A Room-by-Room Guide to Getting the Entire House Clean + Organized

Your Ultimate Fall (or Spring!) Cleaning Checklist for the Whole House

We just had our first snowfall — a reminder that that season is closer than we would care to admit. Which means it’s time to pull out the fall cleaning checklist again!

Ready to get started cleaning and organizing your house before winter sets in, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

This is the ultimate fall cleaning checklist — the only list you’ll need to check all the cleaning and organizing tasks off your list.

At the end, I’ve provided a handy list of cleaning supplies and organizational tools that will help you in the process.

Let’s jump right in!

Whole House Fall Cleaning and Organizing Checklist

Let’s get started! Work your way through this complete fall cleaning checklist to prepare your entire house for the winter.

Porch / Entry

A fall cleaning checklist for the porch or entryway to your home.

1. De-clutter and organize. Start by removing summer items, such as beach toys, sandals, inflatables, etc. Bring out the fall and winter gear — boots, coats, hats, and mittens. Add coat hooks, shelves, and baskets as needed to organize it all.
2. Clean the floor. Take out any rugs, and either vacuum or shake them off outside. Wash smaller rugs and hang to dry. Meanwhile, sweep and mop hard flooring and let it thoroughly dry before returning the rugs.
3. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
4. Clean any furniture. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime from any hard surfaces, and vacuum fabrics or spot clean.
5. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
6. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.

Bedrooms

A fall cleaning checklist for the bedrooms in your home.

1. De-clutter and organize. Swap out any seasonal clothing, donating anything you no longer use that is in good condition. Add command hooks or wicker baskets for additional organization. Move on to any chests or dressers, replacing clothing as needed and adding baskets or dividers for organization. De-clutter and organize the top of the dresser too!
2. Strip the bed. If you need to rotate or flip the mattress, do so at this time. You can also vacuum the mattress and throw your pillows in the wash (or replace them with new ones). Swap out summer bedding for something warmer, if applicable.
3. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
4. Clean the nightstands. Clear off and clean the top, and de-clutter any drawers.
5. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor, making sure to clean underneath the bed. Return the rugs.
6. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
7. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
8. Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures. Reverse the direction of the fan so it is turning clockwise, which will help warmer air circulate through the bedroom.
9. Take out the garbage.

Living Room, Family Room, Playroom

A fall cleaning checklist for the living room, family room, playroom, etc.

1. De-clutter and organize. Remove items that have landed in the living room and bring them to their rightful places. Organize everything else, putting smaller items in decorative baskets.
2. Dust hard surfaces. Remove everything from your shelves, like books and decor, then wipe everything down before putting them back. Wipe dust from pictures and wall decor, as well!
3. Clean the television. Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the screen and wipe off dust.
4. Disinfect remotes and controllers. 
5. De-clutter the toys and books. Toss or donate items that are no longer used, then remove additional items to store (and occasionally rotate). Remember, the holidays are coming up, and the playroom will accumulate more in the coming months!
6. Organize the toys and books. Add extra storage baskets if needed to contain smaller toys. Put “like” toys together. Woven baskets, like this one, are a super cute and affordable way to keep everything contained.
7. Clean any furniture. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime from any hard surfaces, and vacuum fabrics or spot clean.
8. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
9. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
10. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
11. Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures. Reverse the direction of the fan so it is turning clockwise, which will help warmer air circulate through the living area.
12. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor, making sure to clean underneath the furniture. Return the rugs.
13. Refresh your decor. Swap out your decorations for fall-inspired items — bonus points if you DIY.

Office

A fall cleaning checklist for your home office.

1. De-clutter and organize. Remove everything and wipe off the desk, then put everything back where it belongs. If needed, add extra wicker baskets or trays to help organize everything. Shred or throw away anything you no longer need.
2. Dust hard surfaces. Remove everything from your shelves, like books and decor, then wipe everything down before putting them back. Wipe dust from pictures and wall decor, as well!
3. Clean any furniture. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime from any hard surfaces, and vacuum fabrics or spot clean.
4. Clean your computer. Wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Also, consider cleaning up the “inside” of your computer — things like email inbox, photos, and files on the desktop.
5. Go through all your paperwork. File or shred everything. De-clutter files by removing old documents that are no longer needed and shredding them with a cross-cut paper shredder.
6. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
7. Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures. Reverse the direction of the fan so it is turning clockwise, which will help warmer air circulate through the living area.
8. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
9. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
10. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor, making sure to clean underneath the office furniture. Return the rugs.
11. Take out the garbage.
12. Refresh your decor. Swap out your decorations for fall-inspired items — bonus points if you DIY.

Kitchen

A fall cleaning checklist for your kitchen.

1. Perform a “pantry audit”. Toss expired food, wipe down shelves, and organize dry goods. Use baskets to organize smaller items, such as spice packets and miscellaneous items.
2. Clear the counters. Remove everything from the counter top. Place all loose papers in a basket, then go through them. Separate everything into piles, then take action with each pile. (Shred? Check. File? Done.) Clean the counters with an all purpose cleaner and put only the items back IF they belong on the counters. Before putting anything back, ask yourself if it truly belongs on the counter — or is there somewhere else you can keep it? A cabinet or drawer, perhaps?
3. Clean out the fridge. Toss expired food, wipe down shelves, and organize everything. Use plastic bins to organize group similar items together.
4. Deep clean the stove and oven. Run a clean cycle and turn the burners on high. Once everything has cooled, wipe it down. Use a good oven cleaner. Wipe the vent hood as well.
5. Wipe down the dishwasher. Clean out food traps and run a quick clean cycle.
6. Clean smaller appliances. Wipe down the microwave, toaster, coffee pot, and so on.
7. Organize drawers and cabinets. Remove items you never use and toss or donate them. Wipe down, then put anything back that you are keeping. Add adjustable drawer dividers to keep the contents (cooking utensils, cookie sheets, etc.) organized.
8. Scrub the sink and faucets. Sinks are incredibly dirty, so use a good disinfectant.
9. Polish glass surfaces. A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth should do the trick.
10. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
11. Wipe ceiling fans and light fixtures. Reverse the direction of the fan so it is turning clockwise, which will help warmer air circulate through the kitchen.
12. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor, making sure to move any (movable) furniture and clean underneath. Return the rugs.
13. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
14. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
15. Clean any furniture. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and grime from any hard surfaces, such as the table and chairs, and vacuum fabrics or spot clean.
16. Take out the garbage.
17. Refresh your decor. Swap out your decorations for fall-inspired items — bonus points if you DIY.

Bathrooms

A fall cleaning checklist for your bathrooms.

1. De-clutter and organize. Start by removing everything from the countertop, drawers, and cabinets. Toss expired products or things you no longer use, and use baskets or plastic bins to organize smaller items together. Wipe out drawers and shelves before putting anything back.
2. Clean out the medicine cabinet. Again, remove everything and toss expired products or things you no longer use. Wipe the shelves before putting anything back.
3. Scrub and wipe down toilet. 
4. Scrub the sink, tub, and faucets. Sinks are incredibly dirty, so use a good disinfectant. Wipe down shower rods and rings, and wash the shower curtain or replace if needed. Scrub tile and grout with a tile and grout cleaner.
5. Polish the mirror. A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth should do the trick.
6. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
7. Wipe ventilation fans and light fixtures.
8. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor. Return the rugs.
9. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
10. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
11. Take out the garbage.

Laundry Room

A fall cleaning checklist for the laundry room in your home.

1. De-clutter and organize. Remove everything from the shelves and cabinets. Wipe down the shelves and cabinets, toss expired products and anything you no longer need, then return everything you are keeping. Add boxes or baskets as needed to help organize ‘like’ items or smaller items.
2. Run a clean cycle on the washing machine. Look at your washer’s manual for instructions. I have used a half cup of vinegar to clean out our washing machine.
3. Clean out the lint trap and dryer hose. Use a vacuum hose and/or an extendable duster.
4. Wipe down the washer and dryer. Wipe the interior walls of the washer and dryer, as well as the outside of each appliance. Make sure to clean behind them as well!
5. Dust hard surfaces. Wipe down any counters, shelving, and cabinets.
6. Scrub the sink.
7. Wash the windows. In addition to wiping the windows, check whether the screen, curtains, or blinds need cleaning.
8. Clean the floor. Remove any rugs, wash them and hang to dry. Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor. Return the rugs.
9. Spot clean the walls. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe visible grime and either vacuum or sweep away any cobwebs from the corners.
10. Wipe all baseboards. A vacuum hose makes it easy to remove dust, and a damp microfiber cloth will help remove buildup.
11. Wipe light fixtures.
12. Empty the trash bin.

Outside

A fall cleaning checklist for the yard or exterior of your house.

1. Put away summer items. Anything that is “seasonal” and will not be used over the winter should be stored or covered. For example, the air conditioner unit, patio table and chairs, grill, yard decorations, and beach toys.
2. Wash the windows. I’m not sure how many people actually wash the outsides of their windows in the fall (I never have!), but if they are dusty and grimy, it might be time to scrub them down.
3. Rake leaves and pick up sticks. Especially if you have lots of leafy trees, you’re going to want to do something about all those fallen leaves. While you’re at it, clean up and sticks, pine cones, and other debris that’s on the ground.
4. Clean out the gutters. If your gutters fill up with fallen leaves and other debris, you could end up with water problems, especially if you have a rainy fall.
5. Mow one last time. 
6. Lay down some grass seed. Loosen the soil, fertilize, and lay the grass seed (or use Patch & Repair, a combination mulch, seed, and fertilizer) in bare spots around the yard. Make sure to continue watering throughout the fall. Next spring, you should see grass sprouting in these areas.
7. Till the garden. Add a layer of compost.
8. Drain water. Dry out hoses, fountains, etc. and store, once finished for the season.
9. Protect cold-sensitive plants. You can use bed sheets, drop cloths, blankets, etc.
10. Clean garden tools. Store them away for the winter.

Garage

A fall cleaning checklist for your garage.

1. De-clutter and organize. Remove everything and sort into “keep”, “donate”, and “toss” piles. Wipe down cabinets, counters, work bench, etc. Sort all “keep” items by category and put on them away neatly with similar items. Invest in wall organizers and hang up rakes, shovels, brooms, etc. Organize smaller tools on a peg board. Dispose of everything in the “toss” pile and load the “donate” items into the car, then schedule a time on your calendar to drop them off (or contact a local charity to pick them up).
2. Remove cobwebs. Vacuum or sweep them from corners, walls, and windows.
3. Clean the floor. Sweep or, if needed, use a power washer.

Vehicles

A fall cleaning checklist for your vehicles.

1. De-clutter and organize. Remove everything from the vehicle. Clean floor mats and car seat covers before putting them back. Add organizers and only put back what you absolutely need in the car. Add a trash bin to keep trash under control over the winter.
2. Clean the seats and floor. Use a shop vac to remove dirt and other debris.
3. Wipe down hard surfaces. I like to use a lint free microfiber cloth for dusting — have a spray bottle of water handy for anything that is stuck.
4. Polish the interior windows. A soft, lint-free microfiber cloth should do the trick.
5. Wash the exterior. Bonus points if you DIY. Or, if you’re like me, just drive through the nearest car wash.
6. Schedule an oil change. Make sure they perform other maintenance tasks as well, like topping off fluids.

Now that you have your whole house fall cleaning checklist, it’s time to grab your cleaning supplies and get that house clean and organized.

Grab Your Cleaning Supplies!

I like to keep it super simple with just the basics. Missing something? I’ve provided some handy links below so you can quickly drop into your Amazon cart and have them here in no time.

1. microfiber cloth

2. lint free cotton rags

3. all purpose cleaner

4. white vinegar

5. vacuum with hose

6. shop vac

7. power washer

8. spray bottle

9. broom

10. mop

11. oven cleaner

12. tile and grout cleaner

Helpful Decluttering + Organizing Tools

Here are a few inexpensive items that will help you declutter and get your house organized — quickly!

1. wicker baskets

2. small empty boxes (to organize drawers)

3.plastic bins

4. drawer dividers

5. command hooks

6. paper shredder

Looking for fun fall activities for the family?

Check out this list of fun fall family activities (complete with a free, printable checklist that you can hang on the fridge).