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How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost? (Updated in 2024)

man cleaning wooden floor

If you are leaving in a hurry and you didn’t have the time to do the cleaning, or the house is just too big and you cannot imagine yourself cleaning it alone, move-out cleaning is a great option.

Some companies specialize in offering professional cleaning services in buildings and will only be too happy to get hired by you. This brings the question of cost. You can expect to pay between $200-$300 for a basic move-out cleaning. How much will it take for a full-on move-out clean? Read on to find out.

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Move Out Cleaning Service Cost

With several cleaning companies on board, it might be easy for you to fall into the wrong hands of unprofessional cleaners who might take overcharge you. This is why you should at least have an average cost in mind and work with that budget.

On average, basic move-out cleaning will cost about $200 to $300, while an extreme cleaning will cost about $400 to $600. The fixed price for your home will depend on several factors. You should get a personalized quote from the cleaning company, which will give you a breakdown of the services offered and their prices. Prices that are much lower or higher than these should be double-checked.

broom cleaning lots of dust and dirt in the house
Image Credit: Mariakray, Pixabay

When Should You Use Move-Out Cleaning?

You might be uncertain about when to do the deep cleaning. Should it be done when you have completely packed everything from the house and it is bare, or should it be done while you are packing?

The best time to deep clean a home when you are moving out is after you have taken out all furniture and personal items. When there are no rugs to raise and no heavy furniture to shift, the cleaning process will be easier. Also, there is no risk of getting the home dirty again while doing the final packing, and there is no chance of discovering new dirt in one nook or cranny that was occupied by a piece of furniture.

If you have a move-out deadline, schedule the moving and cleaning two days before the deadline.

What Is Included in Move-Out Cleaning?

What Is Included in Move-Out Cleaning:
  • Thorough vacuuming of floors, closets, stairs, nooks, and crannies.
  • Wiping off surfaces of the fireplace, stove tops, gas burners, kitchen counter, bathroom counters, etc.
  • Cleaning of cabinets
  • Cleaning of appliances
  • Cleaning of the bathroom, toilets, hallways, windows, light futures, etc.
  • Cleaning of the fridge and freezers.

These are the basic cleaning services. If you require extra cleaning or some specific tasks, then you might need to pay an extra fee of about $50 to $100. Ensure that you speak to the company about the extra task you need before finalizing prices.

The 5 Factors That Can Affect the Price of Your Move-Out Cleaning

1. Extra services

Cleaning door knob_DG FotoStock_Shutterstock
Image Credit: DG FotoStock, Shutterstock

If you need anything beyond the basic cleaning service, then you will be charged more. The company expects to do nothing other than cleaning, so if you are going to enlist their help in moving some furniture, then that will have an extra charge.


2. The size of your home

A bigger home will need more work and take more time to clean. Therefore, a bigger home will cost more to clean than a smaller home.


3. The condition of your home

yellow and black vacuum cleaner on the floor
Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels

An occupant with a dirty home will not pay the same amount as one with a little litter here and there. The condition of your home can affect the cost of cleaning it.


4. Type of cleaning required

The condition of your home will determine the type of cleaning it needs. There is basic cleaning, medium cleaning, heavy cleaning, and extreme cleaning.


5. Location

woman cleaning the toilet
Image Credit: H-studio, Shutterstock

If you live in an area with a high cost of living, you are more likely to spend more on move-out cleaning.

divider 4 The Average Cost for Move-Out Cleaning

For Homes Under 800 Square Feet:

Type of cleaning Cost
Basic cleaning $150–$200
Medium cleaning $210–$250
Heavy cleaning $250–$350
Extreme cleaning $400–$450+

For Homes Under 1500 Square Feet:

Type of cleaning Cost
Basic cleaning $200–$240
Medium cleaning $250–$340
Heavy cleaning $350–$490
Extreme cleaning $500+
cleaning products and tools
Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

For Homes Under 2500 Square Feet:

Types of cleaning Cost
Basic cleaning $250–$310
Medium cleaning $310–$380
Heavy cleaning $390–$490
Extreme cleaning $500+

For Homes Under 3500 Square Feet:

Types of cleaning Cost
Basic cleaning $350–$410
Medium cleaning $410–$490
Heavy cleaning $510–$600
Extreme cleaning $600+

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Does Move-Out Cleaning Include Outdoor Cleaning?

No, it does not. Normal move-out cleaning only applies to the interior of the home. Places like the garage, garden, basement, and other outer spaces are not included. If you would want this kind of thorough cleaning, then it can certainly be arranged. You will be required to inform the team early, and you might need to schedule your cleaning appointment about a week before you move. This thorough indoor and outdoor cleaning will cost more money.

How Long Does Move-Out Cleaning Take?

This depends on the type of cleaning to be done. If it is a basic cleaning to be done in a small house, then it should take anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours. For thorough cleaning, it might take about 1 to 3 days.

spot cleaning a rug with sponge
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov, Shutterstock

Tips When Hiring a Company for a Moving-Out Cleaning

Tips:
  • Do some basic cleaning yourself. This way, your house will not be as dirty, and you will be charged less.
  • Book early—you don’t want to be caught up in a busy schedule and forget to clean your house before moving out. The best thing you can do is to book early.
  • Have your stuff properly packed and out of the way before the cleaners arrive. This will save everyone’s time and get your job done faster.

house divider Conclusion

There you have it! Move-out cleaning costs vary depending on several factors, but shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars. One more thing; make sure you hire a reliable cleaning company. The last thing you want is to get disappointed amidst the struggles of moving out.


Featured Image Credit: ercan senkaya, Shutterstock

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