Cleaning before a move - tips and encouragement please!

[whatsinmypockets]

Leaving my house on Thursday where I've lived (alone) for the last 4 years.

Almost all my stuff has already gone with movers, so it's just final chucking out and donating to do – and then a mammoth deep clean.

I started today and thought I'd be methodical about it (room by room) but in reality I've been doing bits and bobs all over the place, I just finally sat down and I'm head-to-toe filthy, my hair is a state, and I'm knackered!

Definitely made good progress but I'd love a bit of a pep talk and advice from more seasoned Mumsnetters!

What's going to speed things up for me?
What am I probably going to forget to do?
Since I'm going to be living in the house a few more days, what should I leave til last and what can I reasonably get done tomorrow without it getting dirty again?

Help please!

Get rid of anything you’re not keeping, so if there’s stuff to donate at least get it out of the house and in the car. That’s got to be your priority, if the house isn’t spotless so be it but you can’t leave stuff behind.

Start at the top (of each room) and work down. If you’ve got picture rails, don’t forget to do them, and get cobwebs out of the corners.

If most of the furniture has gone, surely it’s just a case of hoovering and maybe wiping windowsills and skirting? Stick to one room at a time and don’t leave it until it’s done.

Wipe out the kitchen cupboards, bathroom cupboard if there is one. Don’t forget to check the top shelves of fitted wardrobes (quite a few things left behind in my house).
Clean the oven if it’s built-in?

Honestly, I think it’s just a case of being methodical, as you clear each room, close the door, and don’t revisit it.

Not sure I have many tips but will be doing the same very soon. I think you can get mid job blues with this kind of thing so can be good to be prepared for that. I’m following my energy and doing anything I can find the motivation for so room by room or bits an d bobs, it will come together. Audio books can help when you’re just cleaning and no thinking needed. On the last day cleaning a parent’s place before selling I worked my way through and ended up just using the kitchen , hope it goes smoothly!

@MerelyPlaying into the car is a good shout – I've got a pile of things in the hallway and that on its own is feeling a bit chaotic. It was a rental so furniture is still here, so I'll have to wash couch cushions and inside the freezer and things like that, and work around what's staying in each room.

But you're right, I think the presence of 'stuff' is getting in the way... will prioritise that in the morning.

@Swimmingatdusk definitely started feeling the 'ugh' at about 5pm today! I've got podcasts on the go so those are helping.

Ah if it’s furnished that’s more difficult. Same principle though - get rid of anything that’s not staying. I’d wash/vacuum/clean any soft furnishings first, clean inside cupboards, fridge, oven. Then work room by room.

I know it costs but I think I’d be tempted to get professional help for a rental clean, however I’m sure there’s nothing they do that you can’t do yourself.

Good luck!