When you're moving to a new home, there’s a lot to think about—packing boxes, changing your address, organizing movers, and saying goodbye (or hello) to a place filled with memories. In the middle of all this, one of the most important things to take care of is cleaning. Whether you're moving into a fresh space or leaving your old one behind, cleaning services can make your life much easier and stress-free.



In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about move-in and move-out cleaning services—what they include, why they matter, and how you can prepare for them. If you're in Jacksonville, FL, or nearby areas, understanding what to expect from professional cleaners can help ensure a smooth and successful move.



Why Move-In & Move-Out Cleaning Matters

Many people assume they can handle move-related cleaning on their own. But moving is already exhausting, and deep cleaning a home—either the one you’re leaving or the one you’re entering—takes a lot of time, energy, and effort.



Here’s why professional move-in and move-out cleaning services are worth it:



Saves you time during a busy and stressful transition.



Leaves a great impression if you're selling or renting out your old home.



Ensures your new home is safe and sanitized before you move in.



Prevents issues with landlords by fulfilling lease agreements.



Helps remove hidden dirt, dust, and germs from every corner.



Let’s now look at what’s included in these services.



What Is Move-In Cleaning?

Move-in cleaning is the process of deep cleaning a house or apartment before you settle in. Even if the previous owners or tenants did a basic cleaning, there may still be dust, debris, or bacteria left behind.



Professional cleaners go through every part of the home to make sure it’s not only tidy—but truly fresh and ready to live in.



What to Expect from Move-In Cleaning Services

Here’s a general list of what is included in most move-in cleaning packages:



Kitchen

Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers



Clean inside oven, refrigerator, and microwave



Wipe down all appliances



Clean and sanitize countertops and sink



Mop floors and wipe baseboards



Bathrooms

Deep scrub toilets, tubs, and showers



Clean mirrors and light fixtures



Wipe cabinets inside and out



Sanitize faucets, handles, and door knobs



Mop floors and clean tiles



Bedrooms and Living Areas

Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and vents



Wipe windows, window sills, and blinds



Vacuum carpets and clean floors



Clean walls and baseboards



Remove cobwebs and surface dust



Extras (Upon Request)

Clean inside closets



Sanitize air vents



Deodorize rooms



Disinfect high-touch surfaces



A move-in cleaning service helps you feel confident that you’re starting fresh in a safe and spotless home.



What Is Move-Out Cleaning?

Move-out cleaning is done when you're leaving a home and want to return it in great condition—either to please the new owners or meet the expectations of your landlord.



It’s usually more thorough than regular cleaning and focuses on making the space look brand new. If you're renting, this type of cleaning is essential to help you get your full security deposit back.



What to Expect from Move-Out Cleaning Services

A move-out cleaning checklist is similar to move-in, but the goal is to restore the home to its original condition.



Kitchen

Clean inside and outside of all appliances



Wipe cabinets, drawers, and shelves



Clean sink, faucet, and garbage disposal



Remove grease, food stains, and dust



Sweep and mop floors



Bathrooms

Remove soap scum and mildew from showers and tubs



Disinfect sinks, toilets, and countertops



Wipe down mirrors and fixtures



Clean grout and tiles



Sanitize and deodorize the room



Bedrooms and Common Areas

Dust and wipe all surfaces



Clean windows, sills, and blinds



Vacuum carpets thoroughly



Clean baseboards and ceiling fans



Remove any marks from walls (where possible)



Other Areas

Clean laundry area (washer and dryer if applicable)



Remove trash and personal items



Clean closets and shelves



This type of cleaning ensures the place is move-out ready and looks appealing to the next person who moves in.



How to Prepare for a Move-In or Move-Out Cleaning

Now that you know what these services include, here’s how to get ready before the cleaners arrive.



1. Remove All Personal Items

If you’re moving out, make sure the home is empty. Cleaners need access to all surfaces and areas—so pack your belongings, remove furniture (if possible), and take out the trash.



If you’re moving in, check that your new home is unoccupied and that any contractor work is finished before scheduling a deep cleaning.



2. Turn Off or On Utilities

Ensure that electricity and water are turned on for the cleaners to work efficiently. They’ll need lights to see, running water for mopping or scrubbing, and outlets for vacuuming.



3. Secure Your Entry

Make sure the cleaning team can enter the home. If you're not available to let them in, consider leaving a key in a secure lockbox or arranging access through a realtor or building manager.



4. Make Special Requests Ahead of Time

Let the cleaning service know if there are any areas of concern—like pet stains, mold, or a specific appliance that needs extra attention. This helps them come prepared with the right tools and cleaning solutions.



5. Schedule Smartly

Book your cleaning service a day before your move-in or immediately after your move-out. This gives you a clear, open space for a detailed cleaning and avoids disruption.



Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

You might think it’s cheaper to clean yourself—but hiring professionals comes with many benefits:



Time-Saving

Moving is already stressful. Let the pros handle the mess so you can focus on packing, settling in, or managing moving trucks.



Thorough and Detailed

Professional cleaners know how to deep clean. They don’t just tidy up—they scrub, sanitize, and remove buildup from areas most people overlook.



Health and Safety

Dust, pet hair, and germs can linger in hidden places. A professional cleaning ensures your space is safe, especially for children, seniors, or those with allergies.



Stress-Free Moving

You’ll feel much more relaxed knowing that your home—whether it’s the one you're leaving or moving into—is sparkling clean and taken care of.



What to Look for in a Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Company

When choosing a cleaning service, especially in Jacksonville or surrounding areas, here are a few things to consider:



Experience and Reputation

Look for a company with experience in move-related cleaning. A trusted name with good reviews means better service and reliability.



Transparent Pricing

Choose a company that offers clear pricing with no hidden fees. Make sure to ask what is included in their standard service.



Eco-Friendly Products

If you’re sensitive to chemicals or have pets, ask whether the company uses eco-friendly and non-toxic products.



Flexibility and Customer Support

You want a team that’s easy to communicate with, understands your schedule, and can customize their service based on your needs.



Common Questions About Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning

Q: How long does the cleaning take?

A: It depends on the size and condition of the home. A one-bedroom apartment may take 2–3 hours, while a larger house may take 4–8 hours or more.



Q: Do I need to be present?

A: Not necessarily. As long as the cleaners have access, you don’t need to be there. But some people prefer to be home at the beginning or end to go over specific requests.



Q: What’s not included?

A: Services like carpet shampooing, window washing (outside), or wall painting are usually not included unless requested for an extra charge.



Q: Can I request both move-in and move-out cleaning for the same day?

A: Yes, many cleaning companies can handle both jobs on the same day if timing allows.



Final Thoughts

Moving is a big task, and cleaning shouldn’t be something you have to worry about on top of everything else. Move-in and move-out cleaning services are designed to give you peace of mind, save you time, and make your transition smoother—whether you’re settling into your dream home or closing the chapter on your old one.



In Jacksonville, FL, professional cleaning services are trusted by homeowners, tenants, property managers, and real estate agents alike for delivering spotless results every time. So, if you’re planning a move soon, consider letting the pros handle the dirt—while you focus on your fresh start.