Move-out cleaning can be pretty strenuous. That’s why many people choose to hire a cleaning service to take care of the job. In this guide to move-out cleaning, we’ll look at what’s involved and help you decide whether or not to call in the pros.

Consult your lease for move-out details
When you’re deciding between hiring a professional cleaning service or being your own maid service, the first thing to do is read your lease. Your lease likely contains details about your security deposit and the steps you have to take to get the deposit money back when you move out. The lease may even contain details about the move-out maintenance you’re expected to perform.

For example, your lease may dictate how to handle nail holes in the wall. Some properties require tenants to remove and patch all nail holes, while others ask that the holes be left alone. A lease might also spell out details regarding specific tasks like cleaning the windows or carpets. If you’re wondering exactly how clean your apartment must be when you move out, the lease is the best place to find the answer.

In the event that your lease doesn’t contain any detailed information about move-out cleaning expectations, consult your property manager. He or she can provide you with a checklist or talk you through what’s required in order to get your security deposit back.

Look over the checklist for move-out cleaning
With a move-out cleaning checklist in hand, you can get a pretty clear picture of how long it’s going to take you to get your apartment ready for a move-out inspection.

As a general guideline, you can use the checklist here to estimate the amount of time and effort you’ll have to put into cleaning: 

• Kitchen
  • Wipe out interior of refrigerator
  • Clean interior of oven
  • Wipe down inside and outside of cabinets
  • Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops and the outsides of appliances
  • Shine the sink
  • Dust or wash light fixtures
  • Sweep and mop the floor
• Bathroom
  • Scrub tub
  • Clean toilet
  • Clean mirrors
  • Dust light fixtures
  • Wipe out cabinets
  • Clean sink
  • Vacuum or mop floor
• Bedrooms
  • Wipe down closet shelves
  • Clean mirrors
  • Treat carpet stains
  • Vacuum or mop
  • Wash blinds
  • Clean windows
• Living and dining room
  • Clean/dust blinds
  • Clean windows
  • Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
  • Treat carpet stains
  • Vacuum or mop floors
• Nail holes (if applicable)
  • Remove all nails and staples from walls
  • Fill holes with spackle
  • Remove scuff marks from walls and doors
• Exterior spaces
  • Sweep outdoor patios and landings
  • Remove garbage bags

Getting a professional move-out cleaning
If you consider how to clean up before you move out and decide it’s too much work, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to do the job. Hiring a cleaning service can save you a lot of time. These companies make a business of cleaning, and that means they can do it quickly and efficiently.

To find a cleaning service, ask your property manager for a recommendation or consult the Internet. When you call the cleaning service, tell them you’re getting ready to move and you want to do a one-time move-out cleaning. This is important: you need to be clear about wanting to schedule a move-out cleaning because this service is usually referred to as a “deep cleaning.” Deep cleanings require more time and include additional tasks that a standard house cleaning does not. Consult your move-out cleaning checklist, and make sure the company can take care of every item on your list.

The cost of one of these meticulous move-out cleanings is generally affordable — likely less expensive than losing your security deposit for leaving behind a messy apartment!