Back

1.96 min read

Cleaning a House Before Moving Out: A Guide to Get Your Deposit Back and Leave a Great Impression

Cleaning a house before moving out can be the key to getting your full security deposit back or making a great final impression. This article from The CoBuilders covers everything you need to know — from what to clean to when to hire a professional.

Share This

Professional cleaner with "The CoBuilders" label on their uniform, wiping down kitchen counters during a move-out cleaning session in a modern home.

Whether you're saying goodbye to a rental or prepping your home for sale, cleaning a house before moving out is one of those tasks that feels bigger the closer moving day gets. At The CoBuilders, we’ve helped thousands of people across the U.S. handle move-out cleaning the right way — so here’s what you need to know to get it done efficiently, or hire the right help.


Why Move-Out Cleaning Matters


Moving is already stressful, so why invest extra effort in cleaning after all the boxes are packed?


  • Get your security deposit back: Landlords and property managers often require a deep clean before returning your deposit. Miss a few details, and you could lose hundreds.


  • Sell faster or impress new owners: A sparkling clean home shows better during viewings and sets the tone for the buyer or next tenant.


  • Avoid extra charges: Many lease agreements charge a cleaning fee if you leave behind messes or damage. Doing it yourself — or hiring a professional — can save you money.

What’s Included in a Proper Move-Out Clean?


Cleaning a house before moving out isn’t the same as weekly tidying. You’ll want to go room by room and cover:


Kitchen

  • Deep clean appliances (oven, fridge, microwave, dishwasher)
  • Wipe cabinets and drawers inside and out
  • Degrease stove and backsplash
  • Mop under appliances


Bathroom

  • Scrub toilet, tub, and sink
  • Remove soap scum and mildew
  • Clean mirrors and fixtures
  • Disinfect all surfaces


Living Areas & Bedrooms

  • Dust ceiling fans, vents, and baseboards
  • Clean windows and sills
  • Vacuum carpets or mop hard floors
  • Patch holes in walls if required


Final Touches

  • Empty and wipe out all closets and storage areas
  • Take out all trash
  • Do a final walkthrough with your checklist

When to Hire a Professional Move-Out Cleaning Service


If time is tight or your place needs extra attention, hiring a move-out cleaning service like The CoBuilders can be a game-changer. We bring eco-friendly supplies, trained professionals, and the tools to make your home inspection-ready — all while you focus on your actual move.


Why choose The CoBuilders?


  • Nationwide network of vetted cleaning pros
  • Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
  • Same-day or next-day availability in many areas
  • We specialize in rental turnovers, home staging cleans, and final move-outs


Need cleaning a house before moving out? Book The CoBuilders here


How Much Does Move-Out Cleaning Cost?


For a typical 2-bedroom, 2-bath home, expect prices to range from $150 to $350, depending on size, condition, and location. The CoBuilders offers flexible quotes based on square footage and level of service needed. You can even request an instant quote online.


Final Tip: Don’t Leave Cleaning for the Last Day


Schedule your move-out cleaning the day before you hand over the keys. That way, you’ll have time for any final touch-ups or walkthroughs — and avoid the stress of doing it all at once.


Ready to hand off the hard work?


Let The CoBuilders help you clean your house before moving out — so you can move forward with peace of mind.


Available in cities across the U.S.


Eco-friendly, insured, and professional


Book your move-out clean now

Share This

Featured Posts

Professional cleaning crew preparing and cleaning a large event venue with tables, cleaning cart, and equipment, representing event cleanup and venue maintenance after an event.

2.01 min read

Event Cleaning Service for Large Venues: What Organizers Should Know

Person carrying moving boxes while relocating from home, surrounded by packed boxes in a bright living room, representing moving day and relocation process.

3.81 min read

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: A Guide for Renters & Homeowners

Professional house cleaner mopping hardwood floors in a bright Ventura, California home with coastal decor and eco-friendly cleaning supplies

3.25 min read

House Cleaning Services in Ventura, California

Professional house cleaner cleaning a bright Lexington, Kentucky home with hardwood floors, large windows, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies

3.38 min read

House Cleaning Services in Lexington, Kentucky

Professional house cleaner vacuuming a living room in a modern West Sacramento, California home with natural lighting and eco-friendly supplies

3.25 min read

House Cleaning Services in West Sacramento, California

Professional cleaner prepping a vacation rental Airbnb bedroom with fresh linens, folded towels, and eco-friendly supplies in a bright, modern home

3.22 min read

Airbnb Vacation Rental Cleaning Services

Professional house cleaner cleaning a bright Des Moines, Iowa home with hardwood floors, neutral decor, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies

3.24 min read

House Cleaning Services in Des Moines, Iowa

Professional house cleaner wiping down a modern kitchen in an Irvine, California home with bright natural light and minimalist decor

3.24 min read

House Cleaning Services in Irvine, California

Professional cleaning team cleaning a modern Tulsa, Oklahoma office and residential living space using eco-friendly supplies with natural light

2.95 min read

Cleaning Services for Homes & Businesses in Tulsa, OK

Professional house cleaner dusting a bookshelf in a tidy Fayetteville, North Carolina home with military memorabilia and warm natural lighting

2.88 min read

House Cleaning Services in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Experience Ultimate Freshness Every Week