Every time someone moves, a home needs deep cleaning. That’s millions of opportunities annually. Learning how to start a move out cleaning business positions you to capture this consistent, high-value market.
This guide covers the specifics of building a cleaning business around the move-out niche.
Why Move Out Cleaning Is Attractive
Move out cleaning offers advantages over general residential cleaning.
Higher per-job revenue comes standard. Move out cleanings command premium rates—typically $200-500+ compared to $100-200 for regular cleanings. Empty homes require more thorough work, justifying higher prices.
No recurring scheduling pressure exists. Move out cleaning is project-based. You complete the job and move on rather than maintaining ongoing client relationships.
Urgency works in your favor. Tenants need their deposit back, landlords need to show units, and homeowners need to close sales. This urgency reduces price sensitivity and shortens decision timelines.
Referral networks are built-in. Real estate agents, property managers, and landlords need reliable move out cleaners regularly. One good relationship generates repeat business indefinitely.
Understanding the Move Out Market
Move out cleaning serves multiple customer types with different needs.
| Customer Type | Their Priority | Your Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Tenants leaving rentals | Get deposit back | Guarantee deposit-quality clean |
| Landlords/property managers | Fast turnover | Quick scheduling, consistent results |
| Homeowners selling | Present well for buyers | Pristine condition for showings |
| Homeowners who’ve purchased | Move into clean space | Thorough cleaning before move-in |
| Real estate agents | Smooth transactions | Reliable partner they can recommend |
Each customer type has different motivations but similar needs. Understanding these motivations helps you market and sell effectively.
What Move Out Cleaning Includes
Move out cleaning is more thorough than regular cleaning because empty homes reveal everything.
Kitchen cleaning includes all appliances inside and out (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave), all cabinets and drawers inside and out, countertops, backsplash, and sink, light fixtures and exhaust fans, and floor including under where appliances sat.
Bathroom cleaning covers all fixtures including toilet, tub, shower, and sink, all cabinets and drawers inside and out, mirrors and glass, exhaust fans and light fixtures, and floor including behind toilet.
Throughout the home, cleaning addresses all rooms vacuumed or mopped, all baseboards wiped, all windowsills and blinds cleaned, all light fixtures and ceiling fans, all closets cleaned including shelves and rods, all doors and door frames, and all switch plates and outlet covers.
Additional services often requested include interior window cleaning, carpet steam cleaning, wall washing for scuffs and marks, and garage cleaning.
The scope is significantly larger than regular cleaning. Price accordingly.
Pricing Move Out Services
Move out cleaning pricing reflects the extensive work involved.
Most move out cleaners price by home size and condition. A small apartment might run $200-300, a standard three-bedroom home $300-450, and larger homes $450-700+.
Factors affecting pricing include square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, condition (lightly lived-in versus heavily used), time since last deep clean, and any special requirements.
Always see the property before quoting. Photos and descriptions understate reality. A walkthrough prevents unprofitable surprises.
Consider offering deposit guarantee services for tenants. If the landlord withholds any deposit for cleaning reasons, you’ll return and address issues. This premium service commands higher prices and differentiates you from competitors.
Building Referral Relationships
Move out cleaning success depends heavily on referral sources.
Property managers control multiple units and need cleaning between every tenant. One property management relationship can provide steady work year-round. Approach property management companies directly, offer competitive pricing for volume, and deliver consistent results that make their job easier.
Real estate agents recommend cleaners to clients constantly. Agents want reliable partners who make them look good. Provide excellent service, communicate clearly, and make referrals easy to give. Consider referral incentives or preferred pricing for agents who send regular business.
Landlords with multiple properties need ongoing cleaning partners. Find landlords through property management software directories, real estate investment groups, and local landlord associations.
These relationships take time to build but provide sustainable business once established.
Marketing Move Out Services
Beyond referral relationships, direct marketing reaches customers.
Google search captures people actively seeking move out cleaning. Optimize your Google Business Profile for “move out cleaning” plus your city. Consider Google Ads targeting move-related keywords.
Timing your marketing to moving seasons (summer especially) concentrates effort when demand peaks.
Apartment complexes often allow service provider flyers in common areas. Some maintain preferred vendor lists you can join.
Facebook Marketplace and local groups reach people planning moves. Post occasionally about your services where permitted.
Operational Considerations
Move out cleaning has unique operational requirements.
Scheduling flexibility matters because move timelines shift. Be prepared for last-minute bookings and occasional rescheduling. Build buffer time into your schedule during busy seasons.
Thorough inspection before leaving protects you from callbacks. Walk through the entire property checking every surface before considering the job complete.
Photo documentation protects everyone. Photograph problem areas before and after cleaning. These images resolve disputes about what was possible and what was accomplished.
Communication with property managers or landlords about realistic expectations prevents conflicts. Some damage can’t be cleaned away. Set appropriate expectations upfront.
Equipment for Move Out Cleaning
Move out cleaning benefits from equipment beyond basic supplies.
Steam cleaners tackle grease, grime, and sanitization in kitchens and bathrooms.
Floor machines or buffers restore hard floors to better condition.
Carpet cleaners address the carpet cleaning often needed at move out.
Extension tools help reach high fixtures, ceiling fans, and tops of cabinets in empty rooms where furniture doesn’t block access.
Heavy-duty cleaning products cut through accumulated grime that light products can’t handle.
You can start with basic supplies and add specialized equipment as you land more move out jobs.
Keys to Move Out Cleaning Success
The most successful move out cleaning businesses share these characteristics:
- Thorough and consistent work that meets landlord and property manager standards every time
- Reliable scheduling that accommodates the urgent timelines of moves
- Clear communication about scope, pricing, and any limitations
- Professional relationships with referral sources maintained over time
- Documentation practices that protect against disputes
- Premium pricing that reflects the value and thoroughness of the service
Your Move Out Business Starts Here
You now understand how to start a move out cleaning business—the market, pricing, relationships, and operations that create success in this niche.
Move out cleaning offers higher per-job revenue and built-in referral networks for those who deliver consistently. The project-based nature suits cleaners who prefer variety over recurring schedules.
At the Cleaning Business Institute, our courses cover specialty cleaning niches including move out services. We teach pricing, referral development, and operational excellence.
Capture the moving market. Take our free Cleaning Business Quiz. We’ll analyze your situation and recommend the perfect training. Complete the quiz and unlock a limited-time offer saving you over 50%.
Start your move out cleaning business today.