At Tomms, we’ve been doing home maintenance for quite some time and a lot of the handyman work and house cleaning we do is for people looking to sell there home! We’ve noticed some trends and we’re here to share those with you, so you can get the most out of your home when selling.
First off, we recommend scheduling a cleaning. Whether that’s with professionals like Tomms or you roll up your sleeves and do it yourself or with your family. Here are the action items that are on Tomms move out cleaning checklist if you’re looking to do it yourself.
1. Whole Home Clean-Up
- Dust and Polish:
- Ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents get a thorough dusting.
- Wipe down walls, baseboards, and window sills to remove all traces of dust.
- Clean and polish doors, door frames, and light switches.
- Shiny Windows:
- Sparkling clean windows, inside and out, including the tracks and frames.
- Floor Perfection:
- We’ll vacuum your carpets (and even offer steam cleaning if needed).
- Hard floors get a detailed sweep and mop for that perfect finish.
- Closet Clear-Out:
- Empty closets are wiped down, including doors and shelves.
2. Kitchen Deep Clean
- Appliance TLC:
- Refrigerator: We empty, wipe down, and sanitize every nook and cranny.
- Oven & Stove: Deep clean the oven, racks, and stovetop—goodbye, grease!
- Microwave: Inside, outside, and underneath—no spot is missed.
- Dishwasher: Sparkling inside and ready for the next cycle.
- Range Hood: Filters cleaned and surfaces wiped down to remove all residue.
- Cabinet Care:
- Empty cabinets and drawers get a wipe-down inside and out.
- Handles and knobs are cleaned to a shine.
- Countertops & Sink:
- Every surface disinfected and gleaming, from countertops to backsplash.
- Sink and faucet scrubbed clean, including the garbage disposal.
- Floor Finish:
- Sweep and mop for a spotless kitchen floor.
3. Bathroom Sparkle
- Toilet Treatment:
- Scrubbed and disinfected inside and out.
- Sink & Countertops:
- All surfaces sanitized and polished.
- Shower & Tub Care:
- Deep clean to remove soap scum, mildew, and stains.
- Sparkling showerhead, walls, and drain.
- Mirror Shine:
- Streak-free mirrors for that extra sparkle.
- Cabinet & Drawer Clean-Up:
- Wiped down and sanitized, inside and out.
- Floor Finish:
- Sweep and mop for a pristine bathroom floor.
4. Laundry Room Refresh
- Washer & Dryer:
- Exterior wipe-down and interior drum cleaning.
- Lint trap cleaned and vents checked.
- Shelves & Cabinets:
- Cleaned and ready for the next load.
- Floor Finish:
- Swept and mopped to perfection.
5. Outdoor Areas (if needed)
- Exterior Excellence:
- Sweep porches, patios, and walkways clean.
- Wipe down outdoor furniture for a fresh look.
- Garage Clean-Up:
- Swept, cobweb-free, and ready for the next car.
6. Final Flourish
- Last-Minute Check:
- We ensure nothing is left behind—every closet, drawer, and cabinet checked.
- Trash Take-Out:
- All trash and recycling removed for a clean departure.
- Final Floor Sweep:
- A last sweep or vacuum leaves your floors looking flawless.
Once you do this one time clean, it’ll be important that you keep your house looking this way between open houses and showings. That means spending a little extra time each week cleaning and taking care of your space. After all, you want your house to feel like a HOME for prospective buyers and having a clean space is a big part in creating that feeling for buyers.
Another maintenance service that we recommend is giving your home a handyman facelift before selling. You’ve met with your realtor or an inspector has come through and giving you a laundry list of items that they recommend you get taken care of before selling. Some we’ve found really boost the sale price of your home, others we’ve found don’t get the highest return.
1. Exterior Maintenance: Curb Appeal
- Landscaping:
- Trim trees and bushes to ensure a clear view of the house.
- Mow the lawn, edge the walkways, and remove weeds to create a pristine appearance.
- Add seasonal flowers or fresh mulch for an inviting entrance.
- Exterior Surfaces:
- Refresh the paint on your front door and touch up any peeling paint on trim and siding.
- Pressure wash the siding, driveway, and walkways to remove grime and enhance your home’s look.
- Repair or replace damaged siding to maintain the integrity of your home.
- Roof and Gutters:
- Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.
- Replace any missing or damaged shingles to keep the roof in top condition.
- Check for leaks or wear that could be a concern during an inspection.
- Windows and Doors:
- Clean windows inside and out for a sparkling finish.
- Repair or replace any broken or fogged glass.
- Ensure doors operate smoothly—no squeaks or sticky locks.
2. Interior Maintenance
- Walls and Ceilings:
- Patch up any holes, cracks, or dents in walls, and apply a fresh coat of neutral paint to brighten the space.
- Address water stains or discoloration on ceilings, ensuring there are no underlying issues.
- Floors:
- Repair or replace any damaged tiles, hardwood, or carpeting to present a flawless finish.
- Deep clean carpets or consider replacement if they are heavily worn or outdated.
- Refinish hardwood floors for a polished, like-new appearance.
- Plumbing:
- Fix any leaky faucets and ensure all drains are clear and functioning properly.
- Check under sinks and in bathrooms for leaks and repair as necessary.
- Upgrade fixtures where needed for a modern touch.
- Electrical:
- Replace any burned-out bulbs and ensure all lights are operational.
- Repair any faulty switches or outlets.
- Heating and Cooling:
- Change air filters and clean HVAC units for optimal performance.
- Ensure the thermostat works properly.
- Schedule a maintenance check for the furnace and air conditioning systems to avoid any last-minute surprises.
3. Kitchen and Bathroom Updates: The Heart of the Home
- Kitchen:
- Repair any cabinet doors or drawers that don’t open or close properly.
- Replace outdated hardware with sleek, modern options.
- Ensure all appliances are spotless and in working order, ready to impress.
- Bathrooms:
- Re-caulk around tubs, showers, and sinks for a fresh, clean look.
- Replace outdated fixtures like faucets and showerheads with stylish, modern alternatives.
- Ensure toilets are securely attached and functioning flawlessly.
4. Safety and Functionality: Peace of Mind for Buyers
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
- Test all detectors to ensure they are in working order and replace batteries as needed.
- Handrails and Staircases:
- Tighten any loose handrails and repair creaky or unstable stairs.
- Security:
- Check that all window and door locks are secure and functional.
- Consider upgrading to a smart lock system to add value and convenience.
Tomms has helped people looking to sell there homes in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Maple Grove, and other suburbs around Minnesota by providing handyman and home cleaning services. We are happy to provide recommendations from our pros on what maintenance you should do to get top dollar for your home.
