Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, and the last thing you want to worry about is a thorough, deep cleaning of your old home. A professional move-out cleaning service is a comprehensive solution designed to handle this crucial task, leaving the property spotless for the next occupants or for your landlord’s inspection. This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect from a standard move-out cleaning checklist.
Why Move Out Cleaning Is Important
Meeting Landlord Requirements
Most lease agreements have a clause requiring you to return the property in the same condition it was in when you moved in, minus normal wear and tear. A professional cleaning service ensures you meet these requirements without missing any spots.
Getting Security Deposit Back
Your security deposit is often on the line. A landlord or property manager can legally withhold a portion of your deposit to cover cleaning and repair costs if the property isn’t up to standard. A professional clean can save you from losing a significant amount of money.
Typical Move Out Cleaning Checklist
A standard move-out cleaning is a detailed, room-by-room process that covers everything from floors to ceiling fans.
Kitchen (Appliances, Cabinets, Sinks)
The kitchen is a high-priority area. Professionals will clean and sanitize:
- Appliances: The interior and exterior of the microwave, and the exterior of the dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.
- Cabinets: The inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers.
- Countertops and Sinks: A thorough scrub and disinfection.
- Floors: Sweeping, mopping, and ensuring no crumbs or grease are left behind.
Bathrooms (Showers, Toilets, Mirrors)
Bathrooms are a focus for sanitation and sparkle. Cleaners will deep clean:
- Showers and Bathtubs: Removing soap scum, mold, and mildew.
- Toilets: A full disinfection inside and out.
- Mirrors and Fixtures: Polishing mirrors and wiping down all fixtures.
- Floors: Mopping and sanitizing.
Bedrooms and Living Areas (Dusting, Floors)
These areas are prepared for the next occupant. Services include:
- Dusting: All surfaces, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and baseboards.
- Floors: Vacuuming carpets and mopping all hard-surface floors.
- Windowsills and Blinds: Wiping down to remove dust and dirt.
Windows, Doors, and Baseboards
Often overlooked, these details make a huge difference. Professionals will clean all windows (interior glass), doors, and baseboards to ensure a comprehensive clean.
Add-On Services
For a truly pristine property, many companies offer additional services for a small extra fee.
Carpet Shampooing
While vacuuming is standard, a deep clean with a professional carpet shampooer or hot water extraction machine removes embedded dirt and stains. This is a must-have if you have heavily trafficked carpeted areas.
Wall Washing and Touch-Ups
This involves washing down all walls to remove scuffs, fingerprints, and smudges. This is especially helpful if you have kids or pets.
Garage or Basement Cleaning
Cleaning these spaces is not always included in a standard package. You may need to add this on if your lease requires it, or if you want a clean space for the next owner.
How Long Does It Take?
The duration of a move-out clean depends on several factors, primarily the size and condition of your home.
Small vs. Large Homes
A small studio apartment might take a team of two professionals 2-3 hours, while a larger, three-bedroom house could take 5-7 hours or more. The more extensive the space, the longer it will take.
Deep-Cleaning Needs
If the property hasn’t been deep-cleaned in a while or has visible signs of neglect, the process will take significantly longer as the team works to restore it to move-in condition.
Let our team at E&R Cleaning Services handle the hard work. We’ll make sure your home is spotless, so you can focus on your new beginning. Contact us today for a free estimate!
