DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning: Which Is Best for You?

When you leave a property, it is not just about transporting all your things but also about cleaning the area you vacate. Many tenants leave the property perfectly clean and tidy to get back their entire security deposit and avoid trouble with the landlord. There are times when the regular cleaning of the rented property has to be done because it is required in the lease agreement. If such cleaning was done partially or not met, there is a chance that money will be withheld from the deposit or additional fees will be incurred.

Purpose of the Article

This paper outlines the difference between the professionals and the do-it-yourself move-out cleaning so that you can choose the one that fits your budget, the time you have at your disposal, and the degree of cleanliness desired. We review the advantages and disadvantages of both options and their practical aspect to lead you to the best agreement for you.

How Much Cleaning Should YOU Do When I Move Out?

Definition of Move requirements and their application.

Move-out cleaning is generally a thorough clean-up of the whole place, including such crucial areas as bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and walls. Be prepared to clean kitchen appliances, wipe down cabinets, disinfect the bathroom, and eliminate visible marks on the walls. Places that have the most traffic or are most frequently used should be carefully cleaned since they are the ones that are most likely to become soiled.

Comparison between landlord and tenant cleanliness.

There are always varying expectations, even regarding the same space. While a renter might be content with how clean a space is, landlords usually have higher standards, especially when a bond is involved. For this reason, jobs are sometimes contracted out since such professionals comply with these high standards of cleanliness, thus saving the occupants the need to incur an extra fee or a deduction from their deposit.

DIY Move-Out Cleaning – Is It Worth the Effort?

DIY Move-Out Cleaning Tips and Tricks

If you decide to tackle the move-out cleaning yourself, having a plan can streamline the process and ensure nothing is overlooked. Here are some practical tips:

Start with Dusting and Decluttering: Remove all personal items and give the space a preliminary dusting.

Deep-Clean the Kitchen: Scrub appliances inside and out, degrease the stovetop, wipe down cabinets, and sanitise countertops.

Bathroom Sanitation: Scrub showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets thoroughly. Don’t forget mirrors, light fixtures, and grout.

Floors and Carpets: Sweep and mop all floors, and vacuum or steam-clean carpets if possible.

Focus on Details: Wipe down windowsills, baseboards, and door frames, which can quickly accumulate dust and dirt.

Final Walkthrough: Do a final check of each room to ensure no areas are missed.

DIY Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

• Remove dust from vents, fans, and light fixtures

• Clean out cabinets, drawers, and closets

• Sanitize bathroom fixtures and scrub grout

• Wipe down all surfaces, including window sills and baseboards

• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors

Pros of DIY Move-Out Cleaning

Cost Savings: DIY cleaning is much cheaper than hiring professionals, as you only pay for cleaning supplies.

Control: You can work independently and focus on specific areas as needed.

Flexibility: DIY cleaning allows you to adjust your schedule as you see fit, accommodating other moving tasks.

Cons of DIY Move-Out Cleaning

Time-Consuming: Move-out cleaning is labour-intensive and can take days, especially in larger spaces.

Risk of Missing Details: Certain areas might be overlooked without a professional eye, leading to deductions from your deposit.

Effort Required: Physically demanding work may be challenging for those with limited time or energy.

Professional Move-Out Cleaning – When and Why to Consider It

What Professional Move-Out Cleaning Includes

Professional cleaning services typically go beyond surface cleaning. They often include deep-cleaning carpets, sanitising all areas, and using specialised equipment for a comprehensive cleaning. Professionals are skilled at handling stubborn stains and grime in hard-to-reach places and ensuring an impressive final result. Many services also offer add-ons, like steam-cleaning or deodorising, which can affect cleanliness.

Advantages of Hiring Professionals for Move-Out Cleaning

Quality Results: Professionals are thorough and have the expertise and tools to reach areas that DIY cleaning might miss, which can increase the likelihood of a full deposit refund.

Time Savings: Cleaning services can complete the job in a few hours, whereas DIY cleaning might take several days.

Reduced Stress: Moving is stressful, and hiring professionals to handle the cleaning allows you to focus on other aspects of your move.

Potential Drawbacks of Professional Move-Out Cleaning

Cost: Professional services can be pricey, especially for larger homes or extensive cleaning needs.

Scheduling Constraints: You may need to coordinate with the cleaning company’s availability, which can be tricky with tight moving timelines.

Investment: While professional cleaning can enhance your chances of deposit recovery, the expense may not seem justified to those on a strict budget.

DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning – A Detailed Comparison

Cost Comparison

• DIY Costs: DIY cleaning means purchasing basic supplies like multipurpose cleaners, sponges, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, and possibly a carpet cleaning rental if needed. For a typical move-out clean, expect to spend between CHF 50–and CHF 100 on these supplies. If specialty equipment is necessary—such as for carpet stain removal or mould treatment—costs may increase, but this can still be a budget-friendly option for smaller or moderately clean spaces.

• Professional Costs: Hiring a professional cleaning service offers convenience and thoroughness but at a higher cost. Rates typically range from CHF 150 to CHF 500, depending on the property size, condition, and the specific services required (like oven or carpet cleaning). Larger properties or those needing deep-cleaning services will naturally incur higher charges. However, the upfront cost can be offset by increased chances of getting your security deposit back.

Time and Effort

• DIY Time Commitment: Cleaning on your own can be a major time investment, often taking anywhere from a full day to several days, depending on the size of the property and the depth of cleaning needed. Taking on a DIY cleaning project may quickly become overwhelming if you balance other moving tasks like packing, scheduling utilities, or finalising paperwork. DIY cleaning is best suited to those with a flexible schedule who can dedicate focused time to the task.

• Professional Time Commitment: Professional cleaners bring both experience and specialised tools, allowing them to complete a comprehensive move-out clean in just a few hours. It can be especially valuable if you’re pressed for time or have multiple tasks. By hiring professionals, you can focus on other aspects of your move without compromising cleanliness standards.

Quality and Cleanliness Standards

• DIY Quality: With DIY cleaning, the results will largely depend on your cleaning standards and the quality of supplies used. Some renters are confident in their ability to meet the expectations of landlords or property managers, especially if the property is well-maintained. However, DIY cleaning can sometimes miss hidden dirt or stains, particularly if you lack the necessary equipment or time.

• Professional Quality: Professional cleaning services are trained to meet high cleanliness standards, especially in areas that accumulate dirt, like bathrooms, kitchens, and carpets. These services are typically thorough, covering hard-to-reach places that can be missed with a DIY approach. Hiring professionals can be a reliable option for tenants looking to maximise their chances of a full deposit refund.

Stress and Convenience

• DIY Stress Level: While DIY cleaning can save money, it often adds to the stress of moving. Juggling cleaning tasks with other moving responsibilities can be daunting, particularly if you’re under a time constraint. It can make DIY cleaning less appealing for those who prefer a smoother moving experience.

• Professional Stress Level: Hiring professionals can significantly reduce the stress of move-out cleaning. Cleaners bring their supplies, equipment, and expertise, ensuring your space is spotless without requiring your time or energy. This convenience is often worth the cost, especially for those who prefer a hassle-free move.

Hybrid Approach

A hybrid approach can be a practical option for those seeking a middle ground. You might handle general, manageable tasks yourself—like dusting, wiping down countertops, and light floor cleaning—while reserving challenging tasks like deep carpet cleaning, grout scrubbing, or high windows for professionals. This approach allows you to save money while ensuring the property meets cleanliness standards where it matters most.

Effectiveness and Quality of Results

If done meticulously, DIY cleaning can achieve great results, but professional cleaners generally deliver a more polished outcome. The difference in quality can be noticeable, particularly in high-traffic or heavily soiled areas.

Stress and Convenience

Professional cleaning provides peace of mind, especially in a chaotic moving period. DIY cleaning requires physical labour, time, and organization, which can add to an already stressful move.

Making the Right Choice: DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning

Factors to Consider When Deciding

Budget Considerations

There may come a time when individuals are forced to cut costs and decide to perform a move-out cleaning of their own spaces because there is a hefty investment in buying tools and resources that may be required for the cleaning. On the contrary, if the space isn’t very complex or large, putting in a bit of effort can allow one to accomplish the task independently. This way, one does not have to hire an expert cleaning service and can spend that money on other property expenses.

Time Available

When someone is short on time and cannot manage, they can resort to professional move-out cleaning services. It is particularly true while preparing to move home, where so much needs to be done, such as packing, paperwork, and running around completing various chores. It saves time because certain things can be outsourced. For example, professionals can clean up properly quickly, while one would have otherwise taken a much greater amount to clean on their own.

Property Size

As always, professionally trained individuals tend to perform better jobs with larger residential properties such as houses. There is a considerable amount of time-saving, not just in terms of the final output. It is common knowledge that bigger houses are more detailed since they have more bedrooms, bathrooms and a bigger living area. Professionals bring tools and experience that guarantee a faster and better outcome, especially in large areas.

Cleanliness Standards

For those who would equally pay attention to controlling high cleanliness standards, especially in controlling the levels of dirt within a set property, the assistance of a professional cleaning service is highly recommended. It is a fact that many property managers and landlords can set very high standards of cleanliness for food areas, bathrooms, or general floors. With a professional team of cleaners, these surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned and more frequently addressed, including often neglected areas such as baseboards, vents and under appliances.

Hybrid Approach: Professional Cleaner + Self-Help Cleaning

This approach can work perfectly for people with sufficient time to do light and frequent cleaning but requires assistance with a few more advanced and taxing cleaning jobs to save money. For example, you can use a room such as a bedroom or a sitting room with a light dusting on your own, but perhaps call a professional to provide deep cleaning in areas such as the carpet, the washing of the bathroom, and the entire kitchen. Doing this combination helps you save costs while ensuring that the less easy one would get most of the attention they need.

When to Consider Doing the Move-Out Cleaning Yourself

There can be some conditions when people get the idea of self-cleaning after vacating the place. It is most likely when they are about to leave a small unit with fewer rooms and surfaces. In these cases, not very advanced tools or equipment are required for cleaning, which can be done single-handedly. Also, if you are a tenant with flexible working hours and very few resources, doing the cleaning on your own can reduce costs. Also, if you have done a lot of detailed and deep cleaning in the past and are confident the cleanliness standards set out in the lease agreements can be met, then doing the work without professionals ensures that the property is in good standing. Check all the details about what type of cleaning main tenants expect to avoid any bond deductions.

When do You Call Maids for Move Out Cleaning

Cleaning and moving into a new place would be ideal tasks for professional cleaners like HSC. They are cleaning experts and have high-quality tools for any cleaning job. This option is ideal for bigger properties because of the time and energy that may be needed. However, if your lease outlines stringent cleaning requirements and it is necessary to get back your deposit, hiring a professional service will ensure that all the requirements are met. Furthermore, if one is short of time moving, cleaning a carpet or an oven can clutter your whole schedule; therefore, outdoor professional cleaning services of this sort can make one feel relaxed and not waste crucial time during their movement.

Key Takeaways: Making Your Move-Out Clean Stress-Free

Move-out cleaning can be managed independently or outsourced to professionals, offering specific benefits. DIY cleaning is a budget-friendly choice for those with time and energy to spare, while professional services provide convenience, quality, and peace of mind. Carefully assessing your situation will help you choose the best option for a stress-free, efficient move-out.

Frequently Asked Questions About DIY vs. Professional Move-Out Cleaning

How Much Do I Have to Clean When Moving Out? 

Typically, move-out cleaning involves deep-cleaning major areas, including the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and other surfaces. Standards vary by landlord, so checking lease requirements can clarify expectations.

Hiring Professionals vs. DIY: Which is Better for Move-Out Cleaning? 

The best choice depends on budget, time, and the cleaning level required. Professionals are more convenient and thorough, while DIY is cost-effective if you’re prepared to invest time and effort.

Is Professional Move-Out Cleaning Worth the Cost?

Professional cleaning can be a valuable investment for those with larger properties or limited time, potentially helping you recover a larger portion of your deposit.

Can I Do Part of the Cleaning and Hire Professionals for the Rest? Absolutely! 

A hybrid approach allows you to clean certain areas while hiring professionals for more intensive tasks, balancing cost and quality.

Do Landlords Require Professional Move-Out Cleaning? 

Some leases specify professional cleaning, particularly for carpeted areas. Check your lease to understand any specific requirements.

What Should I Look for When Hiring a Move-Out Cleaning Service? 

Seek a reputable company with good reviews, clear pricing, and a comprehensive service list. Verify they’re experienced with move-out cleaning to ensure they meet landlord standards.