Ultimate Guide to Move-In Cleaning Services

March 18, 2025 by Neal Zott

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Moving into a new home? A clean, healthy space is essential for your well-being. This guide covers everything you need to know about move-in cleaning services, from DIY tips to professional options. Here’s a quick overview:

• Why Choose Professional Cleaning?
  • Saves time (professionals clean in ~2 hours vs. ~4 hours DIY).
  • Costs range from $200–$600 for intensive cleaning.
  • Removes hidden dirt, bacteria, and allergens.
• DIY Cleaning Essentials
  • Tools: HEPA vacuum, microfiber mop, scrubbing brushes.
  • Products: Vinegar, baking soda, all-purpose cleaner.
  • Key Tasks: Deep-clean kitchen appliances, disinfect bathrooms, and sanitize high-touch areas.
• Professional Services
  • Benefits: Expertise, thorough sanitization, and stress reduction.
  • Costs: Standard cleaning starts at $152.15; deep cleaning varies.
  • Tips: Screen companies for insurance and reputation.
• Room-by-Room Checklist
  • Kitchen: Clean appliances, degrease cabinets, sanitize counters.
  • Bathroom: Scrub grout, disinfect fixtures, clean exhaust fans.
  • Living Spaces: Dust, clean vents, wash windows, vacuum carpets.

Quick Comparison:

Whether you tackle it yourself or hire professionals, this guide ensures you start fresh in a clean, healthy home.

How Much Move-Out Cleaning Services Cost?

Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Get ready to turn your new home into a spotless haven with proper planning and the right tools.

Must-Have Cleaning Tools and Products

To clean effectively, you’ll need the right supplies. Here’s a breakdown of what to gather:

"A checklist minimizes errors, ensuring no step is missed." – Charlie Munger, Investor ^[2]

Now, let’s dive into what needs to be done in each room.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Guide

Kitchen Tasks:

• Deep-clean the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher.
• Degrease cabinets and the backsplash.
• Sanitize countertops and the sink.
• Clean the inside of drawers and shelves.

Bathroom Essentials:

• Scrub tile grout with a grout cleaner.
• Disinfect the toilet, sink, and hardware.
• Clean the shower or tub and replace the shower curtain liner.

Living Spaces:

• Dust and clean ceiling fans.
• Wash windows and window tracks.
• Clean air vents and replace filters.
• Sanitize light switches and door handles.

Cleaning Tips for Renters

If you’re renting, these tips can help ensure you get your security deposit back:

1. Document Everything: Take photos and videos of the property’s condition when you move in.
2. Use the Right Cleaners: Protect surfaces by matching cleaners to materials:
   • Laminated countertops: Go for non-abrasive, bleach-free options.
   • Wood cabinets: Use a cleaner designed for finished wood.
   • Glass cooktops: Try a ceramic glass cleaner or a baking soda paste.
3. Keep Up with Maintenance:
   • Use trivets for hot pans to avoid damage.
   • Run bathroom fans to reduce mold risk.
   • Clean up spills immediately.
   • Test any new cleaning product on a hidden spot first.

Taking these steps will make your move-in smoother and your new space feel like home.

High-Priority Cleaning Areas

Keeping certain areas of your home clean is key to maintaining a healthier living space. Focus on spots that are prone to harboring germs and bacteria.

Kitchen Cleaning Guide

The kitchen is one of the busiest areas in any home, making it crucial to clean thoroughly. Here’s how to tackle it:

Refrigerator and Freezer

• Empty out all food and removable parts. Soak shelves and drawers in warm, soapy water.
• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for a natural cleaning solution^[5].
• For tough stains, pour boiling water over them, let it sit, and scrub away^[4].

Deep Clean Appliances

• Dishwasher: Use a manufacturer-approved cleaner and run an empty cycle with a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack^[5].
• Oven: Use the self-cleaning feature or apply an oven cleaner in a well-ventilated area.
• Microwave: Heat a bowl of water and vinegar for two minutes, then wipe the interior clean^[3].

Surface Cleaning Guide

Once your kitchen is spotless, it’s time to shift your focus to the bathrooms.

Bathroom Cleaning Guide

"The sink drain wins for the highest bathroom bacteria count – topping even the toilet seat."^[6]

The bathroom requires careful attention to areas where germs thrive. Here’s what to prioritize:

Shower and Tub Area

• Soak the showerhead in white vinegar overnight to remove buildup.
• Use a baking soda and vinegar paste to clean shower doors.
• Scrub grout lines with a bleach solution or specialized cleaner in a ventilated area^[6].

Sanitization Priorities

• Disinfect high-touch spots like faucet handles and toilet flush levers.
• Clean the toilet bowl thoroughly, including under the rim.
• Remove the cover from the exhaust fan and clean both the cover and blades^[6].

With the kitchen and bathrooms clean, focus on floors and carpets to round out your efforts.

Floor and Carpet Care

Your floors endure a lot of wear and tear, so keeping them clean is essential for both hygiene and appearance.

Hard Surfaces

• Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Use a cleaning product suitable for the material (vinyl, hardwood, or tile).
• Pay special attention to corners and baseboards where dust often gathers.

Carpet Treatment

• Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum to remove allergens.
• Focus on high-traffic areas where dirt builds up faster.
• For a deeper clean, consider professional steam cleaning.

"Move-in cleaning is more than a mere ritual; it’s a fundamental step in ensuring a healthy and welcoming environment in your new home."^[1]

In fact, nearly 60% of Americans say moving into a pre-cleaned home significantly reduces stress^[1]. By focusing on these high-priority areas, you’ll create a cleaner, healthier space and enjoy peace of mind in your new home.

Professional Cleaning Service Benefits

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but professional cleaning services can make the process easier by ensuring your space is spotless and ready to enjoy. While some people tackle cleaning on their own, hiring professionals can save time and reduce stress. In fact, studies show that 45% of Americans consider moving one of life’s most stressful events ^[11].

When to Call the Pros

Professional cleaners are a great choice in certain situations:

Time Constraints
Cleaning a home yourself might take around 4 hours, but a professional team can achieve better results in just 2 hours ^[8]. If you’re on a tight schedule, this efficiency can be a lifesaver.

Property Conditions
Homes with significant dirt buildup or those requiring specialized cleaning are best handled by professionals.

"When you hire professional cleaners, you’re not just paying for a clean house – you’re paying for peace of mind, quality, and time saved." – Antoaneta Tsocheva, FastKlean ^[7]

Before hiring, take a look at the cost structures and what each service offers.

Service Costs and Benefits

Why Choose Professional Services?

Here’s why professional cleaners are often the best option for move-in cleaning:

• Expertise and Tools
  Professionals bring commercial-grade equipment and the know-how to handle any cleaning challenge, ensuring top-notch results ^[12].
• Health and Safety
  They sanitize high-touch surfaces, remove hidden allergens and bacteria, and use appropriate products for different materials.
• Cost-Effectiveness
  By preventing damage from improper cleaning and spotting maintenance issues early, professional services save both time and money in the long run.

More than half of Americans now choose professional move-in cleaning services ^[10]. Companies like NLZ Cleaning Services of Long Island even offer a 150% service guarantee, giving you extra confidence during your move.

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Finding a Long Island Cleaning Service

Choosing the right cleaning service requires careful research and evaluation. With detailed cleaning checklists and benefits guiding your move, finding a reliable local service is an important step.

How to Screen Cleaning Companies

Start by looking into well-established Long Island companies. For example, Imperial Cleaning has been recognized as the "Best Cleaning Service" from 2021 to 2025 ^[13]. Here’s what to focus on:

• Insurance and Employee Screening: Confirm that the company has liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and thoroughly screens its employees. This ensures you’re protected in case of damages or accidents during the cleaning process.
• Experience and Reputation: Companies like Above All Pressure Cleaning Co. are notable for creating their own eco-friendly cleaning products ^[13].

Questions to Ask Cleaning Services

When interviewing potential cleaning providers, ask these key questions:

Comparing Local Cleaning Services

Long Island has several reputable cleaning companies, each offering distinct advantages:

Samter Cleaning Services LLC

• Voted "Best Cleaning Service" in 2020
• Known for meticulous attention to detail
• Specializes in residential move-in cleaning ^[13]

Imperial Cleaning

• Nearly 30 years of industry experience
• Offers eco-friendly cleaning solutions
• Provides flood cleanup services ^[13]

NLZ Cleaning Services

• Supplies all cleaning materials
• Serves Nassau, Queens, and Kings Counties
• Transparent pricing, starting at $152.15 for standard cleaning

Before making your final choice, request detailed quotes and ensure the company provides a written service agreement that clearly outlines all terms and conditions. Once you’ve compared your options, set specific service expectations with your chosen provider.

Working with Professional Cleaners

Collaborating with professional cleaners can make your move-in process much smoother.

Setting Clear Requirements

"When you implement effective communication tactics, you reduce misunderstandings, ensuring cleaning tasks are executed correctly" ^[14].

Before the cleaners arrive, do a quick walkthrough of your space. Highlight areas that need extra attention and share any specific cleaning methods you’d like them to use. This helps establish expectations. Also, take steps to safeguard your belongings to avoid any accidental damage.

Protecting Your Belongings

Here are a few steps to keep your belongings safe during the cleaning process:

• Document Valuable Items: Create a list of your valuable possessions. Consider using UV property markers to label items with your postal code and house number for added security.
• Secure Important Documents: Store essential paperwork, jewelry, and other valuables in a locked safe or a room that won’t be cleaned. This protects your items and helps avoid liability concerns.
• Organize Fragile Items: Clearly mark or temporarily remove any fragile objects to prevent accidents.

Property Access Guidelines

"Clear communication is the foundation for a successful cleaning relationship and a clean, happy space" ^[15].

Making sure cleaners can access your property safely and securely is just as important.

Access Options:

• Provide a spare key with written authorization
• Use a temporary keypad code
• Be present on-site during cleaning
• Coordinate with property management for entry

Security Measures:

• Keep a record of any key handovers and returns
• Confirm the cleaning company’s insurance coverage and staff identification
• Provide clear parking and entry instructions

After the Cleaning Service

Quality Check Steps

Once the cleaning is done, take a moment to inspect your space. Go room by room to ensure everything meets your expectations.

If something’s not right, take photos and contact the cleaning service within 24 hours. Many professional companies will address your concerns quickly. Once everything is up to par, stick to simple routines to maintain the cleanliness.

Keeping Your Home Clean

Want to keep that spotless look? Stick to a few easy daily and weekly habits.

Daily Maintenance Tasks:

• Make the beds
• Wipe down kitchen counters
• Load and unload the dishwasher
• Spend 10 minutes tidying up each evening

Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Deep clean the bathroom.
  Use a disinfectant spray to tackle toilets, sinks, and showers. Wipe mirrors and replace towels.
• Wednesday: Dust and vacuum.
  Focus on high-traffic areas, furniture, ceiling fans, and windowsills.
• Friday: Kitchen cleanup.
  Wipe down appliance exteriors, sanitize counters, and mop the floors. Check the fridge for expired items and clean it out.

"I’ve found that by establishing some simple daily habits, I can keep on top of the chaos and clutter and dirt so that cleaning takes half the time." – Kelly Anderson ^[16]

Pro Tips for Lasting Cleanliness:

• Place shoe racks near entrances to minimize dirt tracking.
• Use washable doormats both inside and outside.
• Keep microfiber cloths in each bathroom for quick touch-ups.
• Store cleaning supplies where they’re easy to grab.
• Designate spots for mail and papers to avoid clutter buildup.

Summary

This guide has provided detailed steps and expert advice to help make every move-in a smooth and stress-free experience. Hiring move-in cleaning services can make a big difference when starting fresh in a new home, ensuring a clean and healthy living space.

Here’s why professional move-in cleaning services are worth considering:

These points are backed by data on moving trends, showing how professional cleaning can take the hassle out of your move. Professional cleaners rely on advanced equipment and eco-friendly products to ensure your home is spotless and safe ^[18].

"A clean home is not just visually appealing but also contributes significantly to the overall health and wellness of its occupants." – Dr. Jane Smith, Environmental Scientist ^[19]

For Long Island residents, local cleaning services bring added advantages. They understand the specific needs of homes in Nassau, Queens, and Kings County and offer tailored solutions to address these challenges ^[18].

Tips for Success:

• Book your cleaning service early.
• Confirm the company’s insurance and bonding.
• Request a written list of tasks and pricing.
• Think about scheduling regular cleanings.

Choosing a professional move-in cleaning service not only helps you settle in comfortably but also sets the stage for a healthier and more organized home. It’s a smart way to improve your living environment while cutting down on future costs ^[9].

Related posts

• How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Cleaning Service
• Move-Out Cleaning Checklist: 12 Areas Not to Miss
• Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: Which Do You Need?
• How Cleaning Services Price Jobs in Long Island