Moving Into a New Home in California

1. Moving Into a New Home in California? Don’t Unpack Before You Do This You’ve signed the papers, picked up the keys, and the moving truck pulling away. You're officially a homeowner in California — maybe in Los Altos, Campbell, or somewhere nearby. But before you reach for that first box to unpack, stop. There’s one thing you need to do first — clean the place properly. Not a quick surface wipe, but a full, top-to-bottom move-in clean. And no, the previous owners or the landlord didn’t “probably already take care of it.” They almost never do. Why Cleaning Before You Unpack Matters It’s not just about tidiness — it’s about hygiene, air quality, and starting fresh in a home that’s truly yours. Dust in baseboards, residue in cabinets, grime in bathroom grout — these things build up over time, and they don’t disappear just because the place looks good at a glance. If you move your belongings in before cleaning, you’re locking in all the old dirt under furniture, behind shelves, and in spaces you won’t touch again for years. Cleaning afterward is much harder, much less effective, and honestly… kind of gross. What Move-In Cleaning Actually Involves A proper move-in clean goes beyond the basics. It should cover: ● Inside cabinets and drawers

2. ● Baseboards and trim ● Light fixtures and vents ● Behind and under appliances ● Deep bathroom sanitation ● Detailed floor cleaning (especially corners and edges) It’s not just time-consuming — it’s labor-intensive. Especially if you're settling into a larger home in places like Portola Valley or Los Altos, where space (and nature) means more dust, allergens, and pollen. Why DIY Isn’t Always the Right Call Yes, you could do it yourself. But after a long move, most people just don’t have the energy, and that’s when things get skipped. That’s where Professional Cleaning Companies in Los Altos and surrounding areas come in. The good ones don’t just wipe things down; they use commercial-grade equipment, bring in trained teams, and clean with precision. In Campbell, for example, move-in cleaning companies often specialize in both newer constructions and older homes. Each presents unique cleaning challenges — new homes might need a fine dust removal from construction, while older homes may have aged surfaces that need careful handling. How Often Should You Clean After the Move? Once the deep move-in cleaning is done, it’s worth thinking about a schedule to maintain things. Many families in Palo Alto rely on weekly cleaning services just to stay on top of the everyday buildup that happens fast, especially with work, kids, and pets. If you’re not quite that busy, a biweekly cleaning service in Menlo Park might make more sense. It keeps your space fresh without feeling like someone’s always coming through the door. It’s also a good balance if you’re generally tidy but want support with the stuff that tends to get skipped (like deep bathroom cleaning or dusting blinds).

3. Choosing the Right Cleaning Team Wherever you’re located — Los Gatos, Portola Valley, Menlo Park — it’s important to choose cleaners who actually specialize in the type of service you need. The best cleaning companies in Los Gatos, for example, often offer flexible plans and post-move packages that can be tailored to your home’s layout and condition. In more nature-heavy spots like Portola Valley, you’ll want professional cleaners who understand how to deal with outdoor debris, allergens, and the kind of dust that comes from tree-lined surroundings. Generic one-size-fits-all companies just won’t cut it in these neighborhoods. Final Thoughts A proper move-in clean isn’t optional — it’s the foundation for everything that comes next. Before you unpack, furnish, or even stock your fridge, make sure your new California home is truly clean. Whether you’re hiring a professional cleaning company in Los Altos, scheduling a Move-in Cleaning in Campbell, or planning ongoing service in Menlo Park or Palo Alto, doing it right from the start saves time, stress, and regret down the line. Clean first. Unpack later. Your future self will thank you.