From Dorm to First Apartment: A Cleaning Guide for College Grads Moving Around Morristown

There’s a special kind of energy in Morristown every spring. The daffodils bloom in front of the courthouse, the Green fills up with people sipping iced coffee from SmartWorld, and students from nearby colleges—especially Drew University—start preparing to take their next big step into adulthood. For some, that means moving from a cozy dorm room tucked away in Madison to their first real apartment just off Speedwell Avenue or tucked into a quiet street in Morris Township.

If you’re one of those recent grads making the leap, first of all—congratulations. That move from campus life to apartment living is exciting, a little scary, and honestly, a huge learning curve. You suddenly go from worrying about cramming for finals to wondering how to clean a fridge without accidentally growing something in it. I’ve been there, and trust me, you’re not alone.

Morristown is a great place to land after college. You’re still close to the familiar—Drew, the Morristown train station, local pizza spots like Millie's Old World—and there’s plenty of independence. You might be renting a walk-up near Elm Street, a studio above a shop downtown, or maybe even splitting a place with friends somewhere near Ridgedale. Either way, there’s a good chance your new place has seen a few tenants before you—and it probably shows.

Before you start decorating or unpacking that box of mismatched mugs, do yourself a favor and deep clean your new space. Moving in with a clean slate (literally) makes a huge difference in how your apartment feels. You’d be amazed what a difference it makes when you wipe down the insides of drawers, clean the baseboards, or tackle that sticky residue left behind in the cabinets. No, it’s not glamorous—but it sets the tone for your life in this next chapter.

Start with the basics: the bathroom. If you’re renting, chances are your landlord did a quick once-over, but things like grout, under-the-rim toilet grime, and the inside of medicine cabinets often get missed. Scrub the tub, clean out the fan vent if it’s dusty, and toss a fresh liner on the shower rod. You’ll thank yourself the next morning.

The kitchen is next. Go ahead and open that fridge—it’s yours now. Wipe it down inside and out, including the gaskets around the door. Same with the oven and stovetop. Even if you’re not much of a cook yet (hello, Fatty’s meals on repeat), having a clean kitchen makes it way easier to make that switch from delivery to at least boiling pasta.

Floors are another big one. If you’ve got hardwood, vacuum and mop to lift any old dust or pet dander. If you’re lucky enough to have in-unit carpet, a deep vacuum should do, but a full shampooing doesn’t hurt—especially if the last tenants were cat lovers or smokers.

And here’s a sneaky one: light switches and doorknobs. These tiny areas get touched dozens of times a day and are often overlooked in a standard clean. Give them a good disinfecting wipe and enjoy that subtle peace of mind.

Now, if you're moving out of a dorm or a sublet, don’t forget the other side of the equation—leaving your old space in good shape. Not only does it show respect to your landlord or RA, but it also helps ensure you get that all-important security deposit back. Be thorough. Clean behind the furniture, take out the trash, and make sure the place smells like fresh start, not old takeout.

Of course, if you’re juggling a new job downtown, commuting into the city from the Morristown station, or just trying to figure out what adulting even means, a full top-to-bottom clean might feel overwhelming. That’s totally fair. Life moves fast after graduation—between networking events, unpacking, and trying to remember where you packed your socks, cleaning might not make it to the top of the list.

That’s why more and more local grads are leaning on professionals to handle the move-in/move-out stress for them. Whether you’re fresh out of Drew University or making your way through early career life in Morristown, having someone who knows the area and understands what “truly clean” means in a first apartment can be a game-changer.

Rosie Cleans in Morristown, NJ has helped countless young professionals, students, and longtime residents prepare their homes for new beginnings. We know the quirks of Morristown housing—from creaky old hardwood floors to sneaky dust in those historic trim details—and we serve not just the town, but the surrounding neighborhoods with care and attention. Because stepping into adulthood is a big deal—and your space should feel like it, right from day one. Give us a call at 862-305-0916 or book online to make your move a little lighter.

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