The short answer: clean after repairs and before boxes
The best move-in cleaning window is after repairs, painting, and the previous occupants have left, but before furniture arrives. Confirm that water and power work, photograph the property condition, then clean empty cabinets and appliances, the bathroom, other surfaces, and finally the floors.
That window is often short. Do not schedule the truck, repairs, and cleaning in the same space at the same time. In Montreal, elevator, loading, or truck parking rules can create fixed hours. Keep a separate cleaning block and leave drying time.
- Dust-producing work finished
- Property empty
- Water and power active
- Keys and access confirmed
- Products suited to surfaces
- Inspection time before boxes
Inspect before touching surfaces
Take dated photos of floors, counters, appliances, and bathrooms. Note what appears to be soil, wear, or a repair. A dark grout line, a scratch in wood, and a leak under the sink need different responses.
In Quebec, the Tribunal administratif du logement states that tenants must keep a rental in a good state of cleanliness and remove their belongings at the end of a lease. A cleaning checklist does not replace a condition report, communication with the landlord, or legal advice.
- Wide photos followed by details
- Meters or keys documented separately
- Wear recorded before scrubbing
- Leak or damage reported
- Inaccessible zones listed
Clean what becomes inaccessible after move-in
Start inside empty cabinets, closets, shelves, and included appliances. Check manufacturer directions before cleaning the oven, refrigerator, cooktop, or stone surface. The space behind a heavy appliance should only be handled when it can be moved safely and is part of the scope.
Continue with the bathroom, handles, switches, baseboards, and ledges. Vacuum and wash floors last. Let them dry before movers place boxes; damp flooring under cardboard can keep marks or become slippery.
- Empty cabinets and drawers
- Closets and shelves
- Confirmed appliances
- Complete bathroom
- Handles and switches
- Floors last
Coordinate Montreal access without losing the cleaning window
Book the elevator or loading area under the building rules. If a truck must occupy the street, check your borough process. The City of Montreal says a temporary public-domain occupation permit may be needed for signs, parking meters, a container, or certain pedestrian streets.
The cleaning provider is not automatically responsible for the truck permit, concierge, or movers. Write down who opens the door, who receives keys, and how the alarm works. Keep one contact reachable for the whole window.
- Elevator booked
- Loading point confirmed
- Building rules read
- Cleaning time separate from truck time
- Contact present or reachable
Prepare a backup plan when key handoff slips
A late key can cut the cleaning window in half. Rank tasks: washrooms and kitchen surfaces first, empty cabinets and closets next, details and windows last. When repairs still produce dust, postpone floors instead of washing them twice.
Before the day, confirm what happens when access fails: new date, possible charges, reduced scope, or cancellation. A written decision takes minutes and avoids negotiating while the truck waits.
- Priority 1: kitchen and bathroom
- Priority 2: empty storage
- Priority 3: surfaces and baseboards
- Priority 4: windows and details
- Written delay rule
Frequently asked questions
When should move-in cleaning happen?
After repairs, painting, and the previous occupants leave, then before furniture and boxes arrive. Leave enough time for floors to dry.
What should be cleaned in an empty home?
Prioritize empty cabinets and closets, included appliances, the bathroom, baseboards, ledges, handles, and floors. Confirm windows and appliance interiors as add-ons.
Can cleaning happen during the move?
It can be split by zone, but it is less efficient. Movers carry dust and boxes through the space; leave at least the floors and final check until they finish.
Helpful sources
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