Legal Requirements
You’ve sold your home and at last moving day has arrived, anticipating a busy day ahead your obligation for cleaning the home may be unclear. There is a legal responsibility to clean the home unless specified in your sales contract beyond what is referred to as “broom clean”. Broom clean means the seller should at the very least sweep floors, walls and the ceiling. In the absence of any legal requirement after vacating the home most sellers will take special steps to present the home in an acceptable condition.
Suggested Cleaning Tips
As the seller you’ll be busy and tired from your move and not wanting to spend a lot of time cleaning. You could consider hiring a cleaning service as a solution, however most buyers will proceed to clean to their own standards despite the seller’s efforts. Some suggestions before moving out are:
Inside the House
- Remove all personal property, the new owners shouldn’t have to deal with items you leave behind
- Vacuum floors
- Clean kitchen appliances, inside the fridge and oven, wipe down countertops
- Clean all sinks, toilets also the tub or shower
- Wipe down interior of cabinets and shelves
- Wash tile or vinyl flooring
Cleaning the Garage
- Remove all personal belongings
- Dispose of trash
- Safely dispose of any toxic chemicals
- Sweep floor
- Stack any cans of paint left to touchups, roofing materials or extra flooring left for the new owners
Finally leave the yard free of trash or debris, everything in the condition you would expect to find you new home. Moving day is stressful for everyone, it’s just common courtesy to do these things and besides it’s the right thing to do.
If you are about to make a move, contact us to learn more about our moving company which offers services to residents all over central Vancouver Island.