Move-out cleanings are different from regular house cleaning. Higher expectation, higher cost, security deposit at stake.
What it costs
- Studio / 1-bedroom apartment: $200-$350
- 2-bedroom apartment: $250-$450
- 3-bedroom house (1,500-2,000 sq ft): $350-$550
- 4+ bedroom house (2,500+ sq ft): $500-$800
- Extras: inside fridge ($30-$50), inside oven ($30-$60), interior windows ($50-$150), interior cabinets ($50-$150), garage ($100-$200)
NYC, SF, Boston: add 25-40%. Smaller markets: subtract 15-25%.
Why it costs more than standard cleaning
A move-out clean assumes empty home, everything visible has to be cleaned (walls, baseboards, inside cabinets, inside oven, inside fridge), the standard is "ready for showings or security deposit return," pre-existing damage is documented but the clean can't compensate.
2-3x standard cleaning because 2-3x the scope.
The move-out checklist
Kitchen: Inside + outside all appliances (oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher); inside cabinets + drawers; sink + counters; backsplash; floor mopped; light fixtures dusted.
Bathrooms: Tub/shower scrubbed (tracks + grout); toilet (base + behind); sink + counter + faucet polished; inside medicine cabinets + vanity; mirrors + glass; floor mopped; exhaust fan vents wiped.
Bedrooms + common areas: Inside closets (vacuum + wipe shelving); baseboards; door frames + light switches; outlet covers; floors (vacuum carpet, mop hardwood/tile); ceiling fans + light fixtures; windows interior + sills.
Other: HVAC vent covers wiped; inside laundry appliances if requested; garage swept (if requested); patio swept.
If a cleaner says "we don't do inside the oven" or "interior cabinets aren't included" — that's not really a move-out clean. Pass.
What landlords actually check
- Inside the oven — top reason for partial deposit deductions.
- Inside the fridge — especially seals + drawers.
- Kitchen + bathroom grout — discolored = "uncleaned."
- Carpet stains — spot-cleaning is part of move-out; major stains may require professional carpet cleaning.
- Wall scuffs + scratches — Magic Eraser handles light ones.
- Door frames + baseboards — fingerprints + dust = visible neglect.
- Windows — interior smudge-free.
Carpet cleaning: separate
Move-out cleaning typically does NOT include professional carpet shampooing. If your lease requires it: $150-$400 separate service. Most landlords accept "carpet looks clean" if no obvious stains.
Timing
Schedule for AFTER everything is moved out. Cleaners can't clean around boxes + furniture. Most movers can fit a 4-hour cleaning window between move-out and key-handoff. Book 1-2 weeks ahead in busy markets.
What to avoid
- Cleaners who quote without asking square footage + bedroom count
- Quotes wildly below market
- No insurance certificate
- Key exclusions like "we don't do inside the oven"
The bottom line
$250-$550 for a typical move-out. Get a written checklist with the quote. Schedule for empty-home day. Walk through with the cleaner before signing off + before the landlord walkthrough. Find a cleaner who handles move-outs.