Don’t be Cinderella

Lately we’ve encountered numerours apartments that need minimum to substantial cleaning once tenants have vacated. There will always be those who just don’t care how they leave things and truly, there isn’t a lot a management company can do to change that mind-set. The apartments I wish to discuss are the good tenants that leave apartments in mediocre condition.

It seems everyone is short of time. In today’s hectic pace, where do you find the time to get everything done? The challenges you face when moving are stressful, time-consuming and exhausting. Let’s be honest, once the truck is loaded (two hours later than expected), you’re dreading unloading the thing, and now you need to turn around and clean?! Never mind cleaning the new place! I get it. I’ve moved a lot. After all of that, who really cares if the cabinets are wiped down?

A few tips to make moving day easier. Some of these tips worked for me and others have been shared by a few of our tenants. These maybe common sense but a refresher never hinders the process.

1. If it isn’t a long distance move, move one day and complete the move out cleaning the next day.

2. Pack early, leaving out the bare essentials. Consolidate boxes near the entries and clean as you pack. I’ve emptied rooms and fully cleaned them days before moving day arrived.

3. If you’re fortunate, you’ll have help moving. Assign one or two people for cleaning only. Moving is hard-work but move-out cleaning is hard as well. Don’t get exhausted moving and leave no energy for cleaning.

4. Empty rooms one at a time so the aforementioned cleaners can get to work. Many people have a tendency to leave a few things in every room. Not only does that scatter your energies, it makes final cleaning next to impossible. Empty, clean, and close the door. Not only is it more efficient, you can see your progress.

5. Unless they’re strong and helpful, find a sitter for the kids. Moving can be confusing for little ones. Don’t add to the trauma with a tired, frustrated parent scolding them for being underfoot, unpacking their toys…again, or crying for snacks.

6. Stock the refrigerator. People need food and beverage, especially if your movers are volunteers. If possible, stock the refrigerator in the old place and new. Nothing is more frustrating than losing the moving flow because you have to run to the store for drinks or lunch.

7. Make sure you have everything to clean. I once helped someone move and we burned 45 minutes running to the store for cleaners, a mop, bucket, and vacuum bags. The bags were wrong and we wound up at the store again. Total time wasted 80 minutes.

8. You know that food and cleaners we mentioned? They’ll make this tip easier…really try not to annoy the help!! Never take for granted family, friends, and volunteers! You may need them again. From someone who owns a piano and many, many books, treat your people well. Organization and food are deeply appreciated. Sincere thanks goes a long way.

9. Easiest tip of all, hire someone to clean. Saving yourself the hassle just may be worth the expense. Lot of residents believe the cost of hiring someone will have the same effect of having the cost deducted from their deposit. I can’t tell you which may be less expensive; each apartment and each area will be different. I can tell you your rental reference will be more positive, if we’re not deducting cleaning from your deposit.