The last thing you want to do before you leave one home to start another is clean out the old place. But alas, it must be done, so just throw on some tunes, grin and bear it. If your place is just surface dirty and not damaged, how well you clean could be the difference between getting back your deposit money that has been held hostage for years or not. So here is a checklist of things not to forget as you prepare your home for its next inhabitants.

 Everywhere:

• Take all nails and screws out of the walls and ceiling and putty them smoothly.
• Dust the ceiling fixtures.
• Dust all ledges.
• Clean the windows.
• Clean the door knobs and doors.
• Clean all light switches and outlets.
• Clean the walls and baseboards.
• Vacuum (get any stains out of the carpet, or get the carpet professionally cleaned).
• Get rid of all cobwebs.

 Bathroom:

• Get soap scum off the bathroom tiles and tub/shower and bleach the grout.
• Clean out the bathroom drawers and vanity, making sure you get all the hair out (and remove any liners).
• Clean the toilet, sink, counter top and finally the floor (sweep and mop). If the toilet seat is unsavory looking, replace it.
• Clean the mirror.
• Vacuum out the surface of the exhaust fan if super dusty.

Kitchen:

• Clean out all cabinets and liners.
• Wash the front of the cabinets.
• Clean and disinfect all counter tops.
• Clean and shine up the sink and faucet.
• Scrub the refrigerator inside and out. Remove all shelves and clean separately if necessary.
• Scrub the oven inside and out. Remove shelving, drip pans and burners. Use steel wool, it is your friend.
• Clean out the dishwasher if you have one.
• Clean exhaust fan if needed.
• Remove all appliances and sweep behind them.

Bedrooms/Living Room:

• Dust, sweep, vacuum and mop these empty rooms.