Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Services

The difference between Standard / Deep cleaning and Move-in/Move-out cleaning lies primarily in the focus and intensity of the service, as well as the specific needs of the property. Although they may seem similar, they cater to different situations:

1. Standard Cleaning

• Purpose: Standard cleaning is a routine cleaning service meant to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in a home. It’s designed for regular upkeep.

• Target Audience: Homeowners or tenants who need ongoing cleaning, usually on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.

• Focus Areas: Standard cleaning covers the most commonly used and visible areas in the home. The goal is to remove surface-level dirt, dust, and grime.

Typical Tasks:

- Dusting surfaces (tables, shelves, etc.)

- Vacuuming and mopping floors

- Wiping down flat surfaces like countertops

- Sanitizing high-touch areas (door handles, light switches)

- Cleaning sinks, mirrors, toilets, and countertops

- Emptying the trash

Level of Cleaning: This is a more superficial cleaning focused on maintaining general cleanliness.

2. Deep Cleaning

• Purpose: Deep cleaning is a more intensive, detailed cleaning service that targets dirt, grime, and buildup in harder-to-reach places. It’s typically done less frequently, such as seasonally or for special occasions.

• Target Audience: Homeowners or tenants who need a thorough cleaning or have neglected areas, as well as people preparing for events or recovering from them.

• Focus Areas: Deep cleaning includes all the tasks in standard cleaning but with additional attention to detail and extra focus on hard-to-reach or neglected areas.

Typical Tasks:

- High dusting (ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures)

- Low dusting (baseboards, door frames, window sills)

- Wet detailing of baseboards and walls

- Wiping down blinds and window tracks

- Polishing metal or reflective surfaces

- Scrubbing and sanitizing grout and tile

- Mineral and calcification removal on sinks, faucets, and showerheads

- Cleaning behind and around the toilet

- Cleaning inside appliances (microwave, oven, fridge)

- Wiping down cabinets (exterior and sometimes interior)

- Deep degreasing of the stovetop and backsplash

Level of Cleaning: Deep cleaning is more intense and targets buildup in areas that may be skipped during regular cleanings. It involves extra scrubbing and sanitizing to restore surfaces to like-new condition.

Key Differences:

• Frequency: Standard cleaning is meant for regular upkeep (weekly, bi-weekly), while deep cleaning is done less often (monthly, seasonally, or for special occasions).

• Scope: Standard cleaning focuses on the surfaces you see and use every day, while deep cleaning tackles areas that are often neglected, like baseboards, vents, and behind furniture.

• Intensity: Deep cleaning is more intensive and thorough, addressing buildup, grime, and areas not typically covered in regular cleanings. It includes additional tasks like cleaning inside appliances and removing mineral buildup.

• Time Required: Deep cleaning takes longer than standard cleaning due to the extra tasks involved.

3. Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning

Purpose: Move-in/move-out cleaning is specifically tailored for properties that are in transition—either being vacated or prepared for new tenants. This service is focused on getting the property ready for its next occupants, ensuring it looks and feels brand new.

• Target Audience: Tenants, landlords, or realtors preparing a property for new occupants, often after someone has moved out or before someone moves in.

• Focus Areas: This cleaning is more exhaustive because it typically involves empty spaces. It focuses on areas that were likely neglected by the previous tenants and includes cleaning inside appliances, cabinets, closets, and windows.

• Level of Cleaning: Move-in/move-out cleaning is more thorough than deep cleaning. It often includes tasks such as:

• Cleaning inside appliances (fridge, oven, dishwasher).

• Cleaning inside drawers, cabinets, and closets.

• Ensuring the property is in top condition for the next occupant.

Key Differences:

• Occupied vs. Unoccupied: Deep cleaning is done in an occupied space where furniture and personal belongings might still be present, while move-in/move-out cleaning is usually done in an empty or nearly empty property.

• Scope: Move-in/move-out cleaning is typically more comprehensive and geared towards preparing a property for turnover, whereas deep cleaning focuses on restoring a property while it's still being lived in.

• Intensity: Move-in/move-out cleaning generally takes longer and involves more detailed work, particularly with inside spaces like cabinets and appliances.

In summary, deep cleaning is like giving your home an intensive, restorative clean, while move-in/move-out cleaning is about making sure a property is spotless and ready for a new occupant, often going beyond the typical deep clean.

48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule without penalty.

Late cancellations (<48 hours) will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the estimated cost.

One-time exceptions may be granted in genuine emergencies (e.g., health, accident), at our discretion.

Here's a Table with estimates for Standard, Deep, and Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning based on the most common combinations of bedrooms and bathrooms. This table considers a team of 2 cleaners working simultaneously, which means the actual time spent at the property is half of the total estimated hours.

Time Estimates:

• 1 Bathroom: 40-90 minutes (depends on condition)

• 1 Bedroom: 30-45 minutes

• Kitchen (without appliances inside): 45-60 minutes

• Kitchen (with inside oven/fridge cleaning): 2-2.5 hours

• Common Areas (Living/Dining Room): 45-60 minutes

Why Time Varies:

• Larger properties and homes with more bathrooms require more time, especially for deep cleaning or move-in/move-out cleaning, which involve more detailed work.

• With two cleaners working together, we estimate the job based on the size and condition of your home, ensuring that it’s done thoroughly and efficiently.

At Maria’s Team Cleaning Company, we typically send a team of two or three professional cleaners. This way, the cleaning time is shared, making the process quicker for you.

• For Example:

  • If a 3 BDR / 3 BATH property is estimated at 7 - 8.5 hours in total, and we send a team of 2 cleaners, they will each work simultaneously. This means it will actually take 3.5 - 4.25 hours in real time for the job to be completed.

  • If we send a team of 3 cleaners instead, the actual time needed will be 2.3 - 2.8 hours in real time, making the cleaning process even quicker for you!

You pay only for the hours worked, multiplied by the hourly rate of the chosen service. All taxes, supplies, and equipment are included in our price.

Example 1:

For a 3 BDR / 3 BATH Standard Cleaning:

• Estimated Time: 7 - 8.5 hours (total team hours)

• Hourly Rate: $40 per hour

• Team of 2 Cleaners:

  • They complete the job in 3.5 - 4.25 hours (real-time).

  • Total Cost: $280 - $340 (taxes, supplies, and equipment included).

Example 2:

For a 3 BDR / 3 BATH Move-In Cleaning:

• Estimated Time: 10 - 12 hours (total team hours)

• Hourly Rate: $55 per hour

• Team of 3 Cleaners:

  • They complete the job in 3.3 - 4 hours (real-time).

  • Total Cost: $550 - $660 (taxes, supplies, and equipment included).

Payment Options:

• We prefer cash payments, making it easier for you and us.

• The final cost depends on the actual time spent, so you only pay for the time our team is cleaning your home.