settles while units sit empty

• Moisture builds up, especially in bathrooms

• Grease lingers in small kitchens

• High-touch areas go untouched

Once furniture and boxes arrive, deep cleaning becomes harder—and often gets skipped completely.

Clean These 10 Things First When Moving Into a Vancouver Apartment

1. Inside Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers

Cabinets are rarely cleaned inside between tenants.

Why this matters in Vancouver apartments: Small kitchens mean grease and crumbs build up faster, and odors linger.

Tip: Wipe shelves before putting dishes away. Once cabinets are full, this step almost never happens.

2. Fridge (Inside, Not Just the Door)

Many apartments only get a surface wipe.

Check these areas:

• Crisper drawers

• Door seals

• Back wall

Old spills often turn into odors once the fridge is running.

3. Stove, Oven & Range Hood Filter

Cooking grease hides here—even when the unit looks clean.

Condo pain point:

Limited ventilation means grease and smells stay trapped longer.

Tip: Range hood filters must be removed and soaked, not sprayed.

4. Bathroom Exhaust Fan

One of the most overlooked areas in apartment cleaning.

Why it matters in Vancouver: Humidity plus dust creates mold risk quickly.

If the fan sounds loud or weak, it’s likely clogged.

5. Shower Grout & Corners

Tile can look clean while grout holds residue.

Focus on:

• Corners

• Grout lines

• Around fixtures

Soap residue traps bacteria and dulls surfaces over time.

6. Floors (Before Furniture Goes In)

This is your only chance to clean every inch properly.

Vancouver-specific issue: Rain and grit track through hallways and elevators, settling along edges. Clean floors before boxes and furniture block access.

7. Baseboards & Door Frames

These show how thorough the last clean really was.

Why it matters: Dust builds up during showings, repairs, and vacancy.

Dirty baseboards often mean other hidden areas were skipped too.

8. Window Sills & Tracks

High-rise apartments collect moisture and grime here.

Why it matters: Condensation sits in tracks all winter.

Tip: Wipe dry after cleaning to help prevent mildew.

9. Closets & Shelving

Closets are often skipped during turnovers.

Why it matters: Dust falls directly onto clean clothes.

Clean shelves and rods before unpacking—it’s a one-time opportunity.

10. Light Switches, Handles & High-Touch Areas

These are touched by everyone—and rarely disinfected.

High-touch zones include:

• Light switches

• Door handles

• Closet pulls

• Appliance handles

Clean these before your first night in the unit.

What Most Apartment Move-Ins Miss

Even “professionally cleaned” apartments often skip:

• Inside cabinets

• Range hood filters

• Exhaust fans

• Window tracks

• Closet shelving

That’s why many renters choose professional apartment cleaning in Vancouver before unpacking.

When Professional Apartment Move-In Cleaning Is Worth It

✔ Tight move-in timelines

✔ Small kitchens and bathrooms

✔ High-rise condos with limited airflow

✔ Wanting a true fresh start

Professional move-in apartment cleaning reaches areas property managers don’t—and saves hours during an already busy move.

Final Thought

Your apartment will never be easier to clean than it is right now—empty, accessible, and untouched.

A proper move-in clean sets the baseline for how your space feels long-term, especially in Vancouver apartments where space and air quality matter.

Ready to Start Fresh?

Book professional apartment cleaning in Vancouver and move in with confidence.

👉 Apartment & condo specialists

👉 Eco-friendly options available

👉 Flexible scheduling

Book Today