Moving is chaotic, and cleaning gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list—until you realize your security deposit depends on it. Move-in and move-out cleaning services handle the deep scrubbing that standard housekeeping won't touch, but pricing varies wildly based on home size, condition, and location. Understanding what you'll actually pay helps you budget correctly and avoid surprise invoices.
What's Included in Move-Out Cleaning
Move-out cleaning is more intensive than regular house cleaning. Companies typically clean inside appliances, baseboards, light fixtures, windows (interior and exterior), ceiling fans, and cabinets. Some services also include carpet shampooing or steam cleaning, though this often costs extra.
The scope changes if your lease requires it or if you're leaving the place in rough condition. A home left relatively clean might cost less than one with months of buildup, stains, or pet damage. Always ask the cleaning service what their "standard" move-out package covers before getting a quote.
Typical Price Ranges by Home Size
A 1-bedroom apartment typically runs $300–$600 for move-out cleaning, depending on your location and the company's base rates. Two-bedroom homes average $500–$1,000, while three-bedroom houses fall into the $800–$1,500 range. Larger homes or those requiring extensive deep cleaning can exceed $2,000.
These numbers assume standard condition and don't include add-ons like:
- Carpet cleaning ($200–$400 for a typical home)
- Window washing ($100–$300)
- Oven or refrigerator deep cleaning ($75–$150 each)
- Pet stain removal ($100–$300)
- Pressure washing exterior ($150–$400)
Your final bill depends heavily on whether you've already done light cleaning yourself or if the cleaners are starting from scratch.
Move-In Cleaning Costs
Move-in cleaning is often slightly cheaper than move-out because you're not trying to restore a property to landlord-ready condition. Expect to pay 10–20% less than comparable move-out pricing. Many people skip move-in cleaning if the previous tenant left the home clean, but it's worth considering if the home sat empty or was poorly maintained.
Some cleaning companies offer bundled move-in/move-out packages at a slight discount. If you're coordinating both services around your moving date, ask about these options.
Factors That Affect Your Quote
Location matters significantly. Urban areas and high cost-of-living regions charge 30–50% more than rural areas. A move-out cleaning that costs $600 in suburban Ohio might run $900 in Seattle or Boston.
Home condition is the biggest variable. A relatively clean home takes 4–6 hours; a neglected home might take 10–15 hours. If you leave heavy dust, grime, or odors, expect premium pricing.
Accessibility and layout also factor in. A small apartment is faster to clean than a sprawling single-story home with multiple bathrooms. Difficult-to-access areas like high ceilings or tight crawl spaces add time and cost.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Don't rely on online calculators alone—they're estimates. Contact 2–3 local cleaning services and request in-home assessments or detailed video walkthroughs for remote quotes. Provide photos of the worst areas, mention pet damage, and specify what's already been cleaned.
Be clear about your deadline. If you need cleaning within 48 hours of move-out, some companies charge rush fees. Booking 1–2 weeks in advance usually locks in better rates.
When comparing companies, check that they're insured and bonded. A company quoting significantly lower than others might cut corners on quality or use cheaper chemicals. Read recent reviews focused on move-out cleaning specifically, not just general house cleaning.
When to Use Mercoly
Rather than calling dozens of cleaning companies individually, you can browse and compare trusted local house cleaning providers on Mercoly, where you'll find verified pricing, service details, and customer reviews in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does move-out cleaning include carpet cleaning? It depends on the company—most don't include carpet cleaning in the base price, though some offer it as an add-on. Always confirm before hiring, and check your lease to see if the landlord requires professionally cleaned carpets.
Q: How much should I tip the cleaning crew? 15–20% of the total bill is standard if you're satisfied with the work, though it's not obligatory. Some customers prefer to tip in cash to ensure the crew members receive it directly.
Q: Can I get a discount if I do some prep work before the cleaners arrive? Yes, removing personal items, trash, and clutter reduces the job scope and can lower your final cost by 10–20%. Discuss this with the company when getting your quote.
Start contacting local cleaning services today to lock in your move-out date and avoid last-minute stress.