Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, filled with packing, logistics, and endless to-do lists. Among these tasks, ensuring your previous home is spotless is often overlooked but incredibly important. Whether you’re a tenant aiming to get your full security deposit back or a homeowner preparing your property for sale, a professional move-out clean makes all the difference. Asubra Cleaning outlines what’s typically included in move-out cleaning services and why entrusting this task to professionals is a smart move.
Checklist: Rooms and deep-clean tasks
A comprehensive move-out clean goes far beyond a regular tidy-up. It’s a deep, meticulous cleaning designed to prepare a home for its next occupants. Here’s a typical checklist of tasks covered by professional move-out cleaning services:
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the most labor-intensive room due to grease and food buildup.
- Inside and Out: Clean inside and outside of all cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves.
- Appliances: Deep clean inside and outside of the oven, microwave, refrigerator (if staying), and dishwasher. This includes removing crumbs, wiping spills, and degreasing surfaces.
- Countertops: Disinfect and wipe down all countertops and backsplashes.
- Sink & Faucet: Scrub and sanitize the sink, faucet, and drain.
- Floors: Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors, paying attention to corners and edges.
- Fixtures: Wipe down light fixtures, switches, and outlets.
Bathroom
Bathrooms require thorough sanitization and detail work.
- Sanitize All Surfaces: Clean and sanitize toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, and countertops.
- Grout & Tile: Scrub and clean all tile and grout lines (can be an extra service for heavy mold/mildew).
- Mirrors: Clean mirrors to a streak-free shine.
- Fixtures: Polish faucets, showerheads, and towel bars.
- Cabinets & Drawers: Clean inside and outside of all vanity cabinets and drawers.
- Floors: Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors.
Living areas & bedrooms
These areas often involve detailed dusting and floor care.
- Dusting: Dust all surfaces, including shelves, baseboards, window sills, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and blinds.
- Walls: Spot clean walls for scuffs and marks (full wall washing may be an extra service).
- Doors & Frames: Wipe down doors and door frames.
- Windows: Clean interior window glass (exterior windows usually an add-on).
- Floors: Vacuum all carpeted areas (shampooing carpets is usually an add-on). Sweep and mop all hard flooring.
- Closets: Clean inside and outside of all closets and shelving.
General throughout the home
- Trash Removal: Empty all trash cans.
- Vent Covers: Wipe down vent covers.
- Light Switches & Outlets: Disinfect and wipe down all light switches and electrical outlets.
- Cobwebs: Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners.
Why DIY move-out cleaning often falls short
While it might seem tempting to save money by doing the move-out clean yourself, there are several reasons why DIY efforts often fall short of professional standards.
- Time Constraints & Exhaustion: Moving is incredibly time-consuming and physically draining. After packing, lifting, and transporting, most people simply don’t have the energy or time to execute a deep, detailed clean.
- Lack of Proper Tools & Products: Professional cleaners use industrial-grade equipment (like powerful vacuums and steam cleaners) and specialized cleaning solutions that tackle tough grime, grease, and buildup more effectively than standard household products.
- Attention to Detail: Professional cleaners are trained to spot and address areas often missed by homeowners, such as inside cabinet corners, grout lines, appliance interiors, and intricate fixtures. They follow systematic checklists to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Knowledge of Standards: For tenants, understanding landlord expectations for move-out cleanliness (which often exceed a normal clean) is key to getting a security deposit back. Homeowners preparing for sale benefit from a move-in ready appeal. Professionals know these standards.
- Guaranteed Results: Reputable cleaning companies often guarantee their work. If an issue arises, they’ll typically return to fix it, something you don’t get with DIY.
- Stress Reduction: Outsourcing the move-out clean frees up your time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
Pricing models and average cost
The cost of move-out cleaning varies widely based on location, home size, and specific services.
- Pricing Models:
- Flat Rate: Many companies offer a flat rate based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, or the total square footage. This is common for standard move-out cleans.
- Hourly Rate: Some charge an hourly rate per cleaner. This can be better for very specific, less predictable jobs, but costs can accumulate.
- Custom Quote: For very large homes or properties with unique needs, a custom on-site quote is often provided.
- Average Cost:
- A typical move-out clean for a standard 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home can range from $200 to $500.
- Larger homes (3+ bedrooms) or those requiring extensive deep cleaning (e.g., inside oven, fridge, heavy mold remediation) can push costs to $500 – $1,000+.
- Factors like extreme dirtiness, pet hair, or additional services (carpet shampooing, exterior window cleaning) will increase the price.
How to choose the right cleaning company
Selecting a reliable and effective cleaning service is key to a successful move-out.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain detailed quotes from at least 2-3 different companies.
- Ask for a Checklist: Request a comprehensive checklist of what’s included in their standard move-out clean. Compare these checklists across companies.
- Confirm Insurance & Bonding: Ensure the company is fully insured and bonded. This protects you in case of accidents or damage during the cleaning process.
- Read Reviews & References: Check online reviews (Google, Yelp, etc.) and ask for references from past clients. Look for comments specifically about move-out cleans.
- Discuss Add-Ons: Clarify any additional services you might need (carpet cleaning, exterior windows, wall washing) and their associated costs upfront.
- Guarantee: Ask if they offer a satisfaction guarantee or if they’ll return to fix any missed spots within a certain timeframe.
- Communication: Choose a company with clear and responsive communication.
Tips to prepare for move-out clean
Even with professional cleaners coming, a little preparation on your part can make the process smoother and potentially more efficient.
- Empty the Property: The cleaners can only effectively deep clean an empty space. Remove all personal belongings, furniture, and trash.
- Disconnect Appliances: If appliances like the refrigerator are to be cleaned inside, ensure they are empty and defrosted. Disconnect them if they need to be moved for cleaning underneath.
- Turn On Utilities: Ensure electricity and water are connected so cleaners can operate equipment and clean effectively.
- Communicate Key Areas: If there are specific problem areas or landlord requirements you’re aware of (e.g., a heavily greased oven, pet stains), communicate these to the cleaning company beforehand.
- Provide Access: Arrange for easy access to the property on the day of the clean (e.g., provide a key, leave a lockbox code).
By opting for professional move-out cleaning services, you invest in peace of mind, ensure the property is impeccably clean, and increase the likelihood of a smooth transition to your next chapter.
Facing a move and dreading the cleanup? Let Asubra Cleaning handle the dirty work! Our comprehensive move-out cleaning services are designed to meet the highest standards, ensuring your old home sparkles and is ready for its next inhabitants. Contact us today for a free, detailed quote and make your move-out experience stress-free!
