Moving out of a property can be stressful and overwhelming, and one of the most important tasks you’ll need to tackle is move out cleaning. Move-out cleaning, also known as the end of lease or bond cleaning, thoroughly cleans a rental property before returning it to the landlord or property manager. Here’s everything you need to know about move-out cleaning.
What is move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning is a detailed cleaning process designed to ensure that a rental property is left in the same condition as when you first moved in. This type of cleaning is generally needed as part of the lease agreement by landlords or property managers, and it is frequently required to collect your full bond refund.
What’s included in the move-out cleaning?
Move-out cleaning typically includes a thorough cleaning of all areas of the property, including the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, bedrooms, and any other rooms or spaces within the property. This can include tasks such as:
- Dusting all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and baseboards
- Cleaning and disinfecting all kitchen surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliances
- Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, including toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs
- Vacuuming and sweeping all floors and carpets
- Mopping hard floors
- Cleaning windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces
- Cleaning and disinfecting light switches, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces
- Removing any cobwebs
- Cleaning any appliances included with the property, such as ovens, stovetops, and refrigerators.
Keep in mind that move out cleaning requirements can vary depending on the specific lease agreement and the expectations of the landlord or property manager. Therefore, clarifying the specific cleaning requirements with your landlord or property manager is always a good idea to ensure that you meet their expectations.
Do I need to hire a professional cleaning service?
While it’s possible to handle move-out cleaning independently, many people hire a professional cleaning service to ensure the job is done thoroughly and to a high standard. A professional cleaning service will have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to tackle even the most challenging tasks. As a result, it can often complete the job more efficiently than doing it yourself.
If you choose to hire a professional cleaning service, choose a company with experience in move-out cleaning specifically. Look for an accredited and insured company, and make sure they offer a bond-back guarantee to ensure that you receive your full bond refund.
How long does move-out cleaning take?
The time it takes to complete move-out cleaning will depend on various factors, including the property size, the level of cleaning required, and whether or not you choose to hire a professional cleaning service. In general, move-out cleaning can take a few hours to a full day or more.
If you’re handling move-out cleaning independently, set aside enough time to complete the job thoroughly. You may also want to recruit friends or family members to help you tackle the cleaning tasks, as this can help make the process go more quickly and smoothly.
How can I ensure a successful move-out cleaning?
To ensure a successful move-out cleaning, it’s essential to be thorough and detail-oriented in your approach. Follow a detailed cleaning checklist to ensure you get all essential cleaning tasks, and use high-quality cleaning products and equipment to make sure that the job is done right.
When hiring a professional cleaning service, communicate your specific cleaning requirements and expectations. This can help ensure that the cleaning service understands your needs and can provide the level of service you’re looking for.
