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What Does a Move-Out Cleaning Service Include?

Moveout CleaningTwo move out cleaning service crew members cleaning an empty bedroom
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By Mia Pimentel August 10, 2023
Blog/Moveout Cleaning/What Does a Move-Out Cleaning Service Include?

What to Expect When Offering Move Out Cleaning Services

If you're considering offering a move out cleaning service as part of your business offering, it's crucial to understand the significance of a move out clean for both clients and your business. Move out cleaning requires meticulous attention to detail with the proper investment of time, ensuring the property is spotless and ready for new occupants.

As a business owner, your goal is to assure clients of a hassle-free transition, and it’s important to understand who your clients may be – you may be hired by the property owner, manager, outgoing resident, or incoming resident. Knowing this helps you identify their specific needs so you can design and deliver move out cleaning services that impress and delight. Let’s start with some basics about what your move out service should include:

Move out cleaning services generally include the following, but don’t stop here! If you have add-on services you can offer, use those to help differentiate yourself from the competition.

  • Hardwood, laminate, and tile floors swept and mopped
  • All carpets vacuumed, including inside closets and other tucked away spaces
  • Mirrors and interior windows cleaned and streak-free
  • Window sills and tracks dusted and wiped clean
  • All blinds and interior shutters dusted and wiped clean
  • Doors, door frames, and baseboards wiped down
  • Pantry and closet spaces emptied of trash, swept or vacuumed
  • Light fixtures and ceiling fans dusted
  • All light switches and outlet covers cleaned and sanitized
  • Air vents dusted
  • Stovetop, overhead fan, oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and small appliances cleaned and sanitized
  • Kitchen and bathrooms: all countertops and sinks cleaned and sanitized
  • Toilet, shower, and bathtub cleaned and sanitized
  • All appliances cleaned and checked for operational issues
  • Built-in drawers and cabinets emptied of trash and cleaned
  • Walls and other interior structures dusted and wiped
Move out cleaning service crew member cleaning kitchen countertop

Types of Move Out Cleaning Services

Now that you know what a typical move out cleaning service includes, you can consider which types of move out cleaning you may want to provide as a professional cleaning service:

Standard Move Out Cleaning

A standard move out cleaning service goes beyond the usual routine cleaning and takes into account the specific needs of a vacated property. It begins with a detailed assessment to identify areas that require special attention and extra care. You will then develop a customized checklist for your cleaning team, tailored to ensure the following spaces are thoroughly cleaned:

  • Kitchen: Appliances like the oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher are meticulously cleaned, both inside and out, to remove any food residues and grime. Cabinets are wiped down, and the countertops are sanitized to ensure a hygienic environment.
  • Bedrooms and Living Areas: Routine cleans often overlook spaces such as closet interiors and shelving, leading to build-ups of dirt and dust. Carpets and floors are thoroughly vacuumed and mopped, ensuring no dirt or stains are left behind.
  • Bathrooms: Undergo an extensive cleaning, focusing on tile grout, faucets, and showerheads, to eliminate soap scum and hard water deposits. Your team will sanitize the toilet, bathtub, and sink, leaving a fresh and pleasant atmosphere.
  • Windows: Cleaned inside (and outside where easily reached), and any smudges or streaks are removed to allow in natural light to brighten up the rooms effectively.

Moving beyond the indoors, a standard move out service also includes tidying up outdoor areas like balconies or patios, removing any debris, and sweeping or hosing down these spaces.

Moreover, an experienced cleaning service understands the value of time efficiency. They will complete the job promptly, respecting deadlines and allowing for a swift turnaround for new tenants or property inspections.

Ultimately, a standard move out cleaning service is not just about wiping surfaces; it's about leaving a lasting positive impression. By investing in such a service, both tenants and property owners can rest assured that the property will be presented in its best possible condition.

Premium Move Out Cleaning

A premium service involves cleaning additional appliances and areas in a client’s home that a standard move out cleaning would not typically cover. Premium move out cleaning services can often be referred to as deep cleaning. A deep move out house cleaning may include:

  • Scrubbing ceilings and walls
  • Shampooing carpets and rugs
  • Polishing floors
  • Laundering window treatments and other fabric decor
  • Cleaning all household appliances
  • Flushing out shower, tub, and sink drains
  • Fixing minor nail holes or other small damages

Premium move out cleaning services ensure that every corner of the property is spotless, providing a level of cleanliness that goes beyond a routine or standard clean. Services like carpet shampooing and floor polishing can also be charged as an additional fee since they require additional skills and specialized equipment.

Woman on her phone with moving boxes behind her

Move Out Cleaning Service Checklist

By following a move out cleaning checklist, you can ensure you deliver a clean and hygienic home ready for the next occupants or inspection. Certain steps may include dusting, sanitizing, sweeping, and mopping for the areas listed below:

Kitchen

  • All countertops
  • Exterior and interior of all appliances
  • Cabinets and drawers
  • Sink and faucet
  • Backsplash
  • Dish rack and drainer
  • Range hood and vent
  • Light fixtures
  • Switch plates
  • Floor and baseboards
  • Window sills
  • Interior and exterior window panes
  • Blinds or curtains
  • Vents

Bedrooms and Living Areas

  • All furniture and shelves
  • Carpets and/or floors
  • Closets and additional storage spaces
  • Mirrors and glass
  • Doors and handles
  • Light fixtures
  • Window sills
  • Interior and exterior window panes
  • Blinds, curtains, or shutters
  • Baseboards
  • Ceiling fans and vents

Bathrooms

  • Sink and countertop
  • Faucet(s) and handles
  • Mirror
  • Shower and/or bathtub
  • Toilet
  • Grout and tiles
  • Cabinets and drawers
  • Exhaust fan vent
  • Towels racks, hooks, and toilet paper holder
  • Shower curtain and/or glass door
  • Floor and baseboards
  • Lighting fixtures

Outdoor Areas

  • Windows and screens
  • Patio and/or porch
  • Cobweb and debris removal
  • Exterior walls
  • Light fixtures
  • Pots and/or planters
  • Garbage and recycling bins
  • Inspect for repairs to gates or fences
  • Powerwashing, if applicable

Carport or Garage

  • Cobweb and debris removal
  • Interior and exterior windows
  • Garage door
  • Oil stain removal
  • Floor
  • Lighting fixtures
  • Inspect for pest control
two women sweeping an empty living room for a move out cleaning service

Scale Your Move Out Cleaning Services

To grow your move out cleaning service, focus on delivering exceptional service quality and achieving high customer satisfaction. Start by establishing a meticulous move out cleaning checklist. Use your checklist to train and hire skilled professionals to handle all necessary tasks, while optimizing operational efficiency to meet growing requirements as you expand your offerings and acquire more clients.

Utilize Taskbird’s mobile app to streamline your operations and improve crew productivity from anywhere at any time. Our first-rate features are designed to help you scale and achieve great customer reviews every time.

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