What move out cleaning is
Move out cleaning is a detailed clean of a home after everything has been moved out. Empty rooms show everything. Dust bunnies where the couch was. Scuffs where the dresser sat. Crumbs in the back of drawers. A move out clean takes care of all of it.
It is one of the most helpful cleans I do, because moving day is already so much. By the time the truck is packed, most people have zero energy left to scrub a bathtub. That is where I come in.
Who needs move out cleaning
Renters hoping to get a deposit back
Many leases expect the home to be returned clean. A careful move out clean helps you leave the space in good shape for your final walkthrough with your landlord. Every landlord has their own standards, so share your move out checklist with me if you have one.
Homeowners selling a house
Leaving a clean home for the new owners is a kind thing to do, and sometimes it is part of your sale agreement. Either way, it is a nice way to say goodbye to a home you loved.
Landlords between tenants
If you own a rental, a clean home between tenants makes it easier to show and helps the next family feel welcome.
What is included in my move out cleaning
Kitchen
- Wipe inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers
- Clean inside and outside the refrigerator
- Clean inside and outside the oven
- Clean inside the microwave
- Wipe the stovetop, hood, and backsplash
- Scrub the sink and faucet
- Wipe counters and clean the floor well
Bathrooms
- Scrub the tub, shower, tile, and glass
- Clean the toilet inside, outside, and around the base
- Wipe inside vanity cabinets and drawers
- Clean the medicine cabinet
- Shine mirrors and fixtures
- Mop the floor and wipe edges
Bedrooms, closets, and living areas
- Wipe closet shelves and rods
- Hand wipe baseboards
- Wipe doors, door frames, and handles
- Dust blinds and wipe window sills
- Wipe light switches and outlet covers
- Dust ceiling fans
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
Move out cleaning vs a regular clean
A move out clean is more detailed than a regular visit because the home is empty and someone else is about to inspect it. Here is what changes.
| Regular clean | Move out clean | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets and drawers | Fronts and handles | Inside and out, every one |
| Refrigerator | Outside and handles | Inside and out |
| Oven | Outside and stovetop | Inside and out |
| Bathroom vanities | Counter and sink | Inside the cabinets and drawers, plus the medicine cabinet |
| Closets | Not included | Shelves and rods wiped |
| Baseboards and door frames | Not included | Hand wiped |
| Blinds, sills, switches, and outlets | Spot cleaned | Dusted and wiped |
| Floors | Vacuumed and mopped | Vacuumed and mopped, edges included |
How long move out cleaning takes
Most empty homes take most of a day. A bigger home, or an oven and fridge with a lot of buildup, can take longer. I will tell you what to expect at the walkthrough so you can plan around your closing or final inspection.
Tips for a smooth move out clean
- Book your clean for after the movers are completely done
- Take out all trash and leftover items
- Leave the utilities on so I have lights and water
- Check your lease for any move out cleaning rules and share them with me
- Let me know when the final walkthrough or closing is
Selling the house?
If your home is going on the market, the cleaning that matters most happens before the listing photos, not after. See what to clean before the photographer comes.
Timing your move out cleaning
Moving weeks fill up fast, so reach out as soon as you know your move date. We can do the walkthrough before you move out, while your things are still there, so I can see the home and give you a price. Then I come back to clean once it is empty.
Moving into a new home too?
If your new home is in an area I serve, I can also do a move in clean before you unpack. That way both homes are taken care of, and you only have to talk to one person.
Who does your move out clean
I do, from start to finish. I am Nevaeh, a local cleaning lady in New Lenox. If your landlord or buyer has a question after the clean, you have one person to call.
How move out cleaning is priced
Move out cleaning is priced after I see the home. I look at the size, the number of bathrooms, the kitchen appliances, and how much cleaning is needed. You will get a clear price before any work starts.
