Are you getting ready to move? Whether you are a college student getting ready to move into your first dormitory or you’re a seasoned home owner buying a larger house, knowing what you need for basic home cleaning supplies and having them always on hand is soon going to be an important part of your life.

The process of moving, both out of an old residence and into a new one, always involves a lot of cleaning. Being prepared ahead of time with all of the necessary supplies will make both the cleaning process, as well as the entire process of moving, a lot less stressful for everyone involved.

Follow this guide for basic home cleaning supplies and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a spick-and-span new place to call home.

1. A broom with flexible bristles.

In a day and age when you can buy robotic vacuum cleaners, you might think something as basic as a broom is not necessary. However, there are many reasons why you should still always have a good broom to hand, even if you intend to vacuum most of your floors. A broom will reach into those hard-to-clean corners where a vacuum cannot. You can also use the bristles of your broom to reach cobwebs in ceiling corners, sweep between stair rail rungs and sweep up things like pet food, large dust bunnies, pet hair and small pieces of trash that you may clog your vacuum. Why do you need the flexible bristles? You want a broom that will bend and move easily to reach into those corners and really grab the dirt.

2. A long-handled duster.

A long-handled duster, such as those made by Swiffer, are a vital cleaning supply for any residence. You can use these dusters, which often extend for several feet, to dust hard-to-reach corners, woodwork, and the tops of fan blades. Some dusters are long enough to use from the floor, but if you have very high ceilings, you may require a stepladder to reach some of the dusty corners in your home. Try to find a long-handled duster that extends to a total of at least six feet for maximum effectiveness.

3. A stepladder.

As mentioned above, you will need a stepladder for certain types of cleaning. For instance, besides dusting, you will probably need a ladder to wash windows. A three-foot step ladder will probably do for most households; however, if you have high ceilings, you may want to consider a six-foot step ladder. These ladders will also come in handy for cleaning along the tops of window frames, paneling, and the tops of mirrors and picture frames.

4. A mop.

As with a broom, you’re going to occasionally want a mop even if you usually vacuum. Some floors, such as bathroom and kitchen floors, simply require mop-work. Kitchen floors encourage food and liquid spills, for which you will definitely want your mop to make sure you get the floor cleaned properly. Bathroom floors can encourage mold and mildew if they aren’t regularly cleaned and kept free from standing water. A mop will help you keep floors clean as well as dry.

5. A bucket.

A bucket is an important accompaniment to your mop. You will need it for hot, soapy water when you clean your kitchen and bathroom floors. But you may also need a bucket for other cleaning tasks, such as scrubbing the bathtub with a sponge. A sturdy, five gallon bucket is a good size to have on hand. You can also use the bucket as a caddie to carry around your cleaning chemicals, sponges and paper towels when you’re doing different chores throughout the house.

6. A vacuum.

A vacuum cleaner will be a vital part of any cleaning routine. Invest in a good brand name vacuum and you will have one that will last for years. Make sure that you buy one that’s appropriate for your particular floors, or that has features that can be used on different kinds of surfaces. If you have pets, it’s also worth investing in a vacuum that is intended to handle pet hair. This will save you a lot of grief.

7. Quality sponges.

Sponges are a vital part of your cleaning supply cupboard. Sponges can be used for anything from wiping down counter tops and cleaning up small spots on the floor to scrubbing tiles and washing shower walls. Make sure that you purchase high quality sponges because they will last longer.

8. Paper towels.

As with sponges, you’ll want to invest in some quality, brand name paper towels. Paper towels are quite possibly the most important tool you will have for cleaning your house. A paper towel is perfect for cleaning windows and dusting wood furniture. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaning chemicals for whatever job you are doing when you clean with paper towels. For instance, use furniture polish on wood furniture and window cleaner when washing windows.

9. All-purpose cleaner.

An all-purpose cleaner, especially in a spray bottle, is an essential cleaning supply. You can find a variety of these cleaners in grocery and department stores. An all-purpose cleaner is designed for use on many different surfaces, such as bathroom counters, kitchen counters, bathtubs, tiles, linoleum floors, and mirrors. With an all-purpose spray cleaner to hand, you may not need many other products to get the entire house clean.

10. A baking soda cleaner.

A baking soda based cleaner, such as Bon Ami or Comet, is another essential household cleaning product. These can be used to remove spots, dried-on foods, and sometimes even limescale and other stains. These baking soda based cleaners are ideal for use in sinks, bathtubs, and showers because they are designed to improve scrubbing action without being abrasive.

With just these ten items in your broom closet, you will have a very good range of basic cleaning supplies necessary for cleaning before or after a move.