Move-In Cleaning: Checklist & Cost (2026)
A move-in cleaning gets an empty home spotless before your furniture and boxes arrive, and it costs about $150 to $400 in 2026 for a typical home — similar to a deep clean, since an empty house lets cleaners reach everything. Cleaning before you unpack is far easier than cleaning around your belongings later, which is why it's one of the smartest hours you can buy during a move.
Move-in cleaning cost
| Home size | Typical move-in clean |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $110 – $180 |
| 2 bedroom | $150 – $240 |
| 3 bedroom | $200 – $340 |
| 4+ bedroom | $300 – $450+ |
Because the home is empty, a move-in clean is efficient — no furniture to work around — but it's detailed, so it's priced like a deep clean rather than a standard visit. Homes that sat vacant or weren't cleaned by the previous occupant take longer.
Move-in cleaning checklist, room by room
Whole home: dust and wipe every surface, baseboards, window sills, ledges, light fixtures, ceiling fans, switch plates, and door frames; clean interior windows; vacuum and mop all floors and clean inside closets.
Kitchen: clean inside and outside of all cabinets and drawers, inside the oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher, degrease the stovetop and range hood, sanitize countertops, and scrub the sink.
Bathrooms: scrub and disinfect the toilet, tub, shower, and sink; clean inside vanities and medicine cabinets; descale fixtures; wipe mirrors; and mop.
Bedrooms & living areas: wipe down closets and shelving, clean windows and sills, and vacuum or mop so the space is ready for furniture.
Move-in vs. move-out cleaning
They cover similar ground, but the goal differs. A move-out clean is done to satisfy a landlord's inspection or ready a home for sale or the next occupant, so it focuses on getting your deposit back or passing a walkthrough. A move-in clean is for your own peace of mind and health — sanitizing surfaces and reaching every corner while the home is empty and easy to access. Some renters pay for both: a move-out at the old place and a move-in at the new one.
Worth it?
For most moves, yes. Cleaning an empty home takes a fraction of the time and gives you a genuinely fresh, sanitized start — especially important if anyone in the household has allergies or the previous occupant had pets. When you're ready, you can compare local cleaners and book the clean for the day before your furniture arrives.
Frequently asked questions
How much does move-in cleaning cost?
Most move-in cleans run $150 to $400 in 2026 depending on home size, priced like a deep clean because they're detailed even though the home is empty.
Should I clean before or after moving in?
Before. An empty home lets cleaners reach inside cabinets, closets, and every corner quickly, and you avoid ever having to clean around your furniture and boxes.
What's the difference between move-in and move-out cleaning?
The work overlaps, but a move-out clean targets a landlord inspection or sale, while a move-in clean sanitizes your new empty home before you unpack.