How to Prepare Your Home for a Move-In or Move-Out Cleaning
Moving ranks among life's most stressful experiences. Between packing boxes, coordinating logistics, and managing the emotional weight of leaving one home for another, the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning. That's where professional move-in and move-out cleaning services come in — but a little preparation on your part can help ensure the best possible results.
At Y & A Cleaning Solutions, we've helped countless families transition smoothly between homes. Whether you're trying to get your security deposit back, preparing a home for sale, or wanting to start fresh in your new place, here's how to prepare for a successful move cleaning.
For Move-Out Cleanings
Remove All Personal Belongings
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often we arrive to find items still scattered throughout the home. For the most thorough clean, the home should be completely empty. We can't clean behind furniture if it's still there, and we can't properly mop floors covered with boxes.
If your moving timeline is tight, let us know in advance. We can work around remaining items, but the results won't be as comprehensive as cleaning an empty space.
Remove Wall Hangings and Hardware
Take down all pictures, mirrors, and curtain rods before your cleaning appointment. This allows us to clean walls, windows, and the areas behind where items were hanging. If you're leaving certain fixtures for the new residents, let us know so we can clean around them appropriately.
Address Any Repairs First
If you're patching nail holes or touching up paint, complete this work before the cleaning. Fresh paint or spackle creates dust that will need to be cleaned, so it's more efficient to do repairs first and clean second.
Ensure Utilities Are On
We need running water and electricity to do our job properly. Even if you've already moved out, keep utilities connected until after the cleaning is complete. There's nothing more frustrating than arriving to a home with no power or water.
Provide Access and Keys
Arrange for us to have access to the property. If you can't be present, leave a key with a neighbor, use a lockbox, or make arrangements with your property manager. Also ensure we have access to all areas including the garage, any locked closets, and outdoor spaces like the lanai.
For Move-In Cleanings
Schedule Before Moving Day
The ideal time for a move-in cleaning is after you have the keys but before your belongings arrive. This gives us unrestricted access to every surface and allows you to move into a truly fresh, clean space.
If timing doesn't allow for this, schedule the cleaning as early as possible. Cleaning around furniture and boxes is doable but limits how thorough we can be.
Note Any Problem Areas
Walk through the property before our arrival and note any areas of particular concern. Previous tenants might have left stubborn stains, neglected certain areas, or there might be odors you want addressed. Letting us know in advance helps us come prepared with the right products and allocate extra time where needed.
Check for Pest Issues
If you notice any signs of pest problems — droppings, nests, or active insects — address this with an exterminator before the cleaning. We want to give you a fresh start, but pest control is outside our scope and should be handled by specialists first.
Communicate Your Priorities
Is the kitchen your main concern? Are you particularly sensitive to dust? Do you have allergies that require certain areas get extra attention? Let us know your priorities so we can focus our efforts where they matter most to you.
What We Cover in Move-In/Move-Out Cleanings
Our move-in and move-out cleaning service is our most comprehensive offering. We go far beyond standard cleaning to address areas that are typically neglected or only cleaned occasionally:
- Inside all cabinets, drawers, and closets
- Interior of refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher
- All light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Window sills, tracks, and interior glass
- Baseboards throughout the home
- Door frames and switch plates
- Thorough bathroom sanitization including inside medicine cabinets
- Garage floor sweeping (if applicable)
- Lanai and screened porch cleaning
Timing Considerations
Move-in/move-out cleanings take longer than standard cleanings — typically 4-8 hours depending on the size of the home and its condition. Book your appointment well in advance, especially during peak moving seasons (summer and month-ends). The earlier you schedule, the more flexibility you'll have with timing.
A Fresh Start Awaits
Whether you're closing a chapter or beginning a new one, a professional move cleaning ensures you're starting fresh. For move-outs, it protects your security deposit and leaves a good impression. For move-ins, it gives you peace of mind knowing your new home is truly clean — not just "previous tenant clean."
Moving is hard enough. Let us handle the cleaning so you can focus on everything else on your to-do list.
Schedule your move-in or move-out cleaning today and take one big task off your plate.