Moving out cleaning prices in 2024

If you're one of the 44.2 million US households who rent, chances are you've experienced the joys of trying to get your deposit back. The biggest thing on this list is paying for 'moving out cleaning', which means getting your home into its original condition before you leave.

And let’s face it, moving out is stressful. With so much to take care of, it’s easy for cleaning to slip to the bottom of the priority list. If you don’t have the time or energy to get your property spick and span before moving out, an end of tenancy cleaning service is a fast, affordable solution. They'll get your home in good shape with no work required from you.

Move out cleaning is much more thorough than standard one-off cleaning, as it needs extra time and elbow grease. There are lots of professionals specifically trained to provide move out cleaning services which meet the standards of landlords and property managers. 

This price guide explores how much moving out cleaning costs in the US. Remember, while these figures are a good place to start, they're national averages. For the most accurate figure based on your circumstances, request free end of tenancy cleaning quotes from local professionals.

How much does a move out cleaning service cost? 

Properties come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s tricky to say exactly how much a move out cleaning service will cost you. The price is variable depending on a range of factors, but to give you a general idea here’s a handy breakdown of what renters have paid to have their home cleaned before the end of their tenancy:

This doesn't include some of the extras you might be interest in, which we'll cover in a moment. In general, your regular domestic cleaner won't offer an end-of-tenancy cleaning service; if you want to know more about the cost of regular cleaning, check out our professional cleaning price guide instead.

What changes the cost of move out cleaning services? 

Moving out cleaning prices depend on a variety of factors:

• Property size

• Location 

• Condition of the property

Size of the house

The size of your property as well as how many rooms you have will influence the cost of a move out cleaning service. Here’s a rough guide of how much you can expect to pay based on the size of your house: 

Location 

If you live somewhere where the cost of living is higher, like New York, you can expect to pay more for the cost of move out cleaning than the same service in a smaller city.

Condition of the property 

If you’ve kept on top of household chores throughout your tenancy, you’ll find that move out cleaning will be less expensive than if you’ve avoided cleaning at all costs. If you haven’t touched your kitchen or bathroom for a while, your end of tenancy cleaner might have to spend more time tackling tough dirt and stains, which will increase the cost. They don’t say time is money for nothing! 

Additional moving out cleaning prices

Additional services that aren’t included in the basic end of tenancy cleaning package will increase the overall price. Some of these services and their average costs are detailed below: 

• Carpet cleaning costs: If your carpets need more than a vacuum, consider shampooing and steam cleaning. Pros usually charge between $89 and $400 for this service.

• Window cleaning costs: A thorough window cleaning involves both inside and outside. Expect to pay between $70 and $310, depending on your home's size and number of windows.

• Junk removal costs: If you have old appliances, furniture, or other items to get rid of, junk removal services can help. Prices vary depending on what and how much you need to dispose of, ranging from $80 to $400.

• Oven cleaning costs: Basic move-out cleanings may not cover these areas. Adding these services usually costs around of $50 each. Some of these additional costs, like oven cleaning prices, will vary with the size and type you have.

• Garage cleaning costs: Don't forget about the garage! A thorough cleaning for your move-out typically costs between $70 and $200, depending on its size and condition.

You might be able to bolt any of these on to your cleaning package as extras, helping your save some money compared to hiring a separate professional.

Professional vs DIY moving out cleaning costs

Hiring a professional cleaning service rather than tackling deep cleaning tasks yourself offers numerous advantages. Firstly, while the initial investment in cleaning supplies may seem reasonable, the costs can quickly add up, particularly if you need to purchase large items like a vacuum cleaner. Vacuum prices vary widely, and for a high-quality model with all the features, you could be looking at a significant expense. Additionally, if you're considering steam cleaning or shampooing your carpets or polishing hardwood floors, renting professional equipment is an option. However, even rental costs can accumulate, especially if you require the equipment for an extended period to tackle multiple rooms or a larger home.

If you already own all of this equipment, this cost dramatically lowers, but you'll pay instead with time. Professionals are skilled in using these tools effectively, ensuring thorough and high-quality results. While it may be tempting to save money by handling deep cleaning tasks yourself, the convenience, expertise, and superior outcomes offered by professional cleaners often justify the investment. By entrusting the job to end of tenancy cleaners, you not only save yourself the hassle but also ensure that your home receives the meticulous attention it deserves, leaving it spotless and ready for its next occupants.

How to keep move out cleaning costs to a minimum 

Moving out cleaning services can be pricey, but there are several ways to keep costs down if you’re on a budget:

• Clean some rooms yourself - Bedrooms are much less hassle to clean than bathrooms or kitchens, so if you tackle these yourself you can leave the hard work to the cleaners and keep down costs at the same time! 

• Choose the right service - Investing in a good cleaning service means the job will be completed to a high standard, meaning you’ll avoid expensive deposit deductions later down the line. To check their reliability, always ask your professional for testimonials and before and after photos of previous work. 

• Set a maximum number of hours - Most move out cleaning services charge by the hour, so if you have a strict budget, simply ask them to work a maximum amount of hours. This does mean that you may have to complete any jobs that your professional wasn’t able to finish. 

Frequently asked questions

Here's everything else you need to know about the cost of moving out cleaning.

How long does moving out cleaning take?

The duration of a move-out cleaning depends on various factors such as the size and condition of your home. Typically, a two-person cleaning crew can clean a 1,000-square foot home in two to three hours. However, larger homes or those in need of extensive cleaning may require more time.

Will my landlord pay for moving out cleaning?

Generally, landlords do not cover the cost of move-out cleaning unless it is specified in your lease agreement. It is typically the responsibility of the tenant to ensure the property is cleaned before moving out. However, you can check your lease or discuss with your landlord to clarify any specific arrangements regarding cleaning responsibilities.

Will the company give me my money back if my home doesn't pass inspection?

Refund policies regarding move-out cleaning services vary among companies. Some may offer a satisfaction guarantee where they will address any issues or areas that do not meet inspection standards. However, whether they provide a full refund depends on the company's policies. It's advisable to inquire about their refund or satisfaction guarantee policy before hiring their services.