Moving into a new home is stressful enough without wondering if you're walking into hidden dirt or damage. A proper move-in cleaning inspection separates professional service from mediocre work—and protects you from paying for problems that aren't yours. Here's what to check before and after hiring a move-in cleaning team.
Why Pre-Hire Inspection Matters
Before you sign a contract, you need clarity on what you're actually paying for. A professional move-in cleaning should address the previous occupant's mess, not just a quick surface wipe. The difference between a $200 and $800 job comes down to scope: are they cleaning inside appliances, baseboards, ceiling fans, and closets? Or just floors and visible surfaces?
Walk through the empty space with a flashlight and notebook. Document stains, grime buildup, dust on trim, and appliance interiors. This becomes your baseline for comparing quotes and holding cleaners accountable.
What to Inspect in Each Room
Kitchen Check inside the refrigerator, oven, and microwave—these are typically extra charges if they're heavily soiled. Look at cabinet interiors and the backsplash. Are countertop stains baked-on, or just dusty? Sticky residue on the floor suggests deep grease cleaning will be needed, which costs more than standard floor cleaning.
Bathrooms Hard water stains, mold in grout, and soap scum buildup require specialized cleaners and more time. Check under sinks and inside cabinets. Tile floors with ingrained dirt take longer to restore. These details directly affect pricing—expect $100–$150 per bathroom for standard move-in cleaning, but $200+ if heavy staining is present.
Bedrooms and Living Areas Look for carpet stains, dust on ceiling fan blades, and grime on window sills and blinds. Walls may need spot cleaning if there are marks or scuffs. Closets often get overlooked; check corners and shelves for dust and debris.
Entryways and Hallways These high-traffic areas show wear. Hardwood floors may have dirt embedded in grain. Baseboards collect dust. Doors and door frames gather fingerprints and grime.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When you contact cleaning services (you can compare providers on Mercoly to see who offers what), ask these specifics:
- Is move-in cleaning a flat rate or hourly? Typical range is $400–$1,200 for a 2-3 bedroom home, depending on condition. Hourly rates run $25–$50 per hour, usually requiring 6–12 hours.
- What's included in the base price? Floors, surfaces, bathrooms, and kitchen basics should be standard. Ask if windows, baseboards, inside appliances, and ceiling fans are extra.
- How do they handle stains or damage? Understand whether they guarantee stain removal or if severe damage gets documented separately.
- Can they work within your timeline? Most move-in cleanings take 4–8 hours. Do they offer weekend or same-day service?
- Do they inspect before quoting? Reputable teams will want to see the space first, not quote sight-unseen.
Red Flags When Reviewing Quotes
Be cautious of services that quote over the phone without seeing your home. Unusually low prices (under $300 for a 3-bedroom) often signal cutting corners. If a cleaner can't explain what's included or dismisses your questions, move on.
Ask for references specifically from move-in cleaning jobs, not general housekeeping. Previous customers can tell you whether the team actually addressed the grimy details you're paying for.
What to Inspect After Cleaning
Schedule a walkthrough on completion day, not days later when you've already moved in. Bring the same checklist you used before. Check:
- Baseboards for dust and streaks
- Light switches and door handles (these get overlooked)
- Inside cabinets and closets
- Grout lines for remaining mold or stains
- Windows inside and out
- Under the sink areas
If corners were cut, address it immediately while the team is still accountable. Most reputable services offer a 24–48 hour touch-up window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is move-in cleaning the same as regular housekeeping? No. Move-in cleaning is deep cleaning of an empty space, targeting built-up grime, appliance interiors, and fixtures that a regular house cleaner wouldn't typically tackle. It's more intensive and usually a one-time service.
Q: Should I tip the move-in cleaning crew? It's appreciated but not required. If they do excellent work and stay within scope, 10–15% is standard, or a flat $20–$50 depending on team size.
Q: Can I negotiate the price if the space is less dirty than expected? Yes—reputable cleaners will adjust the quote if the actual condition is better than the estimate. Always document the pre-cleaning condition with photos to back up your case.
Compare move-in cleaning providers in your area today to find transparent pricing and proven track records.