10 Essential Tips for a Cleaner Move

If the thought of strangers touching your stuff or setting boxes on your floors makes you cringe, you're not alone. Moving can feel chaotic, but there are ways to keep it cleaner and a little more manageable without making it a full-time job.

10 Essential Tips for a Cleaner Move

1. Grab a Mattress Bag

This one's worth the few extra dollars. Your mattress touches a lot during a move: door frames, truck walls, maybe even the ground. A bag keeps it sealed and protected the whole time.

💡 Pro Tip: Get the thick plastic ones, not the thin disposable bags. They're reusable and won't tear.

2. Line Your Boxes with Trash Bags

It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference. Especially if the boxes are reused, a clean trash bag inside creates a layer between your things and whatever was in there before.

💡 Best Practice: Use clear bags so you can still see what's inside without opening everything.

3. Wipe Things Down as You Pack

You don't need to deep clean every item, just give things like remotes, kitchen tools, and cords a quick wipe. Mark the boxes that are already cleaned so you can unpack without overthinking.

✅ Smart Move: Use different colored tape or stickers to mark "pre-cleaned" boxes.

4. Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Separate

Set aside a small bin with gloves, sanitizer, wipes, and spray. Keep it with you instead of packing it up. You'll want it on hand when you arrive.

🧽 Essential Moving Day Clean Kit:

Disinfecting wipes
Hand sanitizer
Disposable gloves
All-purpose cleaner
Paper towels
Trash bags

5. Clean the New Place Before Unpacking

Wipe down doorknobs, counters, and switches. Even if it looks fine, it feels better when you know it's been cleaned your way.

🎯 Quick New Home Clean List:

All doorknobs and light switches
Kitchen counters and cabinet handles
Bathroom surfaces
Inside of refrigerator and cabinets
Floors where boxes will be placed

6. Talk to Your Movers About Hygiene

Discussing hygiene standards with movers

Ask how they handle hygiene. Do they wear gloves? Clean their truck? If they don't offer what you need, we can help. We'll match you with companies that actually listen to this kind of stuff.

❓ Questions to Ask Your Moving Company:

Do your movers wear gloves during the move?
How often do you clean and sanitize your trucks?
Can you provide shoe covers for my new home?
What's your policy on handling personal/delicate items?
Do you use clean moving blankets and equipment?

7. Protect Your Floors and Surfaces

Lay down protective covers or old sheets on floors and surfaces before the movers arrive. This creates a barrier between their equipment and your space, plus makes cleanup easier afterward.

🛡️ Smart Protection: Use plastic sheeting for high-traffic areas and old blankets for furniture surfaces. Remove immediately after to prevent trapping moisture.

8. Disinfect Boxes and Moving Containers

If you're using rental crates or second-hand boxes, give them a quick wipe-down with disinfectant before packing. Focus on the inside surfaces where your items will sit.

🧽 Box Cleaning Quick List:

Spray inside with disinfectant
Wipe down handles and corners
Let air dry for 5-10 minutes
Line with clean bags if still concerned
Check for stains or odors before using

9. Set Up Hand Sanitizer Stations

Place small bottles of hand sanitizer in key locations: near the front door, in the kitchen, and by your car. Make it easy for everyone (including movers) to clean their hands frequently.

🧴 Strategic Placement: Put one bottle in each room where you'll be actively packing or directing movers. Offer it to your moving crew - they'll appreciate it.

10. Plan Your Post-Move Deep Clean Strategy

Schedule a thorough cleaning session within 24–48 hours of moving in. Focus on areas that had the most contact during the move: floors, doorknobs, light switches, and anywhere boxes were placed.

🎯 Post-Move Deep Clean Priority List:

Vacuum/mop all floors where boxes sat
Disinfect all door handles and light switches
Wipe down walls where furniture was moved
Clean inside of cabinets before unpacking
Sanitize bathroom surfaces completely
Wash all linens and clothing that were packed

Get Clean, Professional Movers

🚚 Find Movers Who Care About Cleanliness

Not all moving companies prioritize hygiene, but the good ones do. We'll connect you with professional movers who understand that cleanliness matters.

🧤 Gloves & protective gear standard

🚛 Clean, sanitized trucks

🛡️ Proper handling protocols

⭐ Hygiene-conscious crews

🎯 Get Clean Moving Quotes →

Tell us cleanliness is important to you • We'll match you with the right crew

Moving is never perfect, but it doesn't have to feel gross. With a few habits and the right team, you can get through it and feel good about where you land.

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