Move-in and move-out cleaning is done in an empty home so cleaners can reach inside cabinets, drawers, appliances and closets, plus baseboards, fixtures and floors. Renters should match the cleaning to the lease and landlord checklist and take date-stamped photos afterward. Book early, make sure utilities are on, and schedule cleaners after the movers finish.
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A move-in or move-out clean is done in an empty, or nearly empty, home. With furniture gone, cleaners can reach everything: inside every cabinet and drawer, inside appliances, along every baseboard, and in closets. It's one of the most time-sensitive cleaning jobs because it usually has to fit between the movers leaving and a walkthrough, closing or new tenant arriving.
What it typically covers
- Inside and outside of kitchen cabinets, drawers and pantry shelves
- Inside the oven, refrigerator, freezer, microwave and dishwasher
- Bathrooms scrubbed top to bottom, including inside vanities and medicine cabinets
- Baseboards, doors, door frames, switch plates and outlet covers
- Closets, shelves and window sills, plus interior windows if requested
- All floors vacuumed and mopped
Wall washing, carpet shampooing, garage sweeping and exterior windows are often separate services. Confirm what's included before you book.
For renters: protecting your deposit
Georgia law generally sets rules for how landlords handle security deposits, with some exceptions for small landlords, including providing a list of existing damage at move-in and an accounting of deductions after move-out. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, but cleaning a unit left dirty may be. To protect yourself:
- Reread your lease for any cleaning requirements, such as professional carpet cleaning.
- Ask your landlord or property manager for their move-out checklist and share it with the cleaning company.
- Take date-stamped photos and video of every room after the cleaners finish.
- Keep the cleaning company's invoice.
For sellers and buyers
Sellers often schedule a clean after movers leave and before closing, depending on what the purchase contract says about the home's condition. Buyers often book a move-in clean before unpacking, when it's easiest to clean inside cabinets and closets. Coordinate access with your agent, since lockboxes and closing schedules can limit when cleaners can get in.
Scheduling tips
- Book early. End-of-month dates and late spring and summer, when many households move, tend to fill up first.
- Make sure utilities are on. Cleaners need water, electricity and ideally hot water and working lights.
- Plan for the movers to finish first. Cleaning while boxes are still moving out slows everyone down.
- Leave trash bags and any remaining items clearly marked so nothing is thrown out by mistake.
Older homes
If the home was built before 1978 and has peeling or chipping paint, or recent work disturbed painted surfaces, dust may contain lead. EPA recommends specific lead-safe cleaning practices, such as HEPA vacuums and wet cleaning, rather than dry sweeping. Mention the home's age when you request help.
Questions to ask
- Is your price based on square footage, bedrooms and bathrooms, or hours?
- Are appliance interiors and inside cabinets included?
- Will you work from my landlord's checklist?
- If my landlord or buyer flags something, will you come back?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
Moving soon? Request a move-out cleaning company and include your move date.
Frequently asked questions
Will a move-out clean get my deposit back?
It can help, but no cleaner can guarantee it. Georgia law generally bars deducting normal wear and tear, while cleaning or damage beyond that may be deducted. Follow your lease and landlord checklist and photograph the unit afterward.
How far ahead should I book a move-out clean?
As early as you know your date. End-of-month dates and the late spring and summer moving season tend to fill first.
Do the utilities need to be on?
Yes. Cleaners generally need running water, electricity and working lights, and hot water helps. Confirm utilities won't be shut off before the cleaning date.