Here's a checklist of everything you need to do

It's that time of the year, so get your cleaning gloves on and prepare to ready your room for the big move out. It's important to make sure your room and shared spaces are left in good condition to make sure you're not invoiced for additional cleaning charges.

Here's a list of everything you need to do before you check out: 

🛌 Bedroom  

• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings, place rubbish in the designated bins and separate the recycling if available
• Vacuum the floor
• Wipe down all surfaces – including window sills, skirting boards, wardrobes, drawers, and walls where necessary
• Clean washbasin using a bathroom cleaner
• Remove all items/belongings in accordance of section 7.4.1, all items unclaimed after 14 days will be disposed of and charges will be applied for storing and disposal 

🚿 Bathrooms & En-suites

• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings, place rubbish in the designated bins
• Clean washbasin, toilet and shower tray using a bathroom cleaner
• Wipe down all tiled areas using a bathroom cleaner
• Wipe down all surface, including the mirror 
• Mop en-suite floor

🍳 Kitchen

• Remove all rubbish and personal belongings, place rubbish in the designated bins and separate the recycling if available
• Empty cupboards and wipe inside and out, if you have unopened food items which you no longer want, donate them to the foodbank via your hall reception
• Wipe down all surfaces, including the skirting boards and windowsills
• Clean the microwave, fridge and freezer both inside and out (unplug appliances if you are the last to leave) 
• Remove grease and clean the cooker/oven thoroughly, including the grill pan, extractor hood, shelves, hob and rings using a kitchen cleaner
• Empty the bin and clean inside and out
• Mop the floor
• Wipe down the table and chairs

If you're one of the first people to leave your shared flat, be respectful to your housemates and don't leave the cleaning responsibility to other residents, discuss how you are going to share the workload in advance. 

So you've done the cleaning, what next? Here's our step-by-step guide to checking out.