Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Prices: Checklists, and Tips for Switzerland
Moving out of your apartment doesn't just mean bidding goodbye to your old place; it also means leaving it spotless enough to make it welcoming for the next occupant. In Switzerland, this final move-out cleaning is strictly tied to your deposit. It will decide whether to make or break your deposit refund; thereby, making apartment move-out cleaning an integral part of this whole moving episode. So how do puzzle out how much this apartment move-out cleaning is going to cost you? The cost of apartment move-out cleaning services doesn’t have a standard answer you could memorize. It relies on multiple factors, such as your apartment’s size, how intense cleaning it needs, and extra services you require like carpet cleaning, etc. Getting a clear understanding of these charges in advance enables you to budget wisely for a stress-free transition, whether you’re shifting from a cozy condo or a luxury penthouse.
Let’s help you understand how these move-out cleaning prices are estimated and what you can expect from a professional move-out cleaning service.
What is Move-Out Cleaning?
When you say move-out cleaning, it simply means a deep and comprehensive cleaning of your house after all your belongings are packed, leaving it in such a spotless and mint state as if you never even lived there. Unlike regular cleaning, this one is more intense and thorough because you have to clean every inch and hidden corner, ensuring it meets the strict standards of final inspection.
This will decide whether you’ll get your full deposit back or will bear the pain of deductions.
Now, you must be thinking, “How much cleaning should you do when moving out to ensure a smooth handover and transition?” The answer is a comprehensive move-out cleaning checklist! Following it to the T makes sure no single corner is overlooked while hiring professional service can save lots of time and hassle, but costs vary according to the scope of cleaning and the size of your residence.
How Much Does Apartment Move-Out Cleaning Cost?
Average Costs of Move-Out Cleaning Services
As I said earlier, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for an apartment move-out cleaning cost because the charges of professional thorough cleaning differ as per the size of your home and location. On average, the costs of apartment move-out cleaning fall somewhere between $150 and $500 or if you want a bite-sized estimate, that would be around $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot. You can expect a price range of around $150 to $300 if you live in a small apartment, but expect the price to jump directly to around $400 or higher for larger spaces.
Typically, hourly rates of move-out cleaning services costs generally range from $25 to $50 if it’s only one cleaner. But the hourly price falls between $50 and $100 for a cleaning team of two to three cleaners to get the task done quickly and efficiently. Although at first, hiring a team may appear an expensive option, the final bill will be almost similar to booking a single cleaner because he will take longer to get the job done.
You will notice a significant variation in apartment move-out cleaning prices based on the region you’re living in. For instance, the cost of move-out cleaning services is higher in Switzerland due to the country’s stringent cleaning standards, while the prices of move-out cleaning services may be comparatively lower in regions like the UK and Texas. We can give you a general idea of what to expect to pay in these areas.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, move-out cleaning services costs typically fall between 400 and 1000 CHF based on your apartment’s area and the magnitude of deep cleaning required for a smooth handover.
The UK
If you’re living in the UK, you can expect the average apartment move-out cleaning prices to range between £150 to £400. The cost can go higher for spacious and bigger homes or houses needing extra thorough cleaning, especially if you live in major metropolitans like London.
Texas
Those living in Texas might be luckier because the charges are generally more budget-friendly. A general estimate of a standard move-out cleaning cost in Texas is around $150 to $350. Of course, these figures can go higher as the size of the homes or the number of additional services increases, such as carpet cleaning.
Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Apartment Size
The total space of your apartment or house is a major factor in determining the cost of move-out cleaning services as bigger spaces require extra time and effort in cleaning them. It’s a general rule of thumb: the bigger the size of your place, the higher will be the apartment move-out cleaning price.
Let’s give you a general breakdown of the move-out cleaning services costs as per the size of the apartment.
Apartment Size (by room) |
Cost in Switzerland |
Cost in the UK |
Cost in Texas |
Studio Apartment |
400 to 600 CHF |
£100 to £200 |
$100 to $200 |
1-Bedroom Apartment |
600 to 750 CHF |
£150 to £250 |
$150 to $300 |
2-Bedroom Apartment |
750 to 950 CHF |
£250 to £350 |
$200 to $400 |
3-Bedroom Apartment |
1,000 to 1,300 CHF |
£250 to £450 |
$250 to $500 |
4-Bedroom Apartment |
1,100 to 1,500 CHF |
£300 to £550 |
$300 to $600 |
For apartments of 5 or 6 rooms, the cost can climb to 1200 - 1800 CHF in Switzerland, £400 to £750 in the UK, and $400 to $800 in Texas. These move-out cleaning checklist prices fluctuate as per the spaciousness of your residence, the condition of its cleanliness and the number of additional services included like carpet/rug cleaning or handover guarantees. It is better to request quotes from your professional cleaning services in your proximity for an accurate estimate.
Factors That Influence Move-Out Cleaning Prices
When talking about move-out cleaning checklist prices, the size of your flat and its location aren’t the only factors impacting the cost. What contributes significantly to the overall move-out cleaning costs are elements like the specific rooms, the scope of cleanliness required for each room and the level of thoroughness required for cleaning certain appliances.
The following factors influence the overall move-out cleaning checklist prices the most.
Cleaning Kitchen
Your kitchen is one of the major factors impacting the price of your move-out cleaning checklist. Why and how? Simple, because it’s a heavy-traffic area that calls for special attention due to the amount of filth and grease it accumulates over time.
Cleaning your kitchen demands the most time and effort since it includes everything from sparkling your appliances like the microwave, cooking range and dishwasher to thoroughly wiping down countertops, cabinets, drawers, pantries and hidden areas like the extractor fan. Professional cleaners usually come with specialized equipment to get rid of tough stains for a guaranteed handover, adding more to the bill.
Bathroom Cleaning
Next to the kitchen, your bathroom is the most time-consuming and challenging area to clean when changing house, contributing significantly to the move-out cleaning checklist costs. From lime deposits on faucets, drains and sinks to mold buildup in corners, your bathroom requires painstaking attention. Areas like the shower, bathtub and toilet need to be thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected to make sure not a speck of scum or grime is left behind. Extensive cleaning of bathrooms is mandatory to prevent deductions from your deposit during the handover.
It’s simple math: the more bathrooms in your apartment, the higher the price will be, as the cleaning crew will dedicate more time to making every surface shine like new.
Cleaning Window & Ledges
This part is often underestimated even though it has a major impact on overall apartment move-out cleaning prices. Just a spotless glass won’t do. Spots like frames, rubber seals and even hinges also need to be thoroughly scrubbed from the inside out to eliminate every trace of residue. You must ensure stained or dusty ledges are returned to their original mint condition. People often overlook window tracks accumulate grime over time and, if ignored can of course result in loss of money from your deposit during final inspection.
Blinds Cleaning
Although they highly influence the overall move-out cleaning checklist prices, blinds are generally the neglected detail. The type of blinds usually determines the increase in cost. Roller blinds are comparatively easy to wash, but if you have slatted blinds, expect to lose an extra chunk of money. They take a lot of effort to clean as each slat requires to be cleaned separately from both sides, adding significantly to the job time - to put it mildly, at least 20 additional minutes per window. Most of the time, people forget about the dust accumulated in the blinds’ mechanism and cords, leaving a negative impression of course. Hiring professional cleaners ensures these overlooked spots are thoroughly scrubbed to perfection, leaving no detail unattended to make the handover process smooth sailing.
Move-Out Cleaning Prices by Location
As said before, the location where you live has a huge impact on the overall move-out cleaning costs. There are certain factors, such as labor costs in your locality, service availability and regional cleaning standards, that play a major role in calculating the final cost. In the upcoming section, we will give you an overview of how move-out cleaning prices vary according to different regions, providing you with crucial insights so that you can make an informed decision for your relocation.
Costs in Switzerland
Are you wondering how much will it cost your account if you hire a move-out cleaning service in Switzerland? In Switzerland, a trusted move-out cleaning service averagely costs around 500 - 1500 CHF, given your property’s space and the intensity of cleaning it needs. A factor unique to this region is the “handover guarantee.” This obligates cleaning companies to make sure the house passes the property owner’s final survey. Generally, the move-out cleaning services checklist includes this service in the overall cost. In addition, cleaning pricing in Switzerland is often calculated based on per room to ensure transparency in the final invoice.
When it comes to tipping, there’s no such obligation in Switzerland, but giving a small tip to cleaning maids would be an appreciable gesture if the service exceeds your initial expectations. If you want to make sure there isn’t any reason for deduction from your security deposit, the smart choice is to employ a professional move-out cleaning service offering a handover guarantee.
Costs in the UK
When it comes to the UK, once again, the major determinants of move-out cleaning prices are the size of your residence and the amount of services it needs. According to an average estimate, private cleaning services will charge you somewhere between £15 and £25 per hour. However, a majority of cleaning companies have flat rates depending on the number of rooms or cleaning services required. If you’re hiring cleaners for bigger houses, you can expect the charges of deep cleaning to soar to £400 or above, especially if your carpets or upholstery also needs a thorough cleansing session.
To go gentle on your budget, it is wise to choose basic cleaning packages and tackle tasks like carpet cleaning yourself. If you’re still confused about how much private cleaning costs in the UK, request quotes from multiple cleaning companies to locate the deal offering the best value for your requirements.
Costs in Texas
Apartment move-out cleaning prices in Texas hugely rely on the length and breadth of your home and the magnitude of detail it needs. For those wondering how much does a move-out cleaning service in Texas cost, here’s an average estimate. Be prepared to spend around $150 to $500 for in-depth cleaning. These figures can go higher as the size of your property increases or additional services like deep cleaning of carpet are added. The total cost automatically increases if you demand add-ons, such as cleaning of appliances (e.g., oven or fridge). To make sure you get the best deal within your budget, bundle services or collect several quotes from different cleaners in your locality. These simple strategies will not only guarantee a stress-free handover but will also keep everything within your assigned budget.
Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: What’s Included in the Service?
A detailed move-out cleaning checklist promises to leave every corner immaculate for the next tenant when you’re about to bid farewell to your apartment. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the services included in professional move-out cleaning:
Kitchen
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Stove: Wiping down the oven interior and all the burners and knobs.
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Fridge: Empty the fridge and clean it from the inside out.
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Cabinets: Scrub the inside and outside surfaces of cabinets spotless.
Bathroom
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Toilet: Scrubbing down every part from the bowl and seat to the exterior for a spotless finish as well as disinfecting all sanitary facilities.
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Sink: Every corner of the sink will be cleaned and disinfected, including de-scaling of taps and fittings.
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Tiles: Clean tiles and grout to erase any sudsy residue or mold.
Living Room
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Dusting: Wipe off dirt and grime from surfaces, shelves, and light fixtures.
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Vacuuming: Thorough vacuuming of carpets and rugs.
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Wall Cleaning: Dust off walls to eliminate any smudges and marks.
Bedrooms
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Closet Cleaning: Take out all the stuff and wipe the shelves with a dampened microfiber.
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Window Cleaning: Scrub clean every corner of the windows from inside out, including curtain tracks, window ledges and tracks.
By getting awareness of the move-out cleaning checklist prices, you will be in a position to budget accordingly and smartly to evade unexpected expenses and ensure a peaceful transition.
How to Clean Apartment Walls Before Moving Out - Effective Tips
When you’re about to hand the keys to your landlord, don’t let filthy walls of your old apartment ruin your excitement about moving into the new home. A little time and effort on your part can make a helluva difference in ensuring both a lasting impression and your deposit!
These simple tips will show you how you can clean your apartment walls to leave them fresh before moving out.
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Start with dusting of walls to get rid of the loose dirt. A simple microfiber cloth will do.
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If your walls have ugly smudges or stains, resort to the highly effective mixture of mild detergent and water.
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Gently wipe the stained area with a sponge. Make sure it's soft and wash it repeatedly to avoid causing further damage.
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Don’t forget to dry the wall to avoid streaks formation or water damage.
Pricing Models: Hourly vs. Flat Rate for Move-Out Cleaning
When it comes to selecting a move-out cleaning service, one of the first confusions you’ll have is whether an hourly rate will suit you or whether going for a flat rate would be economical. Both choices have their unique advantages, but which one is best for you will depend on your apartment’s length and breadth and cleaning requirements.
Let’s see what perks hourly rates have. They give you more flexibility and are typically ideal for smaller apartments or for when you are sure that your space just requires a swift refresh. But the downside is that it’s hard to estimate the final cost in this case as there’s a high chance of unexpected issues adding up to the rates.
On the contrary, flare rates have a fixed upfront price for the entire task, offering you much-needed peace of mind for budgeting accurately. Flat rates are practical for bigger apartments or when your pace needs intensive cleaning, where you know the task might take longer to complete. In that case, it is suitable to go for flat rates to avoid the pain of surprise fees. Besides, flat-rate services usually contain a thorough checklist, making sure no corner is left unattended.
So, at the end of the day, it all comes to your choice. you need to be vigilant and well aware of your space and priorities while making a decision. Also, acquire an estimate first before choosing an option to make sure you don’t exceed your budget.
How to Save on Move-Out Cleaning Costs
Are you looking for a magic hack that could help you save on your move-out cleaning services cost without sacrificing the cleaning quality? It’s possible to keep your budget within limit yet make sure every nook and cranny of your space is shining for the next occupant. You simply need to know a couple of smart strategies and you’ll be all set to curtail move-out cleaning services costs.
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First thing first. Choose basic cleaning services and skip add-ons, such as carpet cleaning or cleaning of windows if not needed.
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If it’s really necessary to clean your carpet or tiles, try grouping services to save extra costs. You can also rent equipment to clean them yourself.
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You can cut down on service time if you consider cleaning heavy-traffic spots, such as your kitchen and bathrooms. This will automatically cut down the overall move-out cleaning service cost as well.
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Along with that, decluttering your space and carrying out a pre-cleaning mop will make the final move-out cleaning easier and quicker to accomplish.
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You can also save money if you pick standard cleaning products instead of opting for specialized ones.
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Ask for quotes from different local cleaning companies for a comparison of move-out cleaning services costs. Then, choose the one offering the best price without compromising on quality.
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Advance booking also often costs you less as compared to hiring a professional at the last minute.
These changes in approach may seem small but they can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall move-out cleaning services costs of your apartment.
Key takeaways: Final Thoughts on Move-Out Cleaning Prices
One of the most crucial prerequisites for a smooth move-out is accurate budgeting for move-out cleaning. This is the key to ensuring you leave the place as clean as new to get your deposit back without a penny of deduction. By hiring professional move-out cleaning services, you can take the burden off your shoulders and get the needed peace of mind to concentrate on your shift to the new place. These professional services can tackle everything from removing stubborn blemishes to making your chaotic kitchen and bathrooms sparkling, ensuring you enjoy a stress-free move.
Do you want to make your move out hassle-free? Simply collect accurate move-out cleaning quotes right away from reliable local services or get help from an online move-out cleaning checklist prices calculator to attune the charges to your specific demands. Don’t make the blunder of leaving it to chance; book your apartment move-out cleaning service now and ensure a stress-free exit!
FAQs About Move-Out Cleaning Prices
How much should I charge for move-out cleaning as a professional?
Move-out cleaning prices generally range between $150 – $500 based on the size of the property and the level of cleaning it requires. As a professional, it is wise to take into account crucial aspects like the location of the property, extra services (e.g., carpet and window cleaning) and market prices to set competitive rates.
Who typically pays for move-out cleaning: tenant or landlord?
Normally, the tenant has to pay for move-out cleaning as it’s usually a mandatory part of their lease agreement to leave the rental in a clean and habitable state. They can pay a professional cleaning service for the job or the landlord can arrange for a move-out cleaning service after the final walk-through. Those charges will then be deducted from the tenant’s security deposit.
Do people clean their houses when they move out?
Yes, it's an established practice for tenants to clean their house before moving out to make sure they fulfill the commitments stated in the lease agreement and most likely get a complete refund of the security deposit. An in-depth move-out cleaning maintains goodwill with landlords and guarantees a peaceful move-in for the new tenants or future clients.