When you are moving or vacating a property, “clean sweep” is a common term. But what exactly does this mean and how do you ensure that you comply with this requirement? In this blog, we explain what broom clean delivery means and offer a practical step-by-step plan.
What does broom clean delivery mean?
It actually means exactly what the word implies: the broom-cleaning of a home or building. This means that the room or building is delivered in a basic cleaning state. Well, this is of course different for everyone so it is wise to discuss this carefully with all parties. Basically it means that the building is free of garbage, personal belongings and is in an acceptable state of cleanliness. It mainly involves the removal of visible dirt and clutter. So it is not about thorough cleaning, but the location should look neat and tidy.
When should you deliver something broom clean?
You will often see the term broom clean in rental contracts or sales agreements. It is a standard agreement made when you leave your rental property or sell a house, for example. It can also be indicated at some point when renting a vacation home, for example.
Sales house swept clean
When you sell your owner-occupied home, you must deliver it to the buyer broom clean. This means that all personal belongings must be out of your home. It is also expected that the house is free of garbage and that the floors, walls and ceilings are thoroughly clean. With a house for sale, do pay extra attention to the sale agreements. There may be arrangements for extra cleaning or repairs.
Rental property swept clean
Very many rental contracts state that you must leave your property swept clean. This is often quite strict because the property must be ready to be rented to the new tenants immediately. If you fail to comply, you may be charged extra fees. So clean the rental property thoroughly and make sure all your personal belongings are gone at the final inspection.
What should you do when delivering broom clean?
- Sweep and vacuum – Clean all floors so there is no dirt or dust.
- Waste Disposal – Make sure all trash and debris has been removed from the room.
- Clean surfaces – Wipe down countertops, window sills and other surfaces.
- Empty cabinets and drawers – Empty and clean all cabinets and drawers.
What do you NOT have to do when delivering broom clean?
Always check with the parties involved to be sure. But in general, the following tasks should not be performed when delivering a room or home broom clean.
- No deep cleaning – You don’t need to do deep cleaning like scrubbing the bathroom thoroughly or cleaning kitchen appliances.
- No major repairs – You do not need to repair damages or do maintenance.
- No professional cleaning – Things like carpet cleaning or window washing are not necessary.
Step-by-step plan for the broom clean delivery of a property
Step 1: Remove personal belongings
The process begins by carefully going through each room to remove personal belongings. This is the time to decide what to keep, donate or discard. Using labels can be a helpful tool in this process. For items you can’t take with you right away, temporary storage can be a solution.
Step 2: Remove large dirt and debris
Next, it’s time to tackle large dirt and trash. Renting a dumpster can be efficient in this regard, especially for larger items such as furniture or broken appliances. Don’t forget to also check less obvious areas such as attics and basements. For the heavy lifting, you can also consider hiring a professional. Check out our services – Sales-ready or rental-ready delivery.
Step 3: Sweeping and vacuuming
After removing gross dirt, the focus is on cleaning. This includes sweeping hard floors, vacuuming carpets and dusting surfaces. It is important not to forget the hard-to-reach areas as well.
Step 4: Minor repairs
Small repairs can make a big difference in the overall look. This can range from sealing holes in the walls to fixing loose tiles. A lick of paint here and there can also work wonders. This varies from situation to situation. In one case nothing needs to be repaired, in another contract it does. So always ask about this.
Step 5: Garden and outdoor space
Don’t forget the outdoor space. A neat garden and clean paths and patios contribute to a good first impression. This may include cutting the grass, removing weeds and pruning plants.
Step 6: Final check
A final check is essential. Walk through the property to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Check that all lights are off, faucets are turned off and all windows and doors are securely closed.
Need help with broom cleanup?
Leaving a property broom clean can be a big job. If you need help, we are happy to offer professional assistance. For example, do you need to get your house ready for sale or rental ready? Then we can help you with everything from removing furniture and trash to thoroughly cleaning the property. Please contact us for a free quote.
Broom cleaning is an important part of the moving process or vacating a property. By following these steps, you can ensure that you leave the property in the proper condition. And if you need help, we are here to support you.