Moving to a new home in Alexandria VA is exciting, but cleaning before and after can be stressful. Your old place likely requires extensive cleaning if you want your full security deposit back. Your new place may need some scrubbing before moving in to feel fresh and welcoming. This whole cleaning process can take up a lot of your time and energy when you have plenty of other moving tasks to handle.
The good news is you don’t have to take this all on yourself. Hiring professional cleaners to handle the dirty work in your old and new places can save you time and effort. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about move-in/move-out cleaning services. We’ll cover realistic cost expectations, what’s included, tips for saving money, and how to ensure quality service. Our goal is to equip you to breeze through your upcoming move without major cleaning burdens.
What is Move In/Move Out Cleaning?
Move Out Cleaning refers to cleaning services conducted when tenants vacate a property to prepare it for new tenants. It typically involves deep cleaning of the entire home to remove dirt, debris, stains, and odors, and restore surfaces.
Move-in Cleaning refers to cleaning services when new tenants take possession of a property. It ensures the home is cleaned to a high standard so tenants can comfortably move into a spotless property.
Both are standard services offered by professional cleaning companies. Thorough move-out cleaning can also help tenants receive full refunds of their security deposits.
Factors That Influence Move-Out Cleaning Costs in Alexandria, VA
Many variables affect the overall Move-out Cleaning Service cost. Estimates usually range from $150 to $500 but can vary based on:
Home Size
Larger Home Size equals more rooms, floors, bathrooms, and surfaces to clean. A studio apartment costs much less than a three-story townhouse. Cleaning costs are often calculated on a per sqm basis. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay $0.10 to $0.20 per sq ft.
A small 1,000 sq ft home would cost around $100 to $200.
A large 3,000 sq home would cost around $300 to $600.
Thumbtack, an online platform matching customers with home service professionals, reports average home cleaning costs and factors. According to their latest data, move-out and move-in cleaning for a three-bedroom home is estimated to be $320 and $440 on average nationwide. Prices fluctuate based on location factors like labor costs and demand.
Home Condition
A tenant-maintained home in good Home Condition requires less intensive cleaning than a damaged or neglected property. Light cleaning of an already tidy home costs less than deep cleaning a dirty one.
Standard cleaning involves dusting, mopping, vacuuming, sanitizing surfaces, cleaning windows, and wiping out appliances. This suits homes in reasonable condition.
Deep Cleaning involves labor-intensive scrubbing and cleaning of neglected areas like ventilation systems, baseboards, floors, and walls. This costs more due to the extra time and effort required.
Labor
The Number of People assigned to clean influences cost. Generally, entire move-out cleans are conducted by teams of 2-3 cleaners. More people equals faster completion time but higher rates. Solo cleaners take longer but have lower Labor costs.
Location
Like real estate pricing, cleaning costs vary by area based on demand, average home sizes, and wages. Cleaning a 2 bedroom apartment costs more inexpensive D.C. suburbs like Alexandria than it would in rural Virginia. The location also considers travel time between jobs.
Add-On Costs
Basic move-out cleaning includes sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing, etc. Additional deep cleaning of specific areas costs extra:
Thorough Carpet Cleaning
Professional carpet cleaning is usually needed to dig out embedded dirt, stains, allergens, and grime from wall-to-wall carpets. This involves specialized shampoos, steamers, and scrubbers to leave carpets fresh and extend their lifespan.
- Carpet cleaning costs around $30 to $100 per room depending on size, traffic patterns, and condition. High-end wool or brightly stained carpets run higher. Expect $50+ per average room.
- Additional spot treatment for tough stains or pet accidents can cost $15+ per area.
- You’ll pay extra if the company provides its water and hauls away wastewater after.
- Most pros offer add-ons like pet odor neutralizers, carpet deodorizing, and protective treatments.
Sparkling Windows
Over time windows get covered in dirt, smudges, dust, and grime, hampering views and light. $2 to $5 per window is standard for interior and exterior window cleaning. For a 3-bedroom home with 20+ windows that’s $50+ easily.
Grime-Free Cabinets
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets easily collect splatters, spills, dust, and film. Cleaners charge by the full cabinet set, averaging $20 to $50 per set depending on size. Expect $30+ per standard cabinet set.
Tile & Grout Deep Clean
Moldy, stained, and mildewy tile, stone, and grout require special scrubbing and cleaning solutions. Since it’s time-intensive, companies often charge $50+ per small bathroom and up to $150+ for larger tile rooms like kitchens or mudrooms.
Fresh Garage
For messy garages with oil drips, cobwebs, accumulated junk, and dust, a top-to-bottom cleanup makes them functional again. Depending on the workload, $40 on the low end to $100+ for cluttered 2-car garages is standard.
Add-on cost services boost the total clean price but may be mandatory for heavy stains or damage.
Standard Prices in Alexandria, VA
According to the home services platform HomeAdvisor, typical costs for move-out cleaning range from $150 to $250 for a one-bedroom apartment and $250 to $400 for a 1,500 to 2,000 square-foot townhouse in Northern Virginia suburbs like Alexandria. Costs can vary based on specific service areas within Alexandria and additional deep cleaning services needed.
Alexandria is one of the largest cities in Northern Virginia with mostly suburban single-family homes and apartments. Typical Move Cleaning Service costs for common Alexandria, VA home types are:
Apartments
For a standard one-bedroom apartment (~750 sq ft) expect to pay $150 to $250. A two-bedroom apartment (~1000 sq ft) ranges from $200 to $350. This covers overall cleaning plus sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms.
Townhouses
The average townhouse size is 1500 – 2000 sq ft. Standard cleaning costs run $250 to $400 for a light townhouse clean. Heavily soiled units cost more for extra effort and cleaning materials needed.
Single-Family Homes
The average home size is around 2500 – 3500 sq ft. Light move-out cleaning costs fall in the $350 to $550 range. Deep cleaning of neglected or damaged houses increases costs due to more intensive labor, supplies, and time involved.
Benefits of Professional Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning
Hiring professional cleaners for your upcoming move has several major perks:
- Saves You Time
Cleaning before and after moving sucks up hours when your time is already strained. Pros can thoroughly clean in a fraction of the time it would take you to DIY, freeing up your schedule for other priorities.
- Reduces Stress
No need to worry about scrubbing every inch of your old and new home yourself. Professionals reliably deliver quality cleaning so you can cross it off your move-to-do list.
- Increases Safety
Cleaning pros are trained to properly handle harsh chemicals and use equipment you likely don’t own. They prevent health hazards through eco-friendly cleaning methods.
- Boosts Quality
Get deep cleans areas you’d likely miss through their specialized techniques, tools, and cleaning solutions. This leaves your home truly spotless.
- Saves Money
Yes, hiring cleaners costs money upfront. But in the long run, it saves your security deposit, prevents replacing neglected cleaning items, and reduces health risks.
What to Expect: The Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning Process
Here is an overview of what you can expect when hiring cleaning pros for your move:
- Inspection & Quote: Reputable companies first evaluate your home’s condition and size. This on-site inspection helps provide an accurate project scope and quote for services.
- Schedule & Details Finalized: Based on your ideal move dates, access to the property, and any custom cleaning requests, a project timeline, and specifics will be confirmed.
- Prep Work if Necessary: You may be advised to complete minor organizational tasks beforehand (clear surfaces, pack belongings, etc). Pros handle all heavy cleaning.
- Thorough & Eco-Friendly Clean: Using specialized gear and earth-friendly solutions, cleaners tackle even tough dirt and stains while protecting your belongings and health.
- Quality Inspection: Confirm a job well done through a final walk-through of your impressively clean new living space before moving in your stuff!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do nagging questions about move-in/out cleaning still linger in your mind? We’ve collected top FAQs to equip you with insider knowledge:
How much should I budget for move-out cleaning in Alexandria?
Budget around $150 to $500 depending on home size and condition – this covers standard cleaning for apartments or single-family homes based on local rates. To be safe, aim at the higher end for deeper scrubbing. Remember to factor in any extra add-on costs too like carpet/window/tile cleaning if needed.
What’s included in standard move-out cleaning?
Standard move-out cleaning by pros usually includes floor, wall, and surface scrubbing, sanitizing kitchens/baths, wiping appliances inside and out, window/door cleaning, dusting from top to bottom, cobweb removal, and vacuuming/mopping all floors and carpets. No grime left behind!
Should I clean before the cleaners arrive?
Some light prep can speed up the process so cleaners can focus on heavy scrubbing. Washing dishes, clearing surfaces, boxing up clutter, and gathering trash & belongings into a room can give them full access. But don’t stress major scrubbing – save your sanity and let pros handle the dirty work!
Why is there a range for costs instead of a set price?
Every home’s size, condition, and cleaning needs vary, making move-out cleaning costs fluctuate. Plus companies differ in rates for labor, materials, locations served, etc. Narrow quotes to compare “apples to apples”. A good midpoint estimate for Alexandria townhomes is around $300 to $450.
How do I find the best professional move-out cleaners?
Vet a variety of cleaning companies through reviews, before-and-after pics of their work, and upfront rates. Ask what solutions and disinfectants they use – look for eco-friendly practices. Confirm adequate liability insurance too in case of any property damage.
Bottom Line
Preparing your old and new home for a move takes tons of time and effort better spent on more important tasks. Hiring professional cleaners to handle the intensive scrubbing before you move out and after you move in saves sanity. No need to tire yourself out bleaching every surface!
We’ve broken down average move-out cleaning costs in the Alexandria area so you can budget accordingly. Typical rates range from $150-$500 based on home size, condition, additional deep cleaning needs, and regional variables. Now you can set realistic expectations when researching local cleaning companies for quotes.
With an idea of standard move-in and move-out cleaning rates and what’s included in Alexandria, VA, you can now confidently hire pros to erase all traces of previous tenants or make your new place welcoming. Focus on the adventure ahead in your sparkling new home instead of the mess left behind!
