How to clean and unpack a new home

Moving into a new home is exciting – until the boxes pile up, the cupboards need wiping and the kettle is nowhere to be found. The secret to a smooth settling-in process is knowing how to clean the basics, having an efficient unpacking strategy and a few clever organising tricks.

What are some easy ways to get my new place feeling like home?

• Take a note of your storage space and what you need to create storage for.
• Stock up on cleaning essentials or make your own multipurpose cleaning solution.
• Wipe all cupboards before you unpack and clean the oven ceiling fans and bathroom exhaust.
• Unpack the kitchen, bathroom and wardrobes first, storing or disposing of packing boxes as you go.
• Add some cosy touches like soft lighting, indoor plants and a diffuser.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What’s the first thing you should do in your new home?

Before opening a single box, do a slow lap of your new home. Professional organiser Sarah Le Quesne of Sort by Sarah says this is the simplest way to understand what storage space you have – and what you need. “Measure twice, buy once,” she says. A tape measure in your pocket now can save you a dozen returns later. Make quick notes about cupboards, shelves and tight corners so you can set each room up properly from day one.

What’s the first thing you should do in a new rental property?

Snap detailed photos on move-in day and once more when you’re preparing to vacate. These will act as clear evidence of how the property looked at the start and how it looks at the end. This documentation is crucial, as you might not have access to the property to verify any issues once you’ve left, if a bond claim arises.

How to clean your new home

Before unpacking, get the key cleaning jobs done – it’s far easier now than when cupboards are full. Interior designer and ‘cleanfluencer’ Ashlee Jay of Ashlee Jay Interior gives her top tips:

• Starting by wiping out cupboards so you can unpack everything straight into a fresh and clean space.
• Next, run a dishwasher cleaning cycle.
• Then tackle the oven and rangehood. To clean grease and grime from rangehood filters, soak them in hot water with baking soda and detergent*.
• Bathroom exhaust and ceiling fans may need a going over, too. Dust exhaust fans with a soft brush or microfibre cloth and use an old pillowcase to clean ceiling fans.

What cleaning products do I need to clean my new home?

You don’t need a ton of products to clean your new home properly. Mario Mathuranayagam, buyer for cleaning and accessories at Bunnings, suggests arming yourself with these essentials:

• An all-purpose cleaner for kitchens, bathrooms and everything in between.
• Microfibre cloths for streak-free dusting and wiping.
• A lightweight stick vacuum for quick clean-ups and hard-to-reach corners.
• Dishwashing liquid and a glass-cleaning spray and you should be all set, adds Ashlee.

How to make your own multipurpose cleaner

Prefer D.I.Y.? Make your own multipurpose cleaning solution by mixing together ¼ cup of vinegar, 2½ cups of water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle.

How to unpack in a new house

When unpacking, start with the spaces that are needed to keep daily life running: the kitchen, bathrooms and wardrobes. “These make everything else flow more smoothly,” says Ashlee. Make all the beds early – you’ll thank yourself later.

• Set a realistic deadline for unpacking – it’ll help you feel settled sooner.
• Remove packing boxes and materials as you go; clutter slows everything down. You can sell them or give them away on Facebook marketplace or local community pages.
• Keep snacks, a toolbox and a cleaning caddy at hand.
• Give yourself grace: a three-bedroom home can take up to 50 hours to unpack, says Sarah.
• Turn on warm lighting and play music – atmosphere helps.

Deep-clean all surfaces

Even if your new place looks clean, a once-over will help it feel like your own. The experts suggest:

• Tackle the walls: Clean walls with a microfibre flat mop, warm water and a dash of dishwashing liquid.
• Remove stubborn marks: Ashlee recommends sugar-soap wipes.
• Clean carpets and floor areas: Steam-clean carpets and steam-mop tiles and vinyl flooring – you can hire carpet and tile cleaners at the Bunnings Hire Shop. For timber floors, Ashlee recommends using a microfibre spray mop or one you can wring out well, as too much moisture can damage them. Deodorise carpets by sprinkling baking soda mixed with a few drops of essential oil, leave for 20 minutes, then vacuum.

How to add storage in a rental home

Not allowed to drill? There are plenty of great storage solution options for renters, says Nathan Baxter, buyer for room furniture and laundry at Bunnings. Try:

• “Removable adhesive hooks and strips are perfect for hanging coats, bags or even lightweight shelves, and they remove cleanly without leaving marks,” he says.
• Back-of-door racks work well in laundries, pantries, children’s rooms and wardrobes, Nathan adds, while freestanding units or an over-toilet shelf provide extra storage without drilling, making them ideal for laundries or small bathrooms.
• Think vertically. Use tall shelving units, bookcases as makeshift pantries, narrow carts with castors, and hooks behind or over doors and in entry hallways.
• To save money, look around your home for storage options – baskets, jars and tubs often work well once items are grouped together.
• In store, you’ll find plenty of good budget-friendly solutions, says Nathan. “Stackable tubs and baskets and collapsible hampers are perfect for wardrobes, under-bed storage or laundries.”
• Using a cleaning caddy to keep cleaning products organised and portable is another of Nathan’s tips.
• Use vacuum-seal bags for storing bedding and off-season clothes – they shrink bulky items flat and slide neatly under beds or on top of wardrobes. Or look for furniture with hidden storage space, like ottomans and beds with drawers, suggests Sarah.

Frequently asked questions and answers

1. How to maintain a clean house? Once the settling-in rush is over, keep your new home feeling fresh with a weekly vacuum and cleaning routine. Pay particular attention to high-touch areas and give benchtops and glass surfaces a regular going over.

2. What are some ways to make a new house instantly feel like home? Round things out with a few cosy touches – soft lighting, indoor plants, a diffuser or a dash of essential oil in your spray mop.

3. What is the best way to clean a rental property when leaving? Aim to leave the property you’re vacating much as you found it. A proper clean – even if it wasn’t perfect when you moved in – can protect your bond. Start cleaning from the top down, tackling ceilings and fans first, then walls, windows and floors. Vacuum and mop along the way. Use a D.I.Y. carpet-cleaning machine from the Bunnings Hire Shop for a professional finish on a budget. To save work at the other end, clean as you pack – wipe shelves and furniture before loading into the truck so you leave the dust behind.

Keep in mind…

• Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks and store all cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

About to relocate?

Check out our twenty tips for an easy house move.

 

Photo credit: Kaboodle Kitchen, Jonny Valiant, Mode.