Move-In Day: Cleaning & Fix-It Kit for UK Rentals
Shoot evidence, clean the right things first, tame damp, hang without drilling—protect your deposit from day one.
Published: 7 Oct 2025 • Updated regularly by the Resinaro team
Deposit-minded
Steps and products chosen to avoid paint damage, floor scratches, and landlord drama.
Renter-friendly
Reversible fixes only—no drilling unless you have written permission and the right anchors.
Time-boxed
A realistic four-hour plan you can actually finish on day one.
Why this guide (and how it helps future-you)
UK rentals can be… quirky. A little damp here, a sticky door there, paint that marks if you look at it wrong. We built this from hundreds of community questions: what to clean first, what to buy (and avoid), how to document everything, and how to hang things without risking your deposit.
Hit the quick picks, then the 24-hour checklist. After that, jump into room-by-room methods, damp fixes, wall-safe mounting, and a move-out plan you’ll thank yourself for later.
Cleaning & organising essentials
- Microfibre cloth bundle — bulk packs
- Flat mop + extra pads — compare
- Neutral multi-surface spray & non-abrasive descaler
- Command hooks/strips — sizes
- Moisture absorbers — damp traps
Quick-fix & toolkit basics
- WD-40 + mini screwdriver set — starter kits
- Felt pads for chairs/sofa feet (save the floors)
- Door draft excluder — options
- Plug-in socket tester — check wiring
- AA/AAA batteries + small torch
Your first 24 hours (deposit-safe)
- Photograph everything: chips in paint, stains, loose carpet, damp patches, cracked tiles, scratched worktops, missing bulbs. Time-stamp; save to cloud.
- High-touch clean sweep: handles, switches, taps, toilet flush, fridge seal, cupboard pulls, remotes—neutral spray + microfibre.
- Bathroom first: non-abrasive descaler on taps/showerhead; check extractor (tissue test). Replace grotty curtain if needed.
- Kitchen next: degrease hob/backsplash; wipe cupboards; sink & plughole; run a hot dishwasher clean if present.
- Floors: vacuum edges and skirting; flat-mop with lightly damp pad (no soaking laminate).
- Damp control: open trickle vents, 10–15 min window crack, wipe condensation, moisture absorbers in wardrobes/under sinks.
- Comfort boost: draft excluder on the worst door gap; felt pads on chairs; one entry hook for keys/bags.
Room-by-room plan (fast methods)
Bathroom (30–45 min)
- Descale taps/showerhead; buff chrome dry for shine.
- Toilet: cleaner under rim; wipe seat/hinges and flush handle.
- Shower screen: non-abrasive cleaner + squeegee.
- Extractor: clean grill; report failed fans.
- Sealant mould: tiny surface spots → cleaner; behind silicone/spreading → document & report.
Kitchen (45–60 min)
- Degrease hob/controls; avoid scouring glass/steel.
- Sink & drain: limescale remover on taps; hair/food catcher installed.
- Fridge: wipe seal/shelves; baking soda cup for odours.
- Inside cupboards: vacuum crumbs; wipe neutral cleaner.
- Finish floors: barely damp mop on laminate.
Bedroom & living (30–45 min)
- Dust top-down: lights, shelves, skirting.
- Windows: glass cleaner or diluted vinegar; wipe frames/sills.
- Wardrobe: moisture absorber; 5–10 cm gap from external walls.
- Felt pads under furniture—cheap deposit insurance.
- Curtains: shake outside; wash if label allows.
Hallway & entry (15–20 min)
- Sturdy Command hook for coats/bags.
- Shoe tray or mat to trap grit.
- Draft excluder on door bottom; keep airflow gap if no trickle vent.
Damp, mould & condensation (UK reality)
You can’t fix structural problems—but you can manage daily moisture, protect clothes, and document issues so they actually get addressed.
Daily habits
- Ventilate 10–15 min (cross-breeze after showers/cooking).
- Run extractors; leave bathroom door ajar post-shower.
- Wipe window condensation each morning.
- Moisture absorbers in wardrobes/under sinks.
- Even, low-medium heating to avoid cold corners.
Escalate when…
- Black mould spreading beyond small spots—document & notify landlord.
- Leaks, wet patches after rain, persistent musty smell—report.
- Broken/noisy extractor—request repair; it affects health and damp.
Use mould-specific cleaners only for minor surface spots and ventilate well. Wear gloves/mask if needed. Never sand or scrape painted mould—report instead.
Wall-safe mounting
Command 101
- Clean with isopropyl alcohol; let dry fully.
- Match the correct weight rating (don’t mix sizes).
- Press 30–60 s; follow cure time before hanging.
- Removal: pull tab straight down slowly.
If you must drill
- Get written permission; ask wall type.
- Use the right anchors; avoid wiring routes.
- Fill/paint neatly at move-out with the agreed paint code.
Deposit tip: keep packaging/receipts; note where strips/hooks are so removal is fast later.
Odour & hygiene quick wins
- Fridge: wipe seal/shelves; open baking-soda cup for 24–48 h; then swap to a small closed container.
- Drains: clean strainer; install hair catcher; flush with very hot water (don’t mix chemicals).
- Carpets/rugs: bicarbonate of soda 30 min → vacuum slowly.
- Bins: rinse, spray, dry; use liners and lid filters if smells return.
Renter’s mini-toolkit (shoebox size)
Basics
- WD-40 (hinges/locks)
- Mini screwdriver set + Allen keys
- Adjustable spanner
- Measuring tape
Protection
- Felt pads (chairs/sofa)
- Door draft excluder
- Moisture absorbers
- Rubber gloves + microfibres
Power & safety
- Plug-in socket tester
- AA/AAA batteries
- Small torch
- Spare light bulbs (check fitting)
Quick affiliate picks: starter toolkit · Command strips/hooks · moisture absorbers · draft excluder.
Move-out strategy (start now)
The best way to keep your deposit is to plan from day one. Create a “before/after” folder now; add receipts for strips, pads and any landlord-approved paint. Future-you will thank you.
What to save
- Move-in photos by room; add updates when you report issues.
- Receipts/packaging for deposit-safe products (proof).
- Landlord approvals and comms in one email thread.
Two-week countdown
- Remove strips/hooks carefully (pull straight down).
- Fill tiny pinholes if drilled with permission; use agreed paint.
- Deep-clean kitchen/bathroom; descale taps; mop corners/skirting.
- Final “after” photos mirroring move-in angles.
Related reads
Frequently asked questions
Which cleaners are safest for painted walls?
How do I clean grout without damage?
Extractor fan is weak—what now?
Can I steam-clean laminate floors?
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