Unless it’s written into the purchase agreement, there’s no legal obligation that a house you’ve bought has to be clean before you move in. The previous owner is generally required to sweep the house, but that doesn’t guarantee everything will be spotless upon your arrival. If possible, discuss the cleaning requirements with the real estate company before moving in.

Add cleaning your stovetop to your weekly kitchen cleaning checklist. Make sure to wipe down any spills after cooking, and once the stove is cool to the touch and it’s safe to do so. This maintenance will ensure your stovetop and its burners are easy to clean and eliminate caked-on, hard-to-scrub food residue.

Typically, professional organizers do not provide cleaning services like vacuuming or dusting. Their primary role is to declutter your home by rearranging items, maximizing storage space, and helping you decide what to discard. However, some larger companies that offer professional organizing may also provide home cleaning services, and hiring a company for both can be more economical. Hiring an organizer is a helpful way to reset and tidy your house, making it easier to stay on top of cleaning in the future. You can also hire a local cleaner to come in after the organizing is complete.

Onions, peppers, fish, broccoli, and fried chicken taste great—but the leftover smells can be less than appetizing. Even if these foods are cooked perfectly, the odors they leave behind can linger well beyond the dishes being cleared and washed. Fortunately, you can use the same tips to get a burnt smell out of the house and remove stubborn food odors. In addition, make sure you’re keeping your fridge clear of odor-smelling foods for too long to keep the stench from invading other foods.