Moving season peaks in August, and so does the question of move-out cleaning cost. In 2026, most renters and sellers pay $150–$450 for a professional move-out clean — around $0.15–$0.25 per square foot in the US, or $30–$65 CAD per cleaner-hour in Canada. That’s roughly double a standard house clean, because crews are scrubbing appliances, baseboards, and bathrooms to a landlord-walkthrough standard. With security deposits often worth $1,000 or more, it’s one of the few cleans that can directly pay for itself.
Move-Out Cleaning Cost by Home Size
Bedroom and bathroom count drive the quote more than anything else. Bathrooms are the expensive rooms — descaling, grout, and fixture work take the most time per square foot.
| Home size | US (USD) | Canada (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed apartment | $110–$250 | $150–$300 |
| 2-bed apartment or condo | $180–$350 | $250–$400 |
| 3-bed house | $300–$550 | $350–$600 |
| 4+ bed house | $450–$800 | $500–$900 |
Empty homes clean faster than furnished ones — if your movers come first, you’ll usually pay less. Book the clean for the day after the truck leaves.
What’s Included (and What Costs Extra)
A standard move-out clean covers floors, baseboards, cabinets inside and out, countertops, sinks, tubs, toilets, mirrors, and switch plates. The add-ons are where quotes diverge:
- Inside the oven: $25–$75 — the single most requested extra, and the one landlords check first.
- Inside the fridge: $25–$50 (defrost it the night before or crews may skip it).
- Interior windows: $60–$150 depending on count — exterior glass is a separate service, covered in our window cleaning cost guide.
- Carpet steam cleaning: $75–$200 — many leases require a receipt for it, so check yours before the walkthrough.
- Wall washing or scuff removal: $60–$150.
Heavily soiled homes, pet situations, or post-renovation dust can add 25–50% to any quote. If you’re leaving furniture or clutter behind, factor in junk removal too — cleaners won’t haul it.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
Doing it yourself costs $30–$70 in supplies and most of a weekend — realistic for a small apartment you’ve kept in decent shape. The case for a pro gets stronger when:
- A security deposit is on the line. A $250 clean against a $1,500–$2,500 deposit is cheap insurance, and an itemized receipt is real evidence in a deposit dispute.
- You’re selling: agents consistently report that a spotless empty home shows and photographs dramatically better.
- Your lease requires professional cleaning (common in Canada and in newer US buildings) — DIY won’t satisfy the clause no matter how well you do it.
The honest middle path: DIY the easy surfaces, then pay a pro for the kitchen and bathrooms only. Many companies offer partial cleans at hourly rates.
How to Hire a Move-Out Cleaner
Turnover season crews sell out 2–3 weeks ahead of month-end, so book early — especially before September 1, the busiest lease-turnover date of the year. When you compare quotes from a move-out cleaning service:
- Get a flat rate, not an estimate. Reputable companies quote a firm price from bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage.
- Ask for the checklist in writing — “move-out clean” means different things to different companies. Match it against your lease’s requirements.
- Confirm a re-clean guarantee. The good ones return free within 24–48 hours if the landlord flags something.
- Check insurance and reviews, and be wary of quotes far below the ranges above — lowball crews cut the exact corners landlords inspect.
You can compare vetted, reviewed pros by finding a move-out cleaner near you and requesting quotes in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does move-out cleaning cost for an apartment?
Most apartments run $110–$350 (USD or CAD) depending on bedrooms and bathrooms. A one-bedroom typically takes a two-person crew 2–3 hours.
Is move-out cleaning worth it for renters?
Usually, yes. The clean typically costs 10–25% of a standard security deposit, and a professional receipt strengthens your position if the landlord disputes the unit’s condition.
How long does a move-out clean take?
Two to three hours for a small apartment, five to seven for a four-bedroom house — assuming the home is already empty. Furnished homes take longer and cost more.
Should I clean before or after the movers?
After. An empty home is faster (and cheaper) to clean, and crews can reach the spots furniture hid. Schedule the clean for the day after your move, before the final walkthrough.
Moving this month? Get flat-rate quotes from vetted move-out cleaners in your area in minutes: Get quotes on MastersGuild
