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How to Price a Move-Out Clean (2026 Cleaner Guide)

Move-outs are the highest-margin one-off in cleaning — but only if you include photo proof and a security-deposit clause in the quote.

2026 range$320–$850per move-out clean

Move-out cleans are typically booked under stress: lease ending, security deposit on the line, landlord coming to inspect. That stress makes clients price-insensitive and turnaround-sensitive. The pricing logic is deep-clean plus inside-appliance work plus a guaranteed photo deliverable for the landlord. This 2026 guide breaks down the formula, the photo-proof clause that wins the deposit back for clients, and the surcharge logic for the worst-condition properties.

What moves the price

Home size (sqft): Same tiering as deep, but with a 30-40% premium for the move-out scope.
Inside oven + fridge: Always included in move-out (unlike deep). Adds 90-120 min to the visit.
Window interiors: Standard for move-out, optional for deep. Most landlords specifically check this.
Wall scuff removal: Itemize. Magic-eraser scrub-down per room: $25-$45 each. Some leases require.
Carpet vs hard floor: Carpet shampoo NOT typically included — refer out or upsell at $0.30/sqft.
Photo proof deliverable: Always include — high-res photos of every room post-clean, sent same-day. Wins disputes for ~85% of clients.

2026 pricing tiers

Studio / 1-bed apartment

$320–$450

· Full deep + inside appliances
· Window interiors
· Photo proof set

2-3 bed home / apartment

$480–$650

· Full deep + appliances
· Wall scuff pass
· Photo proof + landlord email

Large home / poor condition

$700–$850+

· Full move-out scope
· Wall scuff + carpet referral
· Same-day delivery, 2-person crew

The photo-proof deliverable

Send the client high-res photos of every room within 2 hours of finishing the clean. Include a 1-paragraph email they can forward to the landlord. ~85% of move-out clients get their full security deposit back when armed with this, and they tell their friends. It is the single best referral-generating tactic in move-out cleaning.

Poor-condition surcharge

Some homes are 2-3x the standard time because of long-term neglect. Always do a pre-visit photo intake (texted from the client) before quoting move-outs. If the photos show major issues, quote 30-50% more and explicitly list 'condition surcharge' as a line item. Surprises on the day kill the relationship.

Carpet shampooing: refer out

Carpet shampoo requires gear and a different skill set. Refer clients to a trusted carpet cleaner and take a $30-$50 referral fee. Alternatively, partner with one and add carpet as a $0.30-$0.50/sqft line. Do not try to do it yourself unless you have the gear and certification — it is the #1 source of dispute claims.

Frequently asked

How much for a move-out clean in 2026?

US 2026 market: $320-$850. Studio: $320-$450. 2-3 bed: $480-$650. Large or poor-condition: $700+.

What does move-out include beyond a deep clean?

Inside oven, inside fridge, window interiors, wall scuff pass, and the photo-proof deliverable. Carpet shampoo is separate (refer out).

Should I include photo proof in the quote?

Yes — always. Sent same-day to the client, formatted for landlord forwarding. Wins ~85% of security-deposit disputes. Best referral driver in this segment.

Do I shampoo carpets on move-outs?

No — refer out unless you have the gear and training. Carpet damage claims are the #1 source of disputes.

How do I handle 'this place is destroyed'?

Pre-visit photo intake before quoting. If condition is poor, quote 30-50% premium and list as 'condition surcharge.' Never discover scope on arrival.

How quickly do move-out cleans need to be booked?

Most clients book inside 7 days of needing the clean. Rush window (under 72 hrs) = 20-30% surcharge.

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