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Packing up belongings, loading furniture and boxes onto a moving truck, traveling, unloading, and unpacking at a new home is stressful enough—and that’s before considering the additional chore of deep cleaning the old house or apartment. Luckily, there are reputable move-out cleaning services that will take care of this job, freeing up the customer to manage the many other aspects of a move. These services will clean an apartment or home from top to bottom, including everything from baseboards and kitchen cabinets to the interiors of refrigerators and ovens. While using one of the best cleaning services may add an additional cost to a move, it’s often well worth it. The best move-out cleaning service helps renters recoup a security deposit or ensures that a seller’s pre-closing walk-through goes smoothly.
- BEST OVERALL: The Maids
- RUNNER-UP: Merry Maids
- BEST LAST-MINUTE SERVICE: Handy
- ALSO CONSIDER: Molly Maid
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Move-Out Cleaning Service for You
Not all cleaning services offer move-out cleaning services or the same quality of cleaning, which is why it’s so important for a customer to thoroughly vet a service before hiring one. Crucial factors to consider include scheduling, cleaning methods, and total cost. Ahead, learn more about these and other crucial factors to consider when vetting a move-out cleaning service.
Service Area and Scheduling
While many move-out cleaning services have a national presence, that doesn’t mean they have locations in every city and town. With that in mind, customers should check to see which services are available in their neck of the woods to avoid wasting time vetting a service that can’t provide them with services.
Move-out cleaning services offer different ways of scheduling service. While almost all companies will allow customers to schedule service with a phone call, some companies also offer the option to schedule service online. Customers will want to ensure that the method of scheduling is convenient for them.
Customers will want to schedule move-out cleaning once their belongings are cleared from the premises but before a lease ends and they return their keys to the landlord or before the sale on a home closes. This window may be particularly tight, with only a day or two of flexibility. Customers will want to ensure that a cleaning service can accommodate the day and time they need and has backup cleaners available if the original cleaners need to cancel or reschedule.
Quotes, Pricing, and Payment
When choosing a move-out cleaning service, the customer will generally want to get a quote from the service. The best way to ensure an accurate quote is to provide as much information as possible about the home. This includes its condition, size, and number and types of rooms. Customers will also want to find out exactly what services are included in the quote and what, if any, services will require an additional fee. A good move-out cleaning service will provide a deep-clean-house checklist that clearly states what services are included. Customers should also inquire about payment options and when payment is due. Payment for cleaning services is typically due at the time the service is provided, but it’s always best to have this information up front before the cleaning crew arrives.
Cleaning Methods and Supplies
While most companies bring their own cleaning supplies with them, there are a few exceptions. Customers will want to confirm that the cleaners will bring their own supplies when scheduling the service. Move-out cleaning services vary in the types of cleaning products they use. While some will use standard cleaning products, others only use those that are eco-friendly or hypoallergenic. Some customers may also prefer products that are fragrance-free. Customers with any preferences or sensitivities should bring these up when scheduling an appointment and see if the company can accommodate.
Cleaning Team Size
The size of the cleaning team impacts how long the cleaning will take, which can impact the price you pay. A cleaning that takes longer than expected can mean that the customer pays more than the quoted price. Additionally, the customer will generally need to be home to let the cleaning crew in and pay the cleaners once the service is complete. The customer doesn’t want to be sitting around an empty home for hours on end, waiting for the cleaners to finish. Cleaning teams of between two and four are typical for move-out cleaning, and this team size should ensure the job gets done efficiently. If customers have a preference about the number of cleaners, they should make inquiries during scheduling.
Insurance
As with any other type of service that involves technicians coming into a home, customers will want the service provider to be fully bonded and insured. The service provider’s insurance should cover any damage the home incurs during the cleaning process as well as any injuries its workers should suffer while performing the job.
Guarantees
Most reputable move-out cleaning services attach a guarantee to their services, promising to return to the home to reclean it if the customer is not satisfied. A company’s guarantee is typically prominently displayed on the company’s website. A guarantee is also a good indication of the quality of the company’s services. If a move-out cleaning service stands behind its work with a guarantee, it’s more likely the work will be done right the first time. Customers can ask about any stipulations of this guarantee when booking their service.
Customer Support
A good move-out cleaning service will have a customer support line that the customer can contact when issues arise. While all move-out cleaning services can be contacted by phone, some also offer customer service via email and online chat.
Our Top Picks
The list below includes some of the most reputable national cleaning services in the business. These companies have trained technicians and offer high-quality move-out cleaning services.
Best Overall
The Maids
Pros
- Thorough 22-step cleaning process
- Exclusive brand partnership with Mr. Clean
- Set teams of three or four employees for faster, more efficient cleaning
- No fee for rescheduling appointments
Cons
- Reports of quotes being significantly lower than actual cost incurred
- Service area: 40 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Email, phone
Why It Made the Cut: The Maids has a 22-step cleaning process and has an exclusive partnership with Mr. Clean, an affiliation that signifies a high level of quality and professionalism in the industry. The Maids is one of the best options for getting a home ready for the next owner or tenant. The service has locations in 40 states, and cleaners follow a rigorous 22-step process that ensures a thorough job. Cleaners arrive in teams of three or four, which makes for efficient cleaning. The Maids also has a solid reputation, evident in the fact that it has a brand partnership with cleaning product giant Mr. Clean. One thing to note is that many customers’ quotes end up being significantly lower than the actual price they pay. Customers will want to provide as many details as possible about the job when booking the cleaning. One bonus is that The Maids won’t charge its customers should they need to reschedule an appointment, which can be helpful if the customer’s move-out date gets pushed.
Runner-Up
Merry Maids
Pros
- Transparent move-out cleaning and training standards for technicians
- Nine-time Women’s Choice Award winner for America’s Most Recommended Cleaning Service
Cons
- Customer support hours may be limited
- Service area: 45 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone, live chat
Why It Made the Cut: Merry Maids is an award-winning cleaning service that boasts 40 years in the business, making it a standout choice for move-out cleaning. As a company with 40-plus years of experience, Merry Maids is a widely known and respected name in the business. The cleaning service provides customers with transparent move-out cleaning standards and highlights its technician training standards, meaning customers can feel confident with the level of service they’re receiving. The company is a nine-time Women’s Choice Award winner for America’s Most Recommended Cleaning Service, further solidifying its status as a top name in the cleaning industry. Merry Maids has a presence in 45 states; Washington, D.C.; and Canada., but potential clients will want to note that customer support hours can be somewhat limited. However, if a customer has a Merry Maids branch in their area, they can feel comfortable hiring the service for move-out cleaning.
Best Last-Minute Service
Handy
Pros
- Simple and streamlined 1-step booking process
- Customizable scheduling options
- No Handy contract required
- Convenient booking available via the Handy app
Cons
- Information on cleaners’ insurance status not readily available
- Cleaning time is estimated by the client
- Service area: Select cities across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
- Scheduling: Online
- Bonded and insured: Not specified
- Customer support: Email
Why It Made the Cut: Handy’s easy online booking service and customizable cleaning services can be booked as early as the next day, making the service a natural choice for customers in a hurry. Handy provides customers with an easy-to-use platform for booking handymen and cleaning services, including move-out cleaning. Customers can book a cleaning entirely online or on the Handy app for as early as the next day. While Handy is a convenient option for one-time cleanings, there are elements of Handy’s service customers should be aware of before hiring the company. When scheduling a cleaning, the client must provide an estimate for how long the service will take, which can be difficult since clients won’t know how many cleaners will be assigned to the job. And the site does not readily provide cleaners’ insurance information. However, one positive aspect customers will want to note is that Handy typically requires a 3-month contract for its services, but this contract doesn’t apply to move-out cleaning customers.
Also Consider
Molly Maid
Pros
- Transparent, specific move-out cleaning checklist
- Technicians undergo regular training on an ongoing basis
Cons
- Relatively long 3- to 4-hour cleaner arrival window
- Service area: 41 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Bonded and insured: Yes
- Customer support: Phone
Why It Made the Cut: Molly Maid puts its cleaning technicians through rigorous, regular training to make sure every standard is met and every home is cleaned to precision. In addition to its regular cleaning services, Molly Maid also specializes in thorough move-out cleanings. The company provides a detailed description of its move-out cleaning services, including a deep-cleaning-house checklist of all the services that should be completed once the home is empty. Molly Maid cleaners arrive within a 3- to 4-hour window, which may be inconvenient for customers who aren’t able to wait for hours for a cleaning crew to arrive. Customers may be able to speak with a representative when booking to identify a more accurate arrival window. However, customers will be happy to know that Molly Maid’s technicians undergo regular training, ensuring their skills and techniques are up to date and effective.
Our Verdict
With a 22-step cleaning process that provides customers with a clear picture of the services it provides, cleaning teams that consist of three or four technicians, and its excellent reputation, The Maids is a top choice for move-out cleaning. Merry Maids, which also offers a clear description of its cleaning services and has won numerous awards for the quality of its services, is also a great option.
How We Chose the Best Move-Out Cleaning Services
Move-out cleanings are a critical part of the moving process. How thoroughly a home or apartment is cleaned after a move out can determine how smoothly a home closing goes or whether a renter is able to get back their security deposit. We made our selections for the best move-out cleaning services with the understanding that not all cleaning services are equipped to take on this specialized type of cleaning. We only chose services that provide a detailed description of the types of cleaning services they offered and specialized services such as refrigerator and oven cleaning. Timing is typically crucial for move-out cleaning, so we chose services that would allow clients to schedule specific dates and time for cleanings. Reputation is key when it comes to hiring a move-out cleaning service, so we chose services that are highly regarded for their dependability and the quality of their cleaning.
Before You Hire the Best Move-Out Cleaning Service for You
When considering a service for move-out cleaning, it’s crucial that customers understand how these types of cleanings require tasks that aren’t always included in a standard housecleaning, such as wiping down baseboards or cleaning out the inside of the refrigerator. With this in mind, customers will want to carefully review the company’s housecleaning checklist and make sure the cleaning service is comprehensive.
Scheduling is also crucial. A move-out cleaning usually must be completed within a short window of time between the resident’s move-out date and the end of a lease or a house closing. Most customers also don’t have the flexibility to wait in an empty apartment or house for long periods for the cleaners to arrive, so they’ll want to make sure that these services are prompt and stick to a schedule.
Cost of Hiring the Best Move-Out Cleaning Service for You
Apartment move-out cleaning typically runs between $110 to $350, while cleaning a home can cost between $450 to $650. When hiring a move-out cleaning service, customers can expect to pay an average of $360. The final cost depends on the apartment or home’s square footage, condition, and level of cleaning required. Extra services not typically included in a standard cleaning, like carpet deep cleaning or organization services, will add to the overall cost.
The Advantages of Using the Best Move-Out Cleaning Service for You
The process of moving requires a lot of work; the move itself is tiring enough without the necessary cleaning that a home or apartment requires once it’s empty. While one can take on that cleaning themselves, often a better option is to hire a cleaning service to do it. A good cleaning service will ensure the home is thoroughly cleaned, preventing potential delays with a home sale closing or allowing renters to get back their security deposit. A reputable professional cleaning service will use a deep-cleaning checklist to ensure the technicians don’t miss any areas. Hiring a good cleaning service will also save the customer time, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the move.
- Move-out cleaning services ensure a thorough job.
- Professional services use a checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
- Hiring a service saves the customer time and reduces stress.
FAQs
For those wondering if a move-out cleaning service is right for them or what’s included in this type of cleaning, read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this specialized service.
Q. Should I hire a move-out cleaning service?
While hiring a move-out cleaning service is an additional expense, and it might seem superfluous when moving already costs so much money, it’s often worth it. A move-out cleaning service provides a thorough cleaning, helping you fulfill the requirements for closing (if you’re selling a home) or ensuring you get a full security deposit refund (if you’re moving out of a rental). A move-out cleaning service also takes the burden of cleaning off your plate, allowing you to instead focus on the move to your new home.
Q. When should I schedule the move-out cleaning?
Schedule a cleaner to arrive after all your belongings have been moved out. By having the space completely empty before the cleaners arrive, you can ensure a more thorough cleaning. Make sure you schedule the cleaning to take place before closing or the final day of your lease.
Q. What’s included in a move-out cleaning?
A move-in/move-out cleaning consists of a deep cleaning of the entire home. This includes wiping down all doors and cabinets, ceiling fans, windows, mirrors, and cabinets. Sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets will be cleaned and floors will be vacuumed, swept, or mopped. (However, carpets may not be deep cleaned, and a customer may have to hire one of the best carpet cleaning companies if the carpets are deeply soiled or dirty.) Many move-out cleaning services will also clean out the inside of the refrigerator and the oven.
Q. What is the difference between deep cleaning and move-out cleaning?
The big difference is that a deep cleaning typically takes place in a fully furnished home. With a move-out cleaning, the home should be completely empty of all furnishings and possessions before the cleaning takes place.
Q. What will happen to any items I leave behind in my apartment?
When you leave an apartment, you’re required to restore the property back to its original condition, which includes moving out all your belongings. If you leave anything in your apartment, landlords are typically required to store those belongings for a reasonable amount of time before disposing of them—unless the lease explicitly states what the landlord can do with abandoned property.
