The Complete Guide to Move-Out Cleaning Costs

Moving out of a home or apartment can be stressful enough without scrubbing every inch before leaving. While deep cleaning is standard for rentals, it also benefits homeowners preparing a property to sell. But move-out cleaning costs aren’t cheap, especially if hiring professional cleaning services.

This guide covers average move-out and deep cleaning costs so you can budget properly. We’ll look at rates for cleaning services and supplies, extras like carpet cleaning, and tips for both saving time and money without sacrificing quality. Read on to learn what goes into a thorough move-out clean and how much it typically costs.

What is Move Out Cleaning?

Move-out cleaning, also known as end-of-lease cleaning, is a deep cleaning performed when vacating a rental property or home. It involves thoroughly cleaning the entire interior to restore it to move-in condition.

Move-out cleaning is standardized in rental agreements. Tenants are expected to thoroughly clean before moving their belongings out. Landlords often require professional-grade cleaning to avoid claims on the security deposit.

The goal is to remove all traces of dirt, debris, stains, and damage that accumulated during the tenant’s occupancy. Surfaces must be cleaned, carpets shampooed, and appliances scrubbed spotless. A move-out clean preps the unit for walkthroughs and for new tenant occupants.

While tedious, move-out cleaning is essential for getting security deposits refunded in full per most rental contracts.

Average Cost of Professional Cleaning Service

Hiring professional cleaners is the easiest but most expensive move-out cleaning option. However, it may be money well spent if it means getting your security deposit back. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost for professional move-out cleaning ranges from:

• Studio apartment: $150 – $250
• 1-bedroom apartment: $200 – $350
• 2-3 bedroom apartment: $250 – $450
• 2,000 sq ft house: $300 – $500

The final amount depends on the size of the rental unit or home, the type of surfaces, messiness, and cleaning services needed. Extra services like carpet cleaning or window washing add cost. Expect to pay more for larger homes requiring extensive deep cleaning.

Some specific things that affect the cost include:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms – more rooms equals higher cleaning fees. A 5-bedroom house costs more than a 1-bedroom apartment.
• Square footage – most professional cleaners charge per square foot for an accurate estimate. Larger homes have higher cleaning costs.
• Type of surfaces – carpets, hardwoods, tiles, windows, etc. Specialty surface cleaning adds costs.
• Level of mess – excessively messy homes take longer to clean out thoroughly.
• Location – cleaning prices are higher in expensive metro areas like NYC.
• Special requests – things like oven cleaning, garage cleaning, and refrigerator cleaning often cost extra.

When getting quotes, ask cleaning companies what’s included in their standard pricing and what extra services cost more. A detailed breakdown can help you compare rates fairly.

DIY Move-Out Cleaning Cost

Cleaning the home yourself costs much less than professionals, with savings between 50-75%. But you’ll need to put in a lot of physical effort and time. Costs for DIY move-out cleaning include:

• Supplies: $50 – $150 for equipment, cleaners, etc.
• Your time: 20+ hours for a thorough whole-house clean.

Even without paying for labor, DIY move-out cleaning still takes supplies and many hours of work. And if you miss anything, deductions from the security deposit may exceed the costs of hiring cleaners.

Some costs to factor in for DIY cleaning:

• Cleaning supplies – All the equipment, cleaners, brushes, and sponges needed. Easily $50-100 or more.
• Replacement supplies – Paper towels, rags, mop heads, brooms, etc wear out quickly with heavy use.
• Transportation – Making trips to buy supplies.
• Your effort – A full move-out clean takes 20-30 hours or more of hard work.
• Opportunity cost – The value of things you could have done with that time instead.
• Potential deposit losses – DIY risks missing cleaning areas thoroughly, losing deposit $.

While DIY cleaning saves on labor costs, the non-monetary costs are high. Evaluate if the time and effort are worth it to avoid paying for professional cleaning services and help.

The Importance of Move-Out Cleaning

There are a few key reasons move-out cleaning is so important:

• Upkeep rental contracts – Most leases require tenants to leave the property in clean condition when they move out. Not cleaning thoroughly is a breach of contract.
• Avoid deposit deductions – Landlords will subtract cleaning fees from deposits if the unit is left dirty. A sufficient move-out clean prevents deduction claims.
• Make good impressions – Cleanliness makes an impact on walkthroughs. New tenants are more likely to rent cleaner units over dingy ones.
• Reduce work for landlord – A deep clean by tenants saves landlords from having to hire an entire cleaning crew themselves.
• Speed unit turnover – Clean units can be shown and rented out faster. A dirty unit takes longer to make rent-ready.
• Establish a good reference – Fulfilling lease agreements by properly cleaning may lead to a good tenant reference for future rentals.

The benefits go beyond just lower costs and recovering the security deposit amount. Move-out cleaning has advantages for both tenants and landlords.

Factors Affecting Move-Out Cleaning Service Cost

Many variables influence how much move-out cleaning costs for rentals or sales. Key factors include:

Size of Home

Larger spaces with more rooms, bathrooms, windows, etc. cost more to clean. Most cleaning services charge by the square foot for an accurate estimate based on square footage. Homes over 2,500 sq ft often require extra cleaners to finish in a timely manner.

The number of bedrooms and bathrooms also impacts costs – a 5 bedroom 3 bathroom house will cost much more than a small 1 bedroom apartment. More rooms equal more surfaces to clean!

Level of Messiness

A rental unit with excessive dirt, clutter, and grime takes longer to clean. Severely messy homes may need extra scrubbing, special treatments, or two passes to get everything move-in ready. Some cleaning companies charge extra for construction debris removal or hoarding-level clutter.

If the previous tenants or homeowners left a huge mess, expect cleaning fees to be higher. Cleaners charge more when heavy-duty scrubbing, decluttering, and thorough disinfecting are needed. Some filthy homes even require biohazard-level remediation.

Type of Surfaces

Homes with high-maintenance surfaces like carpet shampooing and hardwood floor polishing have higher cleaning costs. Cleaners also charge more for extras like interior window washing, ceiling fan cleaning, and garage cleaning. Standard cleans usually include surfaces like countertops, cabinets, and hardwood floors.

Surface examples that take extra time and work:

• Carpets – need heavy steam cleaning for stains and odors
• Hardwoods – buffing and resealing add cost
• Windows – interior and exterior window cleaning
• Appliances – oven, fridge, and stove cleaning fees
• Outdoor – garage, patio, yard cleanup

The more specialty surfaces in a home, the more detailed work is required. This means a higher cleaning bill.

Location

Like most services, cleaning costs more in major metropolitan areas and cities. Prices offered for additional services range higher in places like New York City and San Francisco versus smaller towns and rural locales. The location also impacts travel fees if located further from the cleaning company’s service area.

In expensive areas like NYC or the Bay Area, cleaners must charge higher rates to cover their own high costs of living and supplies. In remote areas, travel time and mileage drive up service costs. Suburban and rural areas tend to have cheaper cleaning rates.

What’s Included in Professional Move-Out Cleaning

Professional cleaners follow detailed checklists to fully clean a home before moving out. Here are some standard services included:

• Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming all floors
• Wiping down interior walls and baseboards
• Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms
• Kitchen deep cleaning including appliances
• Dusting and wiping all surfaces
• Cleaning ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Window cleaning (interior only usually)
• Cobweb removal
• Trash and debris removal

Reputable cleaning companies work systematically to prepare the interior windows of home to “show ready” condition for new owners or tenants.

Exactly what’s covered in a standard professional move-out clean varies a bit by company. But in general, it will include:

• Dusting and surface cleaning throughout the home
• Floor cleaning – sweep, mop, vacuum
• Bathroom cleaning – sinks, toilets, showers scrubbed
• Kitchen cleaning – countertops, cabinets, appliances
• Wall spot cleaning
• Trash removal
• Cobwebs removed
• Light fixtures cleared of dust
• Window interior cleaning

This covers the major areas and common surfaces. But additional needs may incur extra costs.

Additional Move Out Cleaning Services and Costs

While standard cleans cover the basics of whole house cleaning, most properties need additional services. Typical extra costs include:

• Additional Move Out Cleaning Services and Costs
  • Carpet cleaning: Thorough carpet cleaning involves hot water extraction or steam cleaning to remove stains, dirt, and odors trapped deep in the carpet fibers. Expect to pay $100-$250 or more for whole home carpet cleaning depending on the number of bedrooms.
  • Grout cleaning: Cleaning dirty grout lines on tile floors makes a huge visual difference. Grout cleaning costs around $0.30-$0.50 per square foot depending on tile condition.
  • Refrigerator cleaning: Over time, fridge interiors get grimy with spills and stains. Professional fridge cleaning typically costs $50-$150 per appliance depending on size and mess level.
  • Oven cleaning: Burnt-on grease and baked-on spills require heavy-duty oven cleaning. You can expect to pay $75-$200 or more for professional oven scrubbing services depending on the oven’s condition.
  • Window cleaning – Interior: Interior window cleaning removes dust, streaks, and debris buildup on window glass and sills. It typically costs around $3-$5 per window pane.
  • Garage cleaning: Clearing out junk and sweeping up debris in the garage makes a big impact. Garage cleaning costs range from $100-$300 depending on the amount of clutter and work involved.

Cleaning behind and under appliances costs more. Services like window washing, garage cleaning, and yard cleanup are usually extras too.

Here are some examples of add-on services with typical price ranges:

• Carpet steam cleaning – $100 for 1 bedroom, $200 for 3 bedrooms
• Tile grout scrub – $0.30-0.50 per sq ft, so $100 for 200 sq ft
• Fridge clean inside – $50-75 per fridge
• Oven scrub – $75-150 depending on size and grime
• Window interior cleaning – $2-5 per window pane
• Window exterior cleaning – $5-10 per window pane
• Garage sweeping and cleaning – $100-200 for 2-3 car garage
• Yard waste removal – $50-100 per load
• Wall scrubbing for heavy stains or marks – $25-50 per wall

Shop around to compare rates on extra cleaning services. Often the extras really add up.

DIY Move-Out Cleaning Supplies and Tools

Attempting to move out and clean yourself means stocking up on supplies. Having the right equipment makes DIY cleaning easier and more affordable.

Cleaning Equipment

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Broom & dustpan
• Duster
• Cleaning rags and sponges
• Scrub brushes
• Grout brush
• Detail brushes for appliances
• Rubber gloves

Cleaning Products

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes and sprays
• Tub & tile cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Floor cleaner or mop solutions
• Stainless steel cleaner
• Garbage bags
• Paper towels

Shop sales and dollar stores to get all supplies on a budget. Buy in bulk for savings on items you’ll go through quickly like paper towels, rags, and garbage bags.

Specialized cleaning products for surfaces like windows, tile, and hardwood can save time on heavy scrubbing. Invest in quality supplies suited for intense deep cleaning sessions rather than just light tidying.

Tips for Saving Money on Move-Out Cleaning

Whether hiring a professional cleaner or DIY, you can use these tips to reduce move-out cleaning costs:

• Start decluttering early – Less stuff to clean around saves time.
• Clean as you go before moving – Deep clean rooms as they empty out.
• Provide your own cleaning supplies – Avoid markups from cleaners.
• Book in advance – Prices increase closer to move-out dates.
• Hire for just heavy cleaning – Do light tidying yourself first.
• Split between family members – Assign different rooms to clean.
• Check for deals on weekdays – Weekend bookings can cost more.
• Compare multiple quotes – Rates vary from company to company.

Giving yourself enough time is crucial. Rushing last minute always means paying premium prices.

Some other money-saving tips:

• Declutter before cleaning – Getting rid of clutter first saves cleaners time and effort.
• DIY light cleaning like dusting – Then hire pros just for heavy scrubbing.
• Provide your own consumables – Paper towels, cleaning solutions, etc.
• Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for lower rates.
• Schedule during slower business days for discounts.
• Divide and conquer between families – Each tackles one area.
• Check Groupon or social media for cleaning deals.
• Get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing.
• Negotiate rates if hiring a cleaning crew.

Planning ahead, taking advantage of sales and specials, and combining DIY with hired help can result in big savings on cleaning fees.

Questions to Ask When Hiring Move-Out Cleaners

If hiring professional cleaners, come prepared with questions to find the best ones for your needs. Important things to ask include:

• What’s your experience with move-out cleans?
• What’s included in your standard pricing?
• How do you charge – by hour or square footage?
• What extra services do you offer and how much do they cost?
• What supplies do you bring?
• Do you have any discounts or deals?
• Can I get a written quote for approval first?

A cleaning company that’s transparent about its rates and services makes for a smoother process.

Here are some other key questions to ask potential cleaners:

• How long have you been in business? Look for several years of experience at least.
• Do you have bonded and insured cleaners? This protects against theft or damage.
• What training do your cleaners receive? Proper training ensures quality results.
• What’s your process for move-out cleans? Do you follow a checklist?
• What method do you use for cleaning floors, windows, etc?
• How soon can you complete the cleaning? Do you offer expedited service?
• Can I get a binding quote in writing first?
• Do you offer any guarantees if I’m not satisfied?
• What’s the best way to reach you if I have questions or concerns?

Their responses will help determine if they’re a good fit for your cleaning job.

How the Move-Out Cleaning Process Works

Whether DIY or hired out, there’s a systematic process to ensure no areas get missed. Here are the standard steps:

1. Start at the top and work down. Ceilings, vents, lights, and fans first.
2. Walls were wiped down and baseboards scrubbed.
3. Windows cleaned inside and out if needed.
4. Doorknobs, doors, and switch plates disinfected.
5. All furniture was dusted and vacuumed.
6. Bathrooms fully disinfected – sinks, showers, toilets, mirrors.
7. The kitchen was deep cleaned including appliances.
8. Flooring fully cleaned – carpet, hardwood, tile, etc.
9. Take out all trash bags and do a final sweep.
10. Inspect every room to ensure “show ready” status.

During each step, pay attention to detail on fixtures, corners, and hidden areas. Leaving anything dirty risks security deposit deductions.

Professional cleaners follow a similar top-to-bottom process:

1. Remove all clutter and belongings – surfaces must be clear
2. Dust ceiling corners, vents, light fixtures
3. Vacuum and thoroughly clean all furniture
4. Wash walls, baseboards, and light switches
5. Clean all doors, cabinets, shelving
6. Scrub kitchen and all appliances
7. Clean bathrooms fully including all fixtures
8. Mop, vacuum, and shampoo flooring as needed
9. Finish with windows, window sills, and window treatments
10. Sweep up all loose dirt and do a final inspection

Checklists help ensure every last spot gets addressed during the cleaning session.

Make Your Move-Out Cleaning as Stress-Free as Possible

Moving is chaotic enough without the extra hassle of cleaning. The easiest option for move-out cleanings is hiring professional cleaners to handle the grimy work, but costs add up quickly. For affordable cleanings, prepare to put in some elbow grease yourself.

The key is allocating enough time for a thorough cleaning, whether DIY or hired out. Rushing leads to missed spots that can cost you your security deposit. Protect your savings by researching rates, asking questions, and doing proper cleaning and decluttering ahead of time.

With some planning and the right supplies, you can tackle move-out cleaning without going over budget. Just follow a comprehensive move-out checklist so your old home looks revived and renewed.