Move cleaning: All the tips
August 28, 2021 9:24 AM Subscribe
My kid needs to clean her old apartment and turn in the keys soon but she and her husband are ill. Her dad just drove 4 hours to be a hero by helping me. Need all your best tips because there is literally no one I can hire to do this.
OK this is the situation: I can only help tomorrow and Monday. I have ADHD, a magic sponge, lots of paper towels, rubber gloves, and a playlist. I get derailed by my perfectionism But I do not get to be perfect. I will vacuum and mop as the last things I do before I leave here. I’m cleaning the refrigerator shelves, etc.
I could search for this on the Internet but I don’t wanna have to guess about whether things work. My two biggest challenges are dealing with all of the stickers that my grandkids have left on walls and laminated closet doors. And there’s some kind of stupid tape in the refrigerator freezer section left over from when they moved in and everything was new. It’s blue tape and it’s really hard to get off.
So tips for safe sticker and tape removal please, and any advice you may have about how to make cleaning, pretty much my least favorite activity ever, more bearable during this mission of mercy. Thanks, hive mind!
OK this is the situation: I can only help tomorrow and Monday. I have ADHD, a magic sponge, lots of paper towels, rubber gloves, and a playlist. I get derailed by my perfectionism But I do not get to be perfect. I will vacuum and mop as the last things I do before I leave here. I’m cleaning the refrigerator shelves, etc.
I could search for this on the Internet but I don’t wanna have to guess about whether things work. My two biggest challenges are dealing with all of the stickers that my grandkids have left on walls and laminated closet doors. And there’s some kind of stupid tape in the refrigerator freezer section left over from when they moved in and everything was new. It’s blue tape and it’s really hard to get off.
So tips for safe sticker and tape removal please, and any advice you may have about how to make cleaning, pretty much my least favorite activity ever, more bearable during this mission of mercy. Thanks, hive mind!
Hair drier to loosen the stickers, Goo Gone for the remaining residue. Leave the blue tape on the fridge. Spackle any holes in the walls, use wood filler for holes on wood. If shes been there over 5 years, they probably have to replace the carpet anyway (check your local laws).
Dont get too precious cleaning anything. Most states have laws that apartments need to be professionally cleaned anyway, so beyond a certain point it's not helping to get the deposit back as such. Knowing the laws around the return process is very helpful.
posted by ananci at 9:43 AM on August 28, 2021 [4 favorites]
Dont get too precious cleaning anything. Most states have laws that apartments need to be professionally cleaned anyway, so beyond a certain point it's not helping to get the deposit back as such. Knowing the laws around the return process is very helpful.
posted by ananci at 9:43 AM on August 28, 2021 [4 favorites]
Response by poster: Forgot to mention that I am in Sweden and we don’t have any Goo Gone to the best of my knowledge. Pretend it’s it 70s here. Thanks for the help!
posted by Bella Donna at 9:47 AM on August 28, 2021
posted by Bella Donna at 9:47 AM on August 28, 2021
Oil - just normal cooking oil - also works to remove sticky residue. Rub it in, clean it off with a piece of kitchen roll or a cloth.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 9:48 AM on August 28, 2021 [7 favorites]
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 9:48 AM on August 28, 2021 [7 favorites]
I use peanut butter and my thumb nail to remove stickers and tape glue. It works! Smear it on leave for a minute and scape. Repeat a couple of times until the glue is gone. (It’s the peanut oil that’s working on the adhesive.)
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:52 AM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:52 AM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
Did the rental company or landlord provide a list for what they'll look for? This list is for a university but it's pretty thorough.
I would get some spakle, a putty knife, some spray texture, and a small can of latex paint primer so you can patch any holes. American landlords are weird about this and it may have spilled over to other markets.
If they painted, check if they have to repaint back to the original wall color or some other "neutral".
posted by fiercekitten at 9:54 AM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
I would get some spakle, a putty knife, some spray texture, and a small can of latex paint primer so you can patch any holes. American landlords are weird about this and it may have spilled over to other markets.
If they painted, check if they have to repaint back to the original wall color or some other "neutral".
posted by fiercekitten at 9:54 AM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
Some cleaning guru uses the timer system - set a timer for 15-20 minutes, work in one area that whole time (kitchen, bathroom, wherever), take a break (10-15 minutes), then start another 15-20 minute block. take a break. I had to do some focused cleaning yesterday in a hurry and that system really helped me get it done.
Good luck!
posted by mogget at 10:32 AM on August 28, 2021 [6 favorites]
Good luck!
posted by mogget at 10:32 AM on August 28, 2021 [6 favorites]
any advice you may have about how to make cleaning, pretty much my least favorite activity ever, more bearable
Music / podcasts / audiobooks
Good luck!
posted by trig at 10:34 AM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
Music / podcasts / audiobooks
Good luck!
posted by trig at 10:34 AM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
Order of operations can help especially when there are lots of things to pay attention to and it’s easy to feel overwhelm. Breaking it down into steps helps.
Restore before cleaning. Projects like spackling sanding and paining or scraping off stickers go first as they make a mess. If you are required to paint and patch holes there are dry time/hardening times to consider. You can use this to your advantage.
Split into two teams a spackler and sticker remover. First go and mark all wall holes or scrapes with adjacent masking tape or post-it notes so you can see them. While there scrape or remove any bumpy objects in the wall (creating dust) that would get in the way of spackle. Spackle can fill holes but it cannot lower bumps.
Then go through the house clockwise and each room clockwise. Walk in front door look to your left that’s where you start, and work to the right. Patch with sparkle or premixed joint compound. Left to right, next room, left to right. When you finish the house, you are back to where you started and hopefully the first spackle/joint compound has dried. Get sand paper. Left to right sand and smooth. Then follow up with primer (if large patches) or paint touch up. Left to right with primer, then when you get back to the front door the primer on the first spots should be dry and you can do final paint. Use disposable brushes or have a bowl of water to submerge the brushes in the sink so you can wait to wash brushes at the end. Leave the adjacent masking tape marks until final paint is done, remove the tape as you paint so you know what spots are done and what still need doing or a second coat.
Now walls are done and the floor will be a mess from the sanding. Sweep or vaccuum the dust so it doesn’t get tracked around, but don’t do a full vac and mop.
Then clean, I’ve found it doesn’t matter what product I use as long as it is wet, has some kind of cleaner, and smells nice. Start back at the front door and do left to right but this time top to bottom. Start high so dust falls on dirty surfaces to be cleaned later. Have a vacuum on hand with the dust brush to pickup large dust or to vacuum moulding, trim, or ceiling fans that accumulate dust. Remember the tops of doors and tops of cabinets.
Keep going clockwise through the house and clockwise through each room so you don’t have to waste energy on deciding where to start and you know when you are done.
posted by sol at 10:41 AM on August 28, 2021 [13 favorites]
Restore before cleaning. Projects like spackling sanding and paining or scraping off stickers go first as they make a mess. If you are required to paint and patch holes there are dry time/hardening times to consider. You can use this to your advantage.
Split into two teams a spackler and sticker remover. First go and mark all wall holes or scrapes with adjacent masking tape or post-it notes so you can see them. While there scrape or remove any bumpy objects in the wall (creating dust) that would get in the way of spackle. Spackle can fill holes but it cannot lower bumps.
Then go through the house clockwise and each room clockwise. Walk in front door look to your left that’s where you start, and work to the right. Patch with sparkle or premixed joint compound. Left to right, next room, left to right. When you finish the house, you are back to where you started and hopefully the first spackle/joint compound has dried. Get sand paper. Left to right sand and smooth. Then follow up with primer (if large patches) or paint touch up. Left to right with primer, then when you get back to the front door the primer on the first spots should be dry and you can do final paint. Use disposable brushes or have a bowl of water to submerge the brushes in the sink so you can wait to wash brushes at the end. Leave the adjacent masking tape marks until final paint is done, remove the tape as you paint so you know what spots are done and what still need doing or a second coat.
Now walls are done and the floor will be a mess from the sanding. Sweep or vaccuum the dust so it doesn’t get tracked around, but don’t do a full vac and mop.
Then clean, I’ve found it doesn’t matter what product I use as long as it is wet, has some kind of cleaner, and smells nice. Start back at the front door and do left to right but this time top to bottom. Start high so dust falls on dirty surfaces to be cleaned later. Have a vacuum on hand with the dust brush to pickup large dust or to vacuum moulding, trim, or ceiling fans that accumulate dust. Remember the tops of doors and tops of cabinets.
Keep going clockwise through the house and clockwise through each room so you don’t have to waste energy on deciding where to start and you know when you are done.
posted by sol at 10:41 AM on August 28, 2021 [13 favorites]
Residue - naptha (lighter fluid, for Zippo-style lighters) and/ or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol - 90% is the sweet spot, but 70% will do, 95-99% is fine).
For the blue tape, unplug the fridge/ freezer (optional?), use a hair dryer to loosen it up. It should be sturdy so you should be able to peel it off in one piece/ large pieces. Iso for the residue.
Work top-down when possible.
Worth spending on getting a box of thick ("contractor grade") garbage bags. Have to worry less about leaks and breakage.
The thing I'm most often dinged on are window coverings (horizontal metal blinds, vertical plastic blinds). Spray-on bathroom cleaner (for "soap scum") to soak, then copious water. If there are removable mesh coverings, remove them and wash them while in the bathtub/ shower with dish detergent and a nylon bristle brush. For the actual windows, it's worth investing in a cheap squeegie instead of relying on paper towels.
If the window frames are metal, they should have a groove that will collect the waste/ drain cleaner/ water. Go nuts with paper towels. It'll be grody.
Get a cheap mop and bucket, consider it disposable, for hard flooring. The bucket is also good for wringing out dirty wet paper towels before tossing the towels. A second bucket for clean water is handy.
It's a move-out, go ahead and use lots of liquids. Spending on quality "fluffy" and thick paper towels is worth it rather than relying on cheap rolls of thin/ low-absorbancy stuff - if speed and efficiency trumps saving a few dollars.
If there's carpet, yeah, most jurisdictions require "professional" cleaning and will be an impediment for using large volumes of cleaning solution/ water.
posted by porpoise at 12:46 PM on August 28, 2021 [3 favorites]
For the blue tape, unplug the fridge/ freezer (optional?), use a hair dryer to loosen it up. It should be sturdy so you should be able to peel it off in one piece/ large pieces. Iso for the residue.
Work top-down when possible.
Worth spending on getting a box of thick ("contractor grade") garbage bags. Have to worry less about leaks and breakage.
The thing I'm most often dinged on are window coverings (horizontal metal blinds, vertical plastic blinds). Spray-on bathroom cleaner (for "soap scum") to soak, then copious water. If there are removable mesh coverings, remove them and wash them while in the bathtub/ shower with dish detergent and a nylon bristle brush. For the actual windows, it's worth investing in a cheap squeegie instead of relying on paper towels.
If the window frames are metal, they should have a groove that will collect the waste/ drain cleaner/ water. Go nuts with paper towels. It'll be grody.
Get a cheap mop and bucket, consider it disposable, for hard flooring. The bucket is also good for wringing out dirty wet paper towels before tossing the towels. A second bucket for clean water is handy.
It's a move-out, go ahead and use lots of liquids. Spending on quality "fluffy" and thick paper towels is worth it rather than relying on cheap rolls of thin/ low-absorbancy stuff - if speed and efficiency trumps saving a few dollars.
If there's carpet, yeah, most jurisdictions require "professional" cleaning and will be an impediment for using large volumes of cleaning solution/ water.
posted by porpoise at 12:46 PM on August 28, 2021 [3 favorites]
This may not make it more bearable but will nevertheless help. Personally i hate cleaning and so often found myself cleaning like a maniac when moving.
Use a cleaning product that has a heavy scent, eg here in Austria, i might buy Mr Proper fake Lemon scent or one of those that smell like bleach, even if you would normally never buy a scented cleaner ever.
Paper towels are super! Spray the cleaning stuff directly on the towel. Avoid getting everything too wet, especially eg a dusty bathroom. Better use damp paper towels.
The point being, to whomever comes to check and take back the house, it will smell clean. If you use unscented stuff, it will be clean but the cleaning stuff scent is a better "Proof" because it is basically unconscious, it will smell clean.
I have used this tip (given to me ages ago by a pro cleaner) whenever i moved, and also when friends move. It always works.
Personally i hate scented cleaners, but always buy them for moving.
Even better are wet wipes for cleaning. I know they are Bad for the environment but i am talking about using them once for moving, not daily.
Re stickers on the wall, this depends whether walls are painted or wallpapered. I would try a blade gadget like those used for glass stove tops.
And yes, oil (Just a little drop) will remove the sticky stuff but only from non-absorbent surfaces, eg Not wall, and try if the laminate absorbs oil in an inconspicous spot.
I would come over and help If i could. Hugs,
posted by 15L06 at 2:25 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
Use a cleaning product that has a heavy scent, eg here in Austria, i might buy Mr Proper fake Lemon scent or one of those that smell like bleach, even if you would normally never buy a scented cleaner ever.
Paper towels are super! Spray the cleaning stuff directly on the towel. Avoid getting everything too wet, especially eg a dusty bathroom. Better use damp paper towels.
The point being, to whomever comes to check and take back the house, it will smell clean. If you use unscented stuff, it will be clean but the cleaning stuff scent is a better "Proof" because it is basically unconscious, it will smell clean.
I have used this tip (given to me ages ago by a pro cleaner) whenever i moved, and also when friends move. It always works.
Personally i hate scented cleaners, but always buy them for moving.
Even better are wet wipes for cleaning. I know they are Bad for the environment but i am talking about using them once for moving, not daily.
Re stickers on the wall, this depends whether walls are painted or wallpapered. I would try a blade gadget like those used for glass stove tops.
And yes, oil (Just a little drop) will remove the sticky stuff but only from non-absorbent surfaces, eg Not wall, and try if the laminate absorbs oil in an inconspicous spot.
I would come over and help If i could. Hugs,
posted by 15L06 at 2:25 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
What is the penalty if the apartment isn't cleaned, or if it's only tidied rather than deep-cleaned? (Brief, possibly incorrect overview of Security deposits in Sweden: It's rarely done when a commercial or public landlord is renting out an apartment to an individual, since it is easy for the landlord to get any debts collected. When individuals rent out to other individuals, or when businesses rent commercial premises, a security deposit of 1–6 months is usually requested.)
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:50 PM on August 28, 2021
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:50 PM on August 28, 2021
If you have it in Sweden: WD-40 will also remove sticker/tape residue.
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:59 PM on August 28, 2021
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:59 PM on August 28, 2021
Work top down, side to side, one corner of the room at a time.
There is no problem with just using water, or water with some vinegar or lemon juice added, or water with some dish detergent added. Save the big guns for the worst messes.
Baking soda is good for smells and absorption.
I would avoid the smelly stuff until the last 30 minutes before leaving. Then go nuts with super "clean" smelling solutions, if you like.
Bring lots of paper towels, some wet wipes for things that need more elbow grease, and lots of trash bags. Recycled plastic grocery bags and paper bags can leak, but they are fine if then tossed into large trash bags. If there is a dumpster nearby I would drop off the grocery bags and reuse the large trash bag for a few more trips.
Never underestimate the power of used toothbrushes on tiny areas. And toothpaste actually works, too.
I prefer kitchen sponges on difficult messes (sponge on one side/scrubber on the other). Avoid wearing down your fingernails.
Sturdy stepladders are helpful. Consider some kind of padding on the floor for long periods on your hands and knees.
Brooms are helpful, especially if you find something behind furniture or kitchen appliances that you do not want to touch more than necessary. The handles can be screwed off to reach upper areas with a duster (duct tape is helpful). Do bring several dustpans.
Bring extra plastic buckets. They can be used to transport things, to mix various solutions, and to sit upon.
You may need protection: eye googles, face masks, gloves, bandanas and hats to keep stuff out of your hair.
Monitor your health. If you feel lightheaded, leave the area and rest in a well-ventilated place. Stay hydrated and take rest breaks.
Have a way to take a good long shower and change into clean clothes.
You and the other parental unit are saints and deserve all the Starbucks and sit-down restaurant meals after this. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
Kitchen and bathroom will be the worst offenders. Good is good enough in the bedrooms and main living areas. Really, who cleans a garage, attic or basement, other than removing the debris and a little sweeping?
At some point you have to ask yourself: how much of the deposit are you spending on cleaning supplies and the time it takes to use them?
posted by TrishaU at 4:25 PM on August 28, 2021 [3 favorites]
There is no problem with just using water, or water with some vinegar or lemon juice added, or water with some dish detergent added. Save the big guns for the worst messes.
Baking soda is good for smells and absorption.
I would avoid the smelly stuff until the last 30 minutes before leaving. Then go nuts with super "clean" smelling solutions, if you like.
Bring lots of paper towels, some wet wipes for things that need more elbow grease, and lots of trash bags. Recycled plastic grocery bags and paper bags can leak, but they are fine if then tossed into large trash bags. If there is a dumpster nearby I would drop off the grocery bags and reuse the large trash bag for a few more trips.
Never underestimate the power of used toothbrushes on tiny areas. And toothpaste actually works, too.
I prefer kitchen sponges on difficult messes (sponge on one side/scrubber on the other). Avoid wearing down your fingernails.
Sturdy stepladders are helpful. Consider some kind of padding on the floor for long periods on your hands and knees.
Brooms are helpful, especially if you find something behind furniture or kitchen appliances that you do not want to touch more than necessary. The handles can be screwed off to reach upper areas with a duster (duct tape is helpful). Do bring several dustpans.
Bring extra plastic buckets. They can be used to transport things, to mix various solutions, and to sit upon.
You may need protection: eye googles, face masks, gloves, bandanas and hats to keep stuff out of your hair.
Monitor your health. If you feel lightheaded, leave the area and rest in a well-ventilated place. Stay hydrated and take rest breaks.
Have a way to take a good long shower and change into clean clothes.
You and the other parental unit are saints and deserve all the Starbucks and sit-down restaurant meals after this. And chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
Kitchen and bathroom will be the worst offenders. Good is good enough in the bedrooms and main living areas. Really, who cleans a garage, attic or basement, other than removing the debris and a little sweeping?
At some point you have to ask yourself: how much of the deposit are you spending on cleaning supplies and the time it takes to use them?
posted by TrishaU at 4:25 PM on August 28, 2021 [3 favorites]
Oh, hey, if the ADHD is part of what spurs you to perfectionism (courtesy of hyperfocus, for some of us): at the outset, when you're evaluating the jobs to be done, allocate time limits for them. (Maybe make a checklist? Scroll down for a .pdf list with check boxes.) Then when you start that task, be sure to set a timer on your phone/with the stove or microwave timer/with an egg timer set on a counter/by length of ___ songs. It's budgeting your time and your energy.
ALSO, and especially -- give cleaning products time to work. Just 5 to 15 minutes really cuts down on scrubbing and scraping. Examples: dab [WD-40, rubbing alcohol, etc.] on stubborn sticker residue, and do something else for 10 minutes. Spray down the fridge shelves with cleaning solution, go work on a different 10-15 minute task while the cleaner breaks down stickiness from food containers; wipe shelves with paper towels on your return. If there's stained/mildewed grout on flat surfaces (bathroom floor, tiled countertops, around faucets), there are rubbing alcohol+time or paper towel strips+bleach+time hacks for that.
I agree, your daughter and son-in-law are really fortunate her parents can help out. I hope they're feeling better soon. As you're working in the apartment, open windows, pace yourselves, make sure to drink water and eat snacks (again, set timers to make sure you take these breaks).
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:12 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
ALSO, and especially -- give cleaning products time to work. Just 5 to 15 minutes really cuts down on scrubbing and scraping. Examples: dab [WD-40, rubbing alcohol, etc.] on stubborn sticker residue, and do something else for 10 minutes. Spray down the fridge shelves with cleaning solution, go work on a different 10-15 minute task while the cleaner breaks down stickiness from food containers; wipe shelves with paper towels on your return. If there's stained/mildewed grout on flat surfaces (bathroom floor, tiled countertops, around faucets), there are rubbing alcohol+time or paper towel strips+bleach+time hacks for that.
I agree, your daughter and son-in-law are really fortunate her parents can help out. I hope they're feeling better soon. As you're working in the apartment, open windows, pace yourselves, make sure to drink water and eat snacks (again, set timers to make sure you take these breaks).
posted by Iris Gambol at 5:12 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
You wrote that there is literally no one you can hire to do this. I respectfully disagree. Your daughter's security deposit can be used to hire someone. At its extreme, you could walk away from the apartment as is and assume the security deposit will be used in its entirety to do the cleaning. Depending on the amount of the security deposit, the relative importance of the cash back, the amount and complexity of the job, it could be worth it to essentially do a brief clean of vacuum, mop and cover any holes, and see what the landlord charges. This also depends on the ability of a landlord in Sweden to come collect monies in addition to the deposit. Not only am I not a lawyer, I am not knowledgeable in landlord tenant law in Sweden.
Another idea which I have seen done in the U.S., is to call the landlord, tell them you cannot find anyone to hire to do x,y,and z cleaning tasks and how much would it cost to hire their team to do it. Essentially, you are negotiating your security deposit return.
posted by AugustWest at 5:37 PM on August 28, 2021 [4 favorites]
Another idea which I have seen done in the U.S., is to call the landlord, tell them you cannot find anyone to hire to do x,y,and z cleaning tasks and how much would it cost to hire their team to do it. Essentially, you are negotiating your security deposit return.
posted by AugustWest at 5:37 PM on August 28, 2021 [4 favorites]
Music definitely helps.
Also, remind yourself that this is going to get us a lot closer to Japan on our relay walk. We're almost there!
posted by aniola at 6:07 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
Also, remind yourself that this is going to get us a lot closer to Japan on our relay walk. We're almost there!
posted by aniola at 6:07 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
btw ADHD comes with a superpower. Hyperfocus! You are going to do an excellent job.
posted by aniola at 6:11 PM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by aniola at 6:11 PM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
Nail polish remover has always worked way better for me than Goo Gone. And it's super cheap. Works like a charm on tape and sticker residue.
posted by Kangaroo at 7:04 PM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Kangaroo at 7:04 PM on August 28, 2021 [1 favorite]
I'd contact the landlord and explain the situation, and ask how deep of a deep cleaning that they will require. Preferably in an email, so that there's a paper trail.
My last place usually requires a deep cleaning of the carpeting, but because i was there so long, they told me that they were just going to replace it after I moved out anyways. Because I didn't have to worry about the carpeting at all - and I got this in writing - I was able to concentrate on the rest of the apartment.
Landlord later said that I did an excellent job, and I got 100% of my Security Deposit back.
posted by spinifex23 at 10:52 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
My last place usually requires a deep cleaning of the carpeting, but because i was there so long, they told me that they were just going to replace it after I moved out anyways. Because I didn't have to worry about the carpeting at all - and I got this in writing - I was able to concentrate on the rest of the apartment.
Landlord later said that I did an excellent job, and I got 100% of my Security Deposit back.
posted by spinifex23 at 10:52 PM on August 28, 2021 [2 favorites]
Nthing the "ask what needs to be done." I was literally in your daughter's position a month ago - needing to clean an apartment after moving out, but with limited ability (I'm getting over a broken knee). I was really worried how clean I would be able to get things in my condition.
But after talking to other residents who'd also moved out of our building recently, I discovered our landlord really wasn't going to be as fussy about the condition of things, because he was kinda already planning to rip everything up and make it all over anyway. So instead of spackling over all the nail holes, repainting everything, scrubbing the sink until it sparkled, etc., I just swept things up, made sure all my stuff was cleared out, and handed over the keys. I realized two days later that I'd left two rooms painted in the color I'd painted them, and there were about 20 nail holes left behind and a cupboard full of tupperware I'd forgotten to clear out; I still got the security deposit back anyway.
Sometimes finding out what needs to be done can help you focus your efforts a little ("okay, they say they don't care if the toilet is scrubbed, so we'll just vacuum in the bathroom and then be done with it").
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:01 AM on August 29, 2021 [3 favorites]
But after talking to other residents who'd also moved out of our building recently, I discovered our landlord really wasn't going to be as fussy about the condition of things, because he was kinda already planning to rip everything up and make it all over anyway. So instead of spackling over all the nail holes, repainting everything, scrubbing the sink until it sparkled, etc., I just swept things up, made sure all my stuff was cleared out, and handed over the keys. I realized two days later that I'd left two rooms painted in the color I'd painted them, and there were about 20 nail holes left behind and a cupboard full of tupperware I'd forgotten to clear out; I still got the security deposit back anyway.
Sometimes finding out what needs to be done can help you focus your efforts a little ("okay, they say they don't care if the toilet is scrubbed, so we'll just vacuum in the bathroom and then be done with it").
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:01 AM on August 29, 2021 [3 favorites]
Finding out what needs to be done can help you focus your efforts a little
Seconding this. As a fellow person who has ADHD and loathes cleaning, I urge you to avoid any chores that won't make a difference to your daughter's and son-in-law's soon-to-be-former landlord.
posted by virago at 9:14 AM on August 29, 2021 [1 favorite]
Seconding this. As a fellow person who has ADHD and loathes cleaning, I urge you to avoid any chores that won't make a difference to your daughter's and son-in-law's soon-to-be-former landlord.
posted by virago at 9:14 AM on August 29, 2021 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: You wrote that there is literally no one you can hire to do this. I respectfully disagree. Your daughter's security deposit can be used to hire someone.
Sigh. Swedish landlords do not charge security deposits. I knew someone was going to push back on that statement, which I should not have written even though it is true. I appreciate the attempt to help but consider taking my Ask in good faith even if you don’t agree with the framing. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 9:41 AM on August 30, 2021
Sigh. Swedish landlords do not charge security deposits. I knew someone was going to push back on that statement, which I should not have written even though it is true. I appreciate the attempt to help but consider taking my Ask in good faith even if you don’t agree with the framing. Thanks!
posted by Bella Donna at 9:41 AM on August 30, 2021
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posted by Nightman at 9:41 AM on August 28, 2021 [8 favorites]