Moving out brings stress. You pack boxes, load trucks, unpack at your new home, then face one final hurdle: deep cleaning your old place. Hiring a move-out cleaning service will save you time, energy, and money. Your security deposit depends on it. Most lease agreements require thorough cleaning before you hand over keys.
Hiring a house cleaning service will save you time, energy, and money. You might wonder what is included in a typical cleaning company that offers move-out cleaning service. Before dealing with the checklist for a move-out cleaning, we recommend checking your apartment policy or asking your landlord for the cleaning checklist to ensure that you won’t miss anything. This comprehensive guide explains what you get when you hire a move-out cleaning service.
Why Move-Out Cleaning Is Important
Move-out cleaning means getting your rental property back to the exact condition it was in when you first moved in. You’re not just tidying up or doing your regular weekly cleaning routine. This type of cleaning goes deep into every corner, appliance, and surface that has accumulated dirt and wear during your tenancy.
Moving-out cleaning is totally different from your weekly house cleaning routine. You’re dealing with landlords who expect the place to look exactly like it did when you first moved in. Regular cleaning just doesn’t cut it when your security deposit is on the line.
What’s Included In A Professional Move-Out Cleaning Service?
A professional move-out cleaning service includes comprehensive cleaning of every area in your home. Below is the complete checklist of what to expect when you hire a professional cleaning team:
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Dust and wipe all door frames and doors
Remove cobwebs from corners and ceiling
Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures
Wipe and disinfect all mirrors
Vacuum stairs and all carpeted surfaces
Dust and clean built-in shelves
Mop all hardwood floors
Clean and dust baseboards
Wipe down light switches and electrical outlets
Clean window sills and tracks
Remove fingerprints and marks from walls
Bathroom Deep Cleaning
Remove all ceiling cobwebs
Dust and clean all surfaces
Scrub grout and tiles
Wipe and disinfect mirrors
Clean and dust ventilation systems
Vacuum and clean all baseboards
Clean and sanitize counters and sinks
Clean and disinfect toilets
Scrub shower and bathtub
Clean and organize medicine cabinets
Mop and disinfect floors
Kitchen Cleaning
Clean and wipe countertops
Clean all appliances
Dust doors and door frames
Vacuum and mop floors
Clean window sills, frames
Empty and clean all garbage bins
Clean stovetop and range hood
Defrost and sanitize refrigerator
Wipe down dishwasher
Optional Deep Cleaning Add-Ons
This is optional and oftentimes recommended for your move-in cleaning needs. If you want to ensure your new home is hygienic, then hiring an expert to deeply clean your new house or apartment would be ideal.
At Next Day Cleaning, we can help you deeply sanitize and disinfect every nook and crevice in your new residence. Our house deep cleaning service is your best option today. All those hard-to-reach areas will be seamlessly cleansed by our team.
Here are some of the areas we include for deep cleaning:
Tiles and vent covers
Interior surfaces of appliances
Drain pipes
Defrosting and cleaning your fridge
Rangehood
Dishwasher
We can talk about the things to be included in your house deep cleaning service. That way, you can clearly set your expectations with our team. We can also prepare the right tools and products for accomplishing your request.
How much does the move-out cleaning service cost?
Just like the costs of maid services, on average, it will cost you around $360 for a basic cleaning service for move-out, with most homeowners paying between $120 to $420. For an hourly rate, you’re looking at an estimate of $75 – $150 per hour for at least 2 cleaners to do the work.
However, this price will vary depending on the size of the house, the condition of your space, and the location. It is important to ask for a free estimate from an apartment move-out cleaning service, to begin with.
Timing and Scheduling of your Move-out Cleaning
The timing for move-out cleaning service scheduling depends on your moving timeline and availability. There are some instances where you need to book weeks in advance because popular moving periods fill quickly. Conversely, off-peak seasons offer more flexibility with scheduling.
The duration of time for move-out-cleaning totally to take place depends on the size of your space and how clean it is. There are some instances that it takes longer time to clean a small home because of how filthy the home is. Conversely, it’s less when the professionals are well-maintained.
An older home has another story since most areas and items have more dust and dirt. But if you have the habit of cleaning your home once a week, then your move-out cleaning won’t be that heavy.
The scheduling of your move-out cleaning service works best after moving furniture out. There are benefits to having empty spaces since they clean more efficiently. On the other hand, furnished spaces take longer and cost more to clean properly.
Benefits of Professional Move-Out Cleaning
Once you’ve decided to move to another home or apartment, you’ll also need to decide if you want to hire a professional cleaner. There are many factors to consider for this matter, yet top of mind must be your convenience and budget. To elaborate more on when you need to hire a move-in/out cleaning service, here are the best reasons:
When you have more important priorities than cleaning
Relocating to another home or office is a huge task. You consider many things, and focusing on your new home becomes your top priority. Safely transporting all your belongings takes most of your energy and attention. But you also need to ensure your rented space is clean and organized before finally moving out. By doing that, you can easily secure your security deposit from the landlord.
Creating convenience for new occupants
Making sure your rented apartment or house is clean is a great way to help the new tenant easily move in. You also leave a good impression with your previous landlord, in case the new landlord asks about your stay at your previous residence. Clean spaces make everyone happy and show you care about the next person living there. This way, the next occupant can settle in without worrying about deep cleaning first.
Building positive landlord relationships
Never burn bridges and always leave a good memory with anyone, especially your landlords. You never know when you’ll need to do business with them again or require references. Good relationships with property owners serve you well in the future. A professional move-out cleaning service shows you respect their investment and property.
Lacking proper cleaning equipment
Most people don’t have the proper tools for cleaning carpets, upholstery, hardwood, and furniture properly. Hiring a cleaning company becomes your best option when you lack specialized equipment. Professional teams are equipped with the right cleaning tools and skills for this scenario. Good thing is that there are professional cleaning services you can hire to help you with problems like these.
You won’t have to worry about stains and nasty smells in your apartment or rented house when you hire a cleaning company. A professional move-out cleaning service can be your best help for this matter and ensure you get your security deposit back.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Service
Not all cleaning companies offer the same quality or reliability for move-out cleaning service. You need a team that understands landlord expectations and delivers results that protect your security deposit. Here are key factors to consider when selecting your move-out cleaning service:
Research local house cleaning services
Finding the right move-out cleaning service takes some homework on your part. You want to read reviews from previous customers and check their credentials carefully. Verify insurance and bonding for your protection since they’ll be working in your home. Good companies have proper licensing and insurance coverage that protects both you and their workers.
Request detailed service descriptions
Ask each company exactly what their move-out cleaning service includes in the standard package. You want to ensure they cover all necessary tasks without hidden charges later. Compare offerings carefully between different providers since services vary significantly. Some companies include appliance cleaning while others charge extra for these tasks.
Ask about cleaning products
Professional services should use commercial-grade supplies that work better than store-bought options. You want to know if they bring their own equipment or expect you to provide supplies. Quality cleaning products make a huge difference in results and justify the professional service cost.
Verify staff training and background checks
Professional cleaning companies screen their employees carefully through background checks and training programs. You need trustworthy people working in your home with access to your belongings. Ask about their hiring process and employee training to ensure quality service.
Discuss timing and scheduling flexibility
Reliable companies work with your moving schedule and accommodate changes when possible. Moving plans often shift, and you need a cleaning service that adapts to these changes. This flexibility reduces stress during your transition and ensures cleaning happens at the right time.
Preparing for Your Move-Out Cleaning
You want to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and the cleaning team. Good preparation leads to more thorough cleaning and better protection of your security deposit. Here’s what you need to do before your cleaning team arrives:
1. Remove all personal belongings before cleaners arrive
Empty spaces cleaned much more thoroughly than cluttered ones. You need to clear out closets, cabinets, and all storage areas completely before your cleaning appointment. Professional cleaners work faster and more efficiently when they don’t have to move your belongings around. This also prevents any damage to your personal items during the cleaning process.
2. Secure valuable items separately
Professional services carry insurance, but preventing problems works better than dealing with claims later. You should remove jewelry, important documents, electronics, and any sentimental items from the property. Keep these valuables with you or store them safely at your new home. This gives you peace of mind and allows cleaners to work without worrying about fragile items.
3. Provide access information clearly
Make sure your cleaning team can enter easily on the scheduled date without any confusion. Leave keys, garage codes, or access instructions as arranged with the company. Clear communication about entry prevents delays and ensures your cleaning starts on time. You might also want to inform neighbors about the scheduled cleaning to avoid any concerns.
4. Discuss specific concerns with your cleaning team
Point out problem areas that need extra attention when you book your move-out cleaning service. Professional teams accommodate special requests and focus on areas that worry you most. Tell them about stubborn stains, pet odors, or any damage that needs special care. This communication helps them bring the right supplies and allocate proper time.
5. Create a walkthrough checklist based on your lease agreement
Share your lease cleaning requirements with your professional cleaning service before they start. This ensures all required tasks get completed according to your landlord’s expectations. Having this checklist prevents missed areas and protects your security deposit. You can also use this list for your final inspection with the property owner.
Making Your Next Move Easier
Hiring a professional move-out cleaning service eliminates the final stress of moving while protecting your security deposit. You get to focus on settling into your new home instead of spending hours scrubbing floors and cleaning appliances when you’re already exhausted from everything else. Expert teams handle the detailed cleaning that landlords expect, and you walk away knowing your old place sparkles for the next tenant.
Contact Next Day Cleaning today for your free estimate and let our professional team handle the heavy cleaning while you start your exciting new chapter.







