First Week Cleaning Checklist for Your New Home

Moving into a new home comes with a long list of things to do. Unpacking, changing your address, setting up the internet, and figuring out where the closest grocery store is can keep you busy. But before you get too settled, there’s one thing you shouldn't skip: cleaning. Even if the previous owner or renters seemed tidy, there’s no guarantee every corner is actually clean. A good first-week cleaning can help you feel more comfortable, remove lingering dust, and give your home a fresh start.

Taking the time to clean your place during the first few days sets the tone for how the space will function. It’s also a great time to inspect areas you might not normally notice right away, like cabinet shelves or the backs of closets. We’ll walk you through what to focus on, how to plan it out, and which rooms need your attention immediately so you’re not falling behind weeks later.

Inspect and Plan

Before grabbing any cleaning tools, start with a full walkthrough. Go room to room and take note of what needs attention. You might spot cobwebs in corners, dirty vents, or dusty window sills that didn’t stand out when you first viewed the home. This quick inspection helps you decide where to start and gives you a better idea of what supplies you’ll need.

Once you know what you're dealing with, make a plan. The first week after a move is usually full of distractions. Having a list makes it easier to stay on track. Prioritize the rooms that you’ll use right away, like bathrooms, the kitchen, and bedrooms. Instead of bouncing between rooms, stick to one until it’s fully done before moving on to the next.

Here’s one way to stay organized:

1. List every room in your home, including hallways and laundry areas

2. Write down specific tasks for each area (wiping walls, vacuuming, sanitizing handles)

3. Assign rooms to certain days, grouping close areas together

4. Break up big jobs into a few smaller ones so they’re easier to finish

5. Set up a cleaning kit with all supplies in one place

Your go-to supplies should include spray cleaner, wipes, microfiber cloths, gloves, a vacuum, broom, mop, and trash bags. If it’s allergy season in places like Frisco or Plano, be aware of pollen or dust getting in through open windows. It’s smart to check your HVAC filters too, especially if the home sat empty for a while. A good plan now can save a lot of hassle later.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

With your checklist ready, start getting into each room. Focus on what gets touched daily — handles, fixtures, switches, and remote controls. Clean these areas first for a noticeable difference. Let’s look at what each main room needs during that first cleaning week.

Kitchen

• Wipe inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers

• Sanitize countertops, sink, and faucet

• Clean the inside and outside of the fridge, oven, and microwave

• Sweep and mop the floors, including under movable appliances

Bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower

• Sanitize mirrors, counters, and faucet handles

• Wipe cabinet knobs, towel racks, and light switches

• Mop and disinfect the floor, paying close attention to corners

Bedrooms

• Dust baseboards, shelves, and window trim

• Wipe down closet interiors and doors

• Clean windows and sills

• Vacuum or mop depending on flooring type

Living Areas

• Dust furniture from top to bottom and underneath

• Sanitize remotes, switch plates, and electronics

• Vacuum floors, especially under rugs and furniture

• Consider professional carpet steaming if needed

Tackling these core rooms first gives you a solid foundation to enjoy your home. Less-used areas like basements, spare rooms, or storage can wait until the basics are done. A solid first-week deep clean sets you up for an easier time as the weeks go by.

Deep Cleaning Tips for Your First Week

Once you’ve handled the obvious tasks, go for the spots most people overlook. These details help your home feel like your own, not just someone else’s space. That includes what’s up high, down low, and even hidden inside cabinets or drawers.

Start with vents. They tend to collect a lot of dust fast, especially if the home has been empty for a bit. Wipe them along with ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. Check for any buildup or even a few bugs that may have been left behind. If you’re not sure when the HVAC filters were last replaced, change them now for better air quality.

Baseboards and crown molding are next. Use a dry cloth to get loose dirt, then a damp one to finish. Sometimes you’ll find bits of tape or specks of paint from old projects. Gently scrape those off and wipe clean.

When it comes to floors, start with a good vacuuming. Go slow and be thorough, especially around edges and under furniture. Tile or hardwood floors should be mopped with something suited for your surface. If your home has wall-to-wall carpet and there are stains or a musty smell, think about calling in a professional for steam cleaning.

You’ll also want to tackle high-touch areas that are easy to miss. This includes doorknobs, light switches, cabinet handles, thermostat controls, and remote controls. These get used daily and are often dirty without looking like it.

Inside drawers and cabinets may look clean at first, but give them a quick wipe anyway. We once heard from a new homeowner in Plano who didn’t check the kitchen drawers before unpacking — turns out one had sticky residue that went unnoticed until weeks later. Better to clean it now than after your utensils are already inside.

Keeping It Clean Without Losing Your Free Time

After your first week, things start to settle down. That’s a good time to shift from deep cleaning into regular care mode. A low-maintenance routine with light cleaning every few days keeps things fresh without taking up too much of your time.

Consider this rhythm:

• Daily or every other day: spot wipe high-traffic surfaces

• Weekly: vacuum the floors and mop where needed

• Monthly: dust vents, wipe inside drawers, and fully clean bathrooms

If you notice dust collecting again fast or if your schedule gets too packed, it might be time to bring in professional help. A lot of homeowners across areas like Dallas, McKinney, or Allen forget how much easier it is when cleaning tasks are handled by someone who knows exactly what to look for.

Our team has handled plenty of move-in house cleaning services. We know behind appliances, inside fixtures, and around HVAC units often need more care than first expected. When you’re exhausted from unpacking and trying to get your new life organized, we can save you time and energy.

Whether it's your first home or your fifth, that first week matters more than most people think. A clean start creates a calming vibe that sticks. If your new space is already organized and fresh, you’ll love being there even more. Investing in that first round of deep cleaning pays off by making every day that follows a little easier.

For a smooth and stress-free settling into your new space, consider the benefits of professional help through move-in house cleaning services. This makes sure every corner of your new home sparkles from the start. Our detailed approach will put your mind at ease, letting you focus on enjoying your new surroundings. Contact Shiny Go Clean - Dallas for a free quote! You can also call us at: (469) 722-4057.