If you’re moving out, you’re probably tempted to clean it yourself. But the hassle, along with the packing and logistics, is probably holding you back. So, you think of calling the professionals for the job. But then you wonder, can you really afford them?

How much does move out cleaning cost?

Fortunately, most moveout cleaning costs don’t break the bank. It typically costs between USD 120 and USD 420 in the US as a national average.

Of course, a lot depends on the apartment size, required cleaning level, and any extras. Small-sized studios on the lower end, and large-sized 2 to 3 bedroom apartments hit the higher range.

But here’s a pro tip for you: if you book early and choose the right professional service, you not only save time but also keep your security deposit intact.

What Is Move Out Cleaning?

Move-out cleaning is like the final curtain call for an apartment. It cannot be quick or a simple wipe off the counters. It’s a deep, professional cleaning performed to make the space spotless and ready for the new tenants.

Move-out cleaning includes a deep cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms. That means extensive cleaning of the stove, fridge, oven, bathroom fixtures, like tubs and sinks, and vacuuming and mopping the floors and carpets.

This is done for the inspection day. The day your landlord will inspect the space before returning your deposit.

Why Move Out Cleaning Matters

Move-out cleaning is about leaving a lasting impression. A solid, clean apartment can get you 100% of your deposit back. In NYC, landlords don’t just expect swept floors and wiped counters. They want the kitchens to be spotless, bathrooms shining, and every corner of the house ready for the new move-in.

If you leave behind a dirty apartment that looks like the tenant just rushed out, chances are you won’t get your full deposit back. In fact, the landlord may even prepare a bill for you.

Why Appoint Professional Cleaners for Move Out Cleaning?

Professional cleaners can save you time and stress. You don’t have to worry about scrubbing all the corners or ensuring the appliances are clean inside and out when you hire professionals for the job.

Since you would already be doing a lot with the shifting, you will be better off leaving the heavy load on the expert cleaners.

Another benefit is that the landlord will notice and remember you well when you leave their apartment clean. So if you plan to rent a place from them in the future, you’re likely to get quicker approval from them.

How Much Does Move Out Cleaning Cost in NYC?

Move-out cleaning costs in NYC range from USD 200 to USD 600. It’s slightly higher than the national average, as the labor rates and cost of goods and services are higher here.

For a standard 1,000 sq. ft. apartment, Sunlight Cleaning NY can easily keep the costs around USD 250 to USD 500. However, for larger family homes or post-renovation spaces, we send larger teams of up to 5 specialists.

This can raise the cost higher. The exact amount also depends on how dirty the place is and the type of services you are opting for.

Sunlight Cleaning NY Average Cleaning Cost Per Crew and Time

Type of Service	1000–1500 SQ FT	1500–2000 SQ FT	2000–2500 SQ FT	2500–3000 SQ FT
Post-Renovation Cleaning	3C × 6 hrs – $400–$700	3C × 8 hrs – $500–$900	4C × 8 hrs – $700–$1,200	5C × 8 hrs – $900–$1,500
Deep Cleaning	2C × 5 hrs – $250–$500	3C × 5 hrs – $400–$800	3C × 7 hrs – $550–$1,000	3C × 8 hrs – $600–$1,200
Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning	2C × 5 hrs – $250–$500	3C × 5 hrs – $400–$800	3C × 7 hrs – $550–$1,000	3C × 8 hrs – $600–$1,200
Regular Cleaning	2C × 3 hrs – $150–$300	2C × 5 hrs – $250–$450	2C × 7 hrs – $350–$600	2C × 8 hrs – $400–$700

Note: Pricing is calculated using a standard NYC professional rate of USD 50 per man-hour

Move Out Cleaning Cost Calculator

The actual cost is calculated based on your space’s size and condition. Here’s some good news. Instead of calling ten different cleaning services, just visit the Sunlight Cleaning NY cost calculator, and you can get an actual estimate of the cleaning cost.

Step 1: Choose the Service Type

The first thing to do is to look at the size of your apartment. Here are the industrywide estimates for the type of apartment you’re living in. Select the size or type of service you want from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Select the Size of Home

Next, you need to select the size of your home. Whether it’s a studio, a two-bedroom, or a bigger apartment, just select the right option from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select the ‘Extras’

Now, some of you may want extra cleaning services like cleaning the inside of the refrigerator, the oven, or doing a deep cleaning. Select all the options that apply.

Step 4: Your Details

Next, you enter your details. That includes the basic details like name, contact, email, etc.

Step 5: Address

Finally, just put in your address and that’s it. Just click on ‘apply’, and you can get the accurate move out cleaning services cost in New York City.

DIY Vs. Professional Move Out Cleaning

After looking at the cost, it’s natural to wonder if you can clean the apartment yourself. So, if we think DIY versus professional move out cleaning, which is the better move?

Doing it yourself can save you money. But it comes with hidden costs. For starters, you will be spending a lot of time stressing over the buildup of grime. You might also miss hidden spots (you aren’t a pro cleaner after all), and that could cost you your deposit.

Then you’ll need the right supplies. Often, you might have to purchase them for cleaning the appliances or scrubbing the bathrooms to make sure there is no grout left.

If we talk about the time, a bedroom can easily take 5 to 6 hours to clean. Yet you still might miss that one little dust bunny that could cost you your deposit.

On the other hand, when hiring professional cleaners, of course, you have to pay an upfront cost. But that comes with a peace of mind. Experienced cleaners know just exactly where the landlord will be looking. They can easily tackle the tricky spots and also bring their own equipment and supplies.

Also, since they are professionals, they can do the job much quicker than you.

So instead of thinking DIY versus professional cleaning, maybe do a hybrid clean. Do the basic cleaning by yourself and hire professionals for the heavy work. Like, let them take care of cleaning the bathroom, appliances, and floors. This way, you can save money but also make sure the space is landlord-approved, and your deposit is safe.

Tips to Save on Move-Out Cleaning Costs

Here are some tips and tricks to save money on move out cleaning:

Book at least a week early to avoid surcharges.
Opt for bundle offers or package deals. You can get standard cleaning with extras like cleaning the oven, fridge, and carpet for free.

Dust and Declutter before the help arrives. If you prepare the place, it can reduce the time and the bill.
Decide what’s necessary to pass the inspection only. No need to go for deep cleaning and extras.

Conclusion

When you wave the final goodbye to your apartment, you don’t have to worry about cleaning grime and dust, to eat up your deposit.

Simply hire experienced professionals for the job. With a professional cleaning service to take care of matters once you’re all packed and ready to go, they’ll make sure your old space shines just the way you saw it the first time.

Hire the reliable move-out cleaning professionals at Sunlight Cleaning NY today. We offer competitive move out cleaning costs, so all you have to worry about are the boxes and logistics. We will handle the cleaning for your landlord’s inspection.

Iryna Balaban

Iryna Balaban – Blog Author and Cofounder of Sunlight Cleaning NY. She is very experienced in the cleaning company business. Iryna was the supervisor of one of New York City’s leading cleaning companies and decided to found Sunlight Cleaning Inc. She has 10+ years of experience in the cleaning branch as owner and communication specialist in the company, and no decision can be made without her input.

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Move Out Cleaning Cost in NYC