What You Get With a Complete Move-In Cleaning Package

1. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A MOVE- IN CLEANING SERVICE? Moving into a new home is supposed to feel exciting. We all expect fresh walls, a fresh start, and fresh energy. But reality hits fast the moment you see the dust sitting on baseboards, the mysterious stains in cabinets, or the hair that is stuck in the bathroom drains. This is why a move-in cleaning service exists. Not to give the house a quick sweep, but to reset the entire space so you can actually enjoy moving in rather than spending your first 48 hours scrubbing someone else’s grime. If you’re wondering what is included in a move-in cleaning service, what you should expect, how much it costs, and whether you should hire a professional, this guide breaks down everything in a simple way. Let’s get started. What Is Included in a Move-In Cleaning Service? A professional move-in cleaning goes far beyond regular day-to-day cleaning. It is like a deep reset of your home. The goal is to remove old dust, stains, allergens, odors, and dirt in places you didn’t even know existed. Here’s what’s typically included: Full Dusting & Surface Cleaning Every visible and hidden surface gets dusted. This includes light fixtures, shelves, vents, door frames, window sills, ceiling fans, and switches. Deep Kitchen Sanitization The kitchen often carries the thickest layer of “old house smell.” A move-in cleaning includes: ●Cleaning inside and outside of cabinets

2. ●Sweeping behind and under appliances (if accessible) ●Sink disinfecting ●Stovetop degreasing ●Countertop sanitizing Bathroom Deep Clean This part is non-negotiable. Everything gets scrubbed, disinfected, and polished: ●Shower, tub, and tiles ●Toilet bowls and bases ●Sink and countertop ●Cabinet interiors ●Mirrors ●Faucets and metal fixtures Floors For floors, hard surfaces like tiles, laminate, and hardwood get swept and mopped, while carpets are thoroughly vacuumed. Cleaners also focus on corners and edges where dust usually collects, ensuring every area feels fresh and move-in ready. Doors, Walls & Baseboards Move-in cleaners often wipe down doors, handles, baseboards, and reachable wall marks. This instantly makes a home feel newer. Trash Removal If the previous owner left behind anything small or random (old papers, wraps, bottles), cleaners dispose of it properly. A lot of people underestimate how transformative this can feel. A properly executed move-in clean makes your new house smell, look, and feel brand-new even when it’s not. Move-In Cleaning Service Checklist Before you book a service, you should know exactly what to expect. A checklist helps you quickly confirm whether a company covers everything you need. Here’s a solid checklist you can rely on: Kitchen ●Cabinet interiors ●Cabinet exteriors

3. ●Countertops and backsplash ●Stove top and drip pans ●Microwave interior & exterior ●Sinks and faucet sanitizing ●Appliance exteriors ●Light switches and handles Bathrooms ●Toilet (complete disinfecting) ●Shower, tub, and tiles ●Vanity & mirrors ●Cabinets (inside and outside) ●Sinks and countertops ●Faucets, shower heads ●Floor scrubbing and mopping Living Areas & Bedrooms ●Ceiling fans ●Window sills and tracks ●Door frames ●Baseboards ●Mirrors ●Closets and shelves Whole House ●Light fixtures ●Garbage removal ●Cobweb removal ●Interior glass cleaning Use this checklist to compare services and avoid surprises.

4. How to Clean a House You Just Moved Into? If you’re doing things on your own (or until your cleaning service arrives), here’s the most efficient order. Step 1: Start with the Bathrooms Bathrooms carry the highest bacterial load, so disinfect them first. Clean the toilet, sink, tiles, tub, faucets, and mirrors. Let cleaning agents sit long enough to kill bacteria, not just wipe them away. Step 2: Tackle the Kitchen Next Scrub countertops, degrease the stove, sanitize sinks, and clean cabinets inside and out. Kitchens trap grease that spreads everywhere, so deep cleaning is crucial. Step 3: Clean From Top to Bottom Always start with high areas like fans, vents, shelves, and work your way down to furniture, cabinets, and finally floors. Step 4: Do the Floors Last Vacuum carpets, sweep tiled areas, and mop thoroughly. If the home has years-old stains, consider professional carpet cleaning. Cleaning these makes a huge difference in how fresh your home feels. Cheap Move-In Cleaning Services: Are They Worth It? Everyone loves saving money, but cheap move-in cleaning can sometimes translate to rushed jobs, inexperienced cleaners, or skipped areas. That said, not all budget-friendly services are bad.

5. When you’re comparing cheap cleaning services, look beyond the price tag. Start by checking exactly what the service includes. Extremely low prices usually mean corners are being cut. A reliable company will always provide a clear, fixed checklist so you know every area is covered. They should also bring their own cleaning supplies because professionals never show up empty-handed. Be mindful of hidden add-ons too, as some cheaper services charge extra for essentials like cleaning inside ovens, fridges, or cabinets. Move-In Cleaning Services Cost: What Should You Expect to Pay? The cleaning services cost varies based on: ●Home size ●Number of rooms ●Dirt level ●Add-ons like fridge or oven deep cleaning ●Regional pricing differences For high-quality companies, many spend 1.5 hours per room, ensuring thorough cleaning instead of a quick rush. This is where platforms like The CoBuilders stand out. The cost varies because: ●Apartments are easier and cheaper. ●Homes with pets require more sanitation. ●Vacant homes tend to collect dust in unseen areas. Should I Hire a Cleaning Service When Moving? The short answer is yes, hiring a professional depends on your budget, schedule, and the current condition of the home. Reasons you should hire a move-in cleaning service: ●You don’t know how clean the previous owner really was. Even homes that “look clean” often have hidden grime, pet dander, mold rings, stains, and bacteria. ●You save 10-20 hours of physical work. A full move-in cleaning can take a person more than an entire day. ●It reduces stress while moving because you already have packing, furniture shifting, and utility setup on your plate. ●Professionals don’t miss any spots. They clean window tracks, vents, cabinets, switches, and baseboards. These are the tasks most people forget. ●It’s healthier because dust mites, allergens, pet hair, and old bacteria should not be part of your new beginning. When You Might Skip Hiring: ●The place is brand-new and was just deep-cleaned

6. ●You are on a tight budget ●You enjoy cleaning (pretty rare, but possible) Otherwise, hiring professionals is the smarter move. Final Thoughts Moving into a new place should feel refreshing, not stressful. Understanding what’s included in the cleaning service helps you make better decisions, whether you hire professionals or handle it yourself. A solid checklist keeps expectations clear. Knowing the costs helps you budget smartly. And if you’re contemplating hiring professionals, remember: a clean home is a necessity, especially when you're starting fresh.