A move-out cleaning business deep cleans homes and apartments when tenants leave. You can earn $150 to $550 per job with profit margins of 50 to 60 percent. This guide covers pricing, checklists, finding clients, and marketing your move-out cleaning business.
What Is Move-Out Cleaning?
Move-out cleaning is a deep clean done after someone leaves a home. It makes the space ready for the next tenant or buyer.
This type of cleaning goes far beyond a regular clean. You scrub every surface from top to bottom. The goal is to make the home look brand new.
Property managers and landlords need this service often. Tenants also hire cleaners to get their security deposit back.
Move-Out Cleaning Versus Regular Cleaning
- Regular cleaning — dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces
- Move-out cleaning — deep scrubbing inside ovens, cabinets, and closets
- Time difference — regular cleans take 1 to 2 hours; move-outs take 3 to 7 hours
- Price difference — move-out jobs pay 2 to 3 times more than regular cleans
Why Is Move-Out Cleaning a Profitable Niche?
Move-out cleaning pays more than regular cleaning jobs. Each job earns $150 to $550 or more based on size.
Demand stays steady all year. People move every month, not just in summer. Property managers always need turnover cleaning done fast.
Key Benefits of This Niche
- Higher pay per job — you earn more in fewer hours
- Repeat clients — property managers send you work every month
- Less competition — many cleaners only do regular house cleaning
- No long-term contracts needed — each job is a one-time project
- Low startup costs — you can start with basic supplies for under $500
New to the cleaning industry? Read our full guide on how to start a cleaning business for licenses, insurance, and first steps.
What Equipment and Supplies Do You Need?
You do not need expensive equipment to start. Basic cleaning supplies and a few key tools are enough.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
- All-purpose cleaner — for counters, walls, and general surfaces
- Degreaser — for ovens, stovetops, and range hoods
- Glass cleaner — for windows, mirrors, and glass doors
- Bathroom cleaner — for tubs, toilets, and tile grout
- Floor cleaner — for tile, hardwood, and vinyl floors
- Baking soda and white vinegar — for tough stains and odors
Essential Equipment
- Vacuum with attachments — for carpets, corners, and baseboards
- Mop and bucket — for all hard floor types
- Scrub brushes — different sizes for grout, ovens, and tubs
- Microfiber cloths — reusable and better than paper towels
- Spray bottles — for your own cleaning mixes
- Step ladder — for ceiling fans, light fixtures, and high shelves
- Rubber gloves — to protect your hands from chemicals
- Trash bags — for any leftover debris in the unit
Optional Upgrades
- Steam cleaner — sanitizes without chemicals
- Carpet cleaner machine — for deep carpet stains
- Pressure washer — for patios, garages, and exterior areas
How Do You Price Move-Out Cleaning Services?
Price your move-out cleaning by unit size. Larger homes take more time and supplies. Charge enough to cover your costs and earn a profit.
Move-Out Cleaning Price Guide
| Home Size | Price Range | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $150 – $200 | 2 – 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $200 – $275 | 3 – 4 hours |
| 2 Bedrooms | $275 – $350 | 4 – 5 hours |
| 3 Bedrooms | $350 – $450 | 5 – 7 hours |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $450 – $550+ | 7 – 10 hours |
Factors That Affect Your Price
- Condition of the unit — very dirty homes cost more to clean
- Number of bathrooms — bathrooms take the most time
- Carpet cleaning — add $50 to $150 for deep carpet work
- Appliance cleaning — inside ovens and fridges adds time
- Pet damage or odors — charge extra for pet hair and stains
Use our price calculator to set rates for your area.
How Do You Find Move-Out Cleaning Clients?
The best clients for this niche are property managers. They need cleaning done between every tenant. One good relationship can bring you steady work.
Property Managers and Landlords
Property managers are your top source of repeat business. Visit local property management offices in person. Bring a printed price list and your business card.
Offer a discount on the first job so they can try your work. Once they trust you, they will send you jobs every month.
Real Estate Agents
Agents need homes cleaned before showings and after closings. They want the home to look perfect for buyers. Drop off cards at real estate offices near you.
Apartment Complexes
Large apartment buildings have constant turnover. Talk to the building manager directly. Offer a flat rate per unit size for easy budgeting.
Online Platforms
- Google Business Profile — show up when people search for move-out cleaning
- Thumbtack — connect with people who need move-out cleaning
- Nextdoor — reach homeowners and renters in your area
- Facebook groups — join local groups where people ask for cleaners
- Craigslist — post your services in the local section
Learn more ways to grow in our guide on how to get cleaning clients.
What Should Your Move-Out Cleaning Checklist Include?
A checklist keeps you organized on every job. It also shows clients exactly what they are paying for. Use this room-by-room breakdown.
Kitchen
- Clean inside the oven and stovetop — remove grease and burnt food
- Wipe down all cabinets — inside and outside surfaces
- Clean the refrigerator — all shelves, drawers, and door seals
- Scrub the sink and faucet — remove stains and buildup
- Clean the dishwasher interior — wipe the door and racks
- Wipe countertops and backsplash — remove all residue
- Clean the microwave — inside and outside
- Degrease the range hood and filter — remove grease buildup
Bathrooms
- Scrub the tub and shower — remove soap scum and mildew
- Clean the toilet — bowl, seat, base, and behind
- Wipe the vanity and sink — polish the faucet and handles
- Clean all mirrors — streak-free finish
- Scrub tile grout — remove mold and discoloration
- Clean exhaust fan cover — remove dust buildup
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Dust all surfaces — shelves, windowsills, and baseboards
- Clean closet interiors — shelves, rods, and floor
- Wipe light switches and outlets — remove fingerprints
- Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures — remove dust
- Vacuum or mop all floors — edges and corners included
- Clean windows inside — glass and window tracks
- Wipe doors and door frames — remove scuffs and marks
General Areas
- Clean all baseboards — in every room
- Wipe all door handles — front door and interior doors
- Clean the laundry area — wipe the washer and dryer exterior
- Vacuum stairs and hallways — including edges
- Remove cobwebs from corners — ceilings and wall corners
- Take out all trash — leave nothing behind
Download our free cleaning checklist to use on every job. It helps you stay organized and show clients your process.
How Do You Market Your Move-Out Cleaning Business?
Good marketing brings in new clients and repeat work. Focus on the people who need this service most.
Build a Simple Website
Your website needs just a few pages. Include your services, prices, service area, and contact form. Make sure your site shows up on Google.
Optimize for Search Engines
Use words like "move-out cleaning" and your city name on your website. Write helpful content about cleaning tips. This helps people find you through online search.
Use Social Media
Post before-and-after photos of your work. Share cleaning tips and client reviews. Join local Facebook groups where people ask for help with moving.
Ask for Reviews
Happy clients are your best marketing tool. Ask every client to leave a review on Google. Good reviews build trust and bring more calls.
Network in Person
- Visit property management offices — introduce yourself and leave cards
- Attend real estate meetups — meet agents who need cleaning help
- Partner with movers — they can refer clients to you
- Connect with handymen — they often work on turnover units too
Get more ideas in our full guide on how to market your cleaning business.
What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?
New move-out cleaners often make the same mistakes. Avoid these to save time and money.
Underpricing Your Services
Move-out cleaning takes more time and effort than regular cleaning. Charge what your work is worth. Check our pricing guide for help.
Skipping the Walk-Through
Always see the unit before you give a price. Photos do not show everything. A walk-through helps you spot extra work and set the right price.
Not Using a Checklist
Without a checklist, you will miss something. Missed spots lead to unhappy clients and lost jobs. Use a printed list on every single job.
Forgetting to Take Photos
Take before-and-after photos of every job. This protects you from false claims. It also gives you great content for marketing.
Ignoring Insurance
Accidents happen during deep cleaning. Get general liability insurance before your first job. It protects you if you damage a property.
Trying to Do Everything Alone
Large units take too long for one person. Bring a helper for homes with 3 or more bedrooms. You will finish faster and take more jobs each day.