## What Is a Move-Out Cleaning? 
Before we dive into our move-out checklist, let us first clarify what a move-out cleaning is. Typically, a move-out cleaning includes a detailed and thorough checklist of everything that needs to be cleaned — from your doorstep to the very last corner of your home. 

Incorporating a move-out cleaning before handing your keys to your landlord or home buyer will help you feel accomplished moving to your next home. Showing that your former home is well taken care of will excite and delight your landlord or new occupants as well. 


Not to mention, you’re much more likely to get back every penny of your security deposit check. 


### Do I Need a Professional Move-Out Cleaning? 
If you don’t have enough time, energy, money, or cleaning supplies to ensure your former home is spotless, you might need a professional move-out cleaner. 

By booking move-out cleaning services, you’ll get the most detailed type of cleaning done by professional cleaners who have all the essential equipment and approved cleaning methods. Explore our site for more details about hiring a professional move-out cleaner to give you peace of mind and ensure a stress-free beginning to the next chapter in your life. 


Now that we have evaluated what a move-out cleaning is and whether or not you need professional cleaning, let’s discuss what is included in a typical move-out clean. 


### Living Room and Bedroom Move-Out Checklist
- Mirrors are streak-free
- Window sills and window tracks are dust-, dirt-, and mold-free
- Baseboards’ buildup are wiped or vacuumed 
- Door frames are cleaned and doorknobs are sanitized
- Light switches are wiped to remove finger oils and germs
- Walls are smudge-free 
- Garbage has been emptied 
- Carpet and hardwood floor areas are vacuumed 
- Closets don’t have accumulated dust


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## Kitchen Move-out Checklist
- Appliances such as stovetop, oven, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, dishwasher, range hood, etc. look as good as new 
- Countertops and shelves are dusted 
- Backsplash is wiped and smudge-free
- Cabinet interiors and exteriors are wiped and sanitized
- Sink and drain don’t have stains, rust, or food splatters
- Light switches are sanitized
- Floor is swept and mopped to remove splashed oil and other food stains
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## Bathroom Move-Out Checklist 
- Sink, bathtub, shower walls, and glass doors are spotless and sanitized
- Toilet and toilet seat have no stains or odors
- Mirrors are streak-free
- Cabinets, countertops, and shelves are wiped and dusted
- Inside window sills and window tracks are cleaned 
- Doorknobs, door frames, and doors are wiped and sanitized 
- Light switches are sanitized
- Garbage has been emptied and the garbage can is clean
- Floor is vacuumed/swept and mopped


![unnamed (9).jpg](https://api.moveout.com/uploads/unnamed_9_22fe64a1cc.jpg)



Keep in mind, before you work through your moveout checklist, you’ll need to pack up your belongings. Save money by finding free moving boxes in your area before you start cleaning. 
## Boxes, Boxes, Boxes: Where Can You Get Them for Free? 

![unnamed (10).jpg](https://api.moveout.com/uploads/unnamed_10_e68d808567.jpg)


To be able to clean each and every corner of your former home, you’ll need to organize and pack up your belongings. Cleaning will be much easier and more efficient if your living space is empty. 

Small, medium, large boxes? You might need all sizes! Not everyone stores boxes from prior packages or gifts. The good news: You likely won’t have to spend a penny on them. 


Here are the best places to find free moving boxes so you can stay within your move-out budget:


1. Local Restaurants and Shops:
Many restaurants get their essentials and produce delivered almost every morning each week. When you stop to buy food to support a local restaurant, feel free to ask the employees if they have left-over boxes.  Most of the time, local business owners and employees are willing to give away extra boxes. Doing so can save them from having to spend time disposing of the boxes elsewhere. 

2. Retail Stores:
It is expected that your local Walmart, Target, Costco, and other retail stores have shipments delivered every day. During your next errand trip to one of these stores, make sure to ask for free boxes — there’s likely plenty in the back. 

3. Book Stores:
In addition to Barnes and Noble bookstores, you can also visit your local university to ask for free boxes. Books, university merchandise, and other supplies are delivered to these bookstores frequently, causing dozens of boxes to pile up in their storage. 

4. Facebook Community Groups/MarketPlace:
More often than not, when you post to ask for moving supplies on Facebook Community groups, many generous and friendly people are willing to give you what you need. 
Additionally, by searching “free boxes” and filtering your location for easy pick-up on Facebook Marketplace, you will be surprised by the number of people that are willing to give away free stuff. 

5. Office Supply Stores:
Office Depot, Office Max, FedEx Office Print and Ship Center, and other office supply stores get shipments every week. By asking permission to take extra free boxes off their hands, they will likely be glad to share as many as they can. 



## Simplify Your Move With a Move-out Checklist
Having a moveout checklist on hand can make cleaning much easier and ensure you’re not missing anything important. A comprehensive checklist will guide you through each step of the cleaning process and help you transform your former home into better condition. 

That said, moving requires other time-consuming to-dos, including packing, decluttering, and planning. You can always hire professional cleaners to save you the hassle and ensure your former home will be in good hands. Additionally, if you’re renting and hoping to get a full security deposit refund, hiring a professional move-out cleaner may be worth it. 

To find out more details about hiring move-out cleaning professionals or other tips for moving, [explore our other blog posts](https://www.moveout.com/blog). All the best to you, and happy moving!


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Preparing to move out soon? Whether ending a lease or selling your house, planning to get through the next few weeks of moving can be frustrating. Leaving your former home in excellent condition to get your security deposit check back or as a courtesy to the next owners is always almost necessary. Our move-out checklist will help keep you on track for a smooth and worry-free move. 

Moving Out? Why You Need a Move-Out Checklist

## Do You Need a Professional Move-Out Cleaning?
Cleaning in preparation for moving is time-consuming and difficult to get right. Hiring professionals to do your cleaning will not only reduce the stress of moving out but will also give you more time to move into your new home. Additionally, it can increase the chance of getting your security deposit back. 

This all makes professional move-out cleaning attractive — however, move-out cleaning doesn’t always come cheap.

So what determines the cost of your move-out cleaning? How much should your move-out cleaning cost? What is included for that price you are paying? What extra charges might you run into?

Let us answer these questions for you below.
## What Determines Your Move-Out Cleaning Cost?
Your move-out cleaning cost is determined by different factors: the size of the property, your location, appliances, and places you want to be cleaned. 

Size is the main factor, as cleaning services will charge different prices depending on the size of your rental property. If you have a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment, it will cost you less. If you have three or more bedrooms, the cleaning service will charge you more based on the number of rooms and the square footage.

Your city or state will greatly affect the price as well. It typically costs $140+ for a one-bedroom standard cleaning, but a move-out cleaning will cost extra, with prices varying by state.

For example, if you have a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, California, or Dallas, Texas, you can expect to pay around $200 for a move-out cleaning. For residents of New York City, New York, or Honolulu, Hawaii, move-out cleaning prices are going to be higher. For New York City, the price is $240+ to clean a one-bedroom, and for Honolulu, it’s $300+.
 
The last factor that determines your move-out cleaning cost is the additional appliances and spaces you want to be cleaned. Basic cleaning services, such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and disinfecting, are included with your move-out cleaning. However, the cleaning service provider may charge extra to clean items like the inside of the refrigerator, oven, interior walls, carpet, etc. 
## How Much Should Your Move-Out Cleaning Cost?
Now that you know what determines the cost of your move-out cleaning, how much should you expect to pay for your property? 

The list below shows an estimated average price range for move-out cleaning services in various types of properties. 

- **Studio:** $100 to $270
- **One-bedroom:** $120 to $400
- **Two-bedroom:** $150 to $450
- **Three-bedroom:** $180 to $500
- **Additional bedrooms:** +$30 to $50

The price range is based on the lowest standard price to the highest cost with all services included. Some cleaning services will offer one price to do all cleaning, however, most will have a base price with add-ons or a la carte options available. There is also another cost you may want to include: tips.
### Tipping Your Cleaners
In the service industry, tipping is a regular practice used to show gratitude and appreciation for your service. 

The general rule for tipping is 15% to 20% of the total bill, but adding a 20% tip onto a $300 cleaning service can be a considerable amount. In this case, leaving a smaller tip can make a good impression should you require their service again in the future while still being cognizant of your budget. 

For newer cleaning companies, you may not be expected to tip, as they are likely more employee-conscious and pay higher wages. That said, it's still a good gesture to leave a tip to show gratitude.

![professional cleaner cleaning a kitchen.jpg](https://api.moveout.com/uploads/professional_cleaner_cleaning_a_kitchen_2dd1d889d0.jpg)

## Things You Can Do to Reduce Move-Out Cleaning Costs 
You may be able to reduce your move-out cleaning costs by cleaning certain areas of your house before the professionals come in. While deep-cleaning the carpet, bathrooms, and kitchen may be better handled by a cleaning company, you’ll likely be able to clean things like the windows, refrigerator, and garage with household cleaning supplies you already own.  

There are numerous move-out cleaning checklists online that you can follow before moving to save a few bucks. 
## Getting a Professional Move-Out Cleaning: Priceless
You may not think it’s necessary to pay for professional cleaning when you move out, but it comes with several benefits. Hiring a professional cleaner will save you time that could be better spent on moving into your new home. 

Additionally, the better condition you leave your former home, the higher the possibility of getting your security deposit back. Your landlord may even require you to pay for a professional move-out cleaning and ask for proof that it’s been done. Make sure to check your lease before you leave.

To learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional cleaning company, [check out our other resources](https://www.moveout.com/blog).

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Are you struggling to get your place cleaned up for move-out inspection? It could be time to hire a cleaning professional. But how much should a move-out cleaning cost?

Everything you need to know about move-out cleaning

Your destination for move-out cleaning service information

Move-out cleaning articles and resources from our blog

What to do, how to do it, and where to start with your move-out cleaning

Answers from trusted professionals to the most frequent move-out cleaning questions

Move-out cleaning articles and resources from our blog

What to do, how to do it, and where to start with your move-out cleaning

Moving Out? Why You Need a Move-Out Checklist

How Much Should a Move-Out Cleaning Cost You?

Answers from trusted professionals to the most frequent move-out cleaning questions

Moving Out? Why You Need a Move-Out Checklist

How Much Should a Move-Out Cleaning Cost You?