A Clean Slate: Tips for a Tidy Move

Moving out and moving in present an opportunity to clean and reorganize all of your personal belongings. Do you really want to unpack dusty lamps and crusty appliances in your new home? Here are some tips for making your move a clean sweep:

• Got stains? Use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to scrub out most household stains, from grime to grease. Of course, be sure not to submerge any electrical appliances in water--you'll want to spot-clean those with a rag. Sprinkle baking soda on carpet stains, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Dust in the wind? Moving around furniture is likely to kick up some (or a lot of) dust. Get it under control with a heavy-duty vacuum and, if necessary, a portable air cleaner.
• Cover and contain: Protect clothes you rarely wear in garment bags, put shoes and accessories in container bins, and utilize suitcases and bureau drawers for clothes you wear regularly.
• Shred it: When tossing paper waste such as bills and bank statements, be sure to shred documents to protect yourself from identity theft.
• Now is the time to get rid of clutter: make bins labeled "store," "sell," "donate," and "trash."
• Clean from top to bottom, and save floors, toilets, and sinks for last.
• Be sure to clean your oven, whether you are taking it with you or not.

Your new place will likely be clean, but there are some things you will want to do before you unpack:

• Wipe down cabinets and drawers with a warm, wet rag. This will ensure that you remove any pesticide residue and dust.
• Disinfect bathrooms, refrigerators, and freezers.
• If you're exhausted from your move and too busy to tackle it yourself, consider hiring a cleaning service to get your new home sparkling.