Just Bought a Home in Vancouver? Here’s What to Clean Before You Move In

Buying a home in Vancouver is a huge milestone. Between closing paperwork, moving logistics, and setting up utilities, cleaning often becomes an afterthought.

Here’s the truth many new homeowners learn too late:

A home can look clean—and still not be clean.

Knowing what to clean before moving into a new Vancouver home makes the difference between starting fresh and inheriting months (or years) of hidden buildup. There’s a short window—before furniture and boxes arrive—when deep cleaning is easier, faster, and far more effective.

This guide walks through exactly what to clean before move-in and why professional move-in cleaning is often worth it.

Why Cleaning Before Move-In Matters (Especially in Vancouver)

Many Vancouver homes sit empty for weeks or even months before possession. During that time:

• Dust settles on every surface

• Moisture builds up

• Odors linger

• Residue from previous owners remains

Even homes that appear spotless often hide grime from staging, showings, or light renovations.

Cleaning after you move in means working around furniture and daily life. Cleaning before move-in resets the home properly.

The Move-In Cleaning Rule Professionals Follow

If it’s easier to clean now than later, clean it now.

This rule applies to:

• Floors

• Cabinets

• Appliances

• Closets

• Bathrooms

• Walls

  
  

Once furniture is in place, these areas become harder to reach—and often skipped.

What to Clean Before Moving Into a New Vancouver Home

🏠 Whole-Home Priorities

✔ Floors (before furniture arrives)

Tip: This is the only time you can clean every inch properly, especially corners and edges.

✔ Baseboards and trim

Tip: Dust builds up during showings and staging. Clean them before they fade into the background again.

✔ Walls and door frames

Tip: Focus on corners, hand-height areas, and behind doors.

✔ Vents and air returns

Tip: Vancouver homes trap dust over winter. Clean vents to improve air quality from day one.

✔ Light fixtures and switch plates

Tip: These collect oils and dust but are rarely cleaned by sellers.

🍽️ Kitchen (Most Important Room to Clean First)

✔ Inside cabinets and drawers

Tip: Even “clean” kitchens often hide crumbs, grease, or shelf liner residue.

✔ Cabinet fronts and handles

Tip: Sticky residue means layered grease, especially in older Vancouver homes.

✔ Inside appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher)

Tip: Sellers often wipe the outside only.

✔ Range hood and filters

Tip: One of the most common sources of lingering cooking odors.

✔ Backsplash and grout

Tip: Grout absorbs grease over time and dulls quickly if skipped.

🛁 Bathrooms (Full Hygiene Reset)

✔ Toilets (inside, outside, and behind)

Tip: The floor behind toilets is often the dirtiest spot in the room.

✔ Showers, tubs, and grout

Tip: Moisture plus time equals buildup. Clean thoroughly before regular use.

✔ Vanity drawers and cabinets

Tip: Remove all residue from past products.

✔ Exhaust fans

Tip: Dusty fans recirculate moisture instead of removing it.

🛏️ Bedrooms & Closets

✔ Closet shelves and rods

Tip: Dust falls directly onto clean clothes if shelves are ignored.

✔ Windowsills and tracks

Tip: Vancouver moisture collects here year-round.

✔ Walls and doors

Tip: Focus on corners and light switches.

🧺 Laundry Rooms & Storage Areas

✔ Washer seals and detergent trays

Tip: Mold often hides where detergent sits.

✔ Dryer lint areas

Tip: Lint buildup is common and a fire risk.

✔ Storage shelves

Tip: Clean before organizing to avoid re-dirtying items.

What New Homeowners Often Miss

❌ Inside cabinets

❌ Range hood filters

❌ Vent covers

❌ Baseboards behind doors

❌ Inside closets

❌ Behind appliances

These areas affect how clean your home feels, even if they’re not obvious at first glance.

DIY vs Professional Move-In Cleaning

Many homeowners plan to clean themselves—and then call professionals anyway.

Professional move-in cleaning in Vancouver:

✔ Reaches every surface

✔ Uses proper degreasers and tools

✔ Saves hours during a stressful move

✔ Lets you unpack into a truly clean home

For many buyers, this becomes one of the best small investments after purchase.

When to Schedule Move-In Cleaning

✔ After possession

✔ Before furniture delivery

✔ Before unpacking

✔ After light renovations or painting

This timing makes cleaning faster, more effective, and often less expensive.

Final Thought

You only get one chance to start fresh in a new home.

A proper move-in clean removes the past, improves air quality, and lets you enjoy your space from day one—especially in Vancouver’s damp climate.

Moving Into a New Vancouver Home?

Book professional move-in cleaning in Vancouver and start fresh with confidence.

👉 Free quotes

👉 Flexible scheduling

👉 Eco-friendly options available

Book Today