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Ever walked into a house that smells vaguely like someone else’s dog and last night's dinner? That’s a big red flag for both buyers and new tenants. Move-In Move-Out Cleaning is what transforms that space from “lived-in” to “let’s make an offer.”
Here’s the truth: buyers and renters judge a space the second they walk through the door. If it feels dirty or smells off, their perception of your property’s value drops—fast.
And for landlords? You can’t hand over the keys to someone when the fridge still has sticky shelves and the shower grout is growing its own little ecosystem. That’s where a proper move-in/move-out clean comes in—and why I’ve done hundreds of them over the past decade.
This isn't your weekly vacuum and wipe-down.
Move-In Move-Out Cleaning is a deep, top-to-bottom, room-by-room clean that erases every trace of the previous occupant—grime, dust, cobwebs, scuff marks, odors, pet hair, the whole nine yards.
It’s not just about hygiene. It’s about presentation and property value. A 2022 survey by HomeLight found that professionally cleaned homes could sell up to 5 days faster and command $1,700 more on average.
Here’s what this service usually includes:
Depending on the property, you might also need:
One time I cleaned a property where the tenant left an entire meatloaf in the oven—no joke. It sat for three weeks before the property manager called us in. The smell? Unforgettable. We had to deep-clean the oven twice, run ozone treatment for the odor, and scrub every corner of that home. But within 48 hours after that, they had an offer well over asking.
That’s the power of a professionally done move-out clean.
Key takeaway: Buyers don’t want to imagine your life in the home. They want to picture themselves in it—and that only happens if it’s spotless.
A great clean is all about the details—and trust me, people notice that missed cobweb or smudged mirror when they’re on the fence about putting in an offer.
Buyers will open your oven. They’ll peek into the fridge. And if they catch a whiff of old garlic or oven grease? Deal killer.
Key checklist items:
You don’t want buyers wondering “Did they even clean in here?” when they look at a toilet.
Bathroom deep cleans need to deliver:
If I had a dollar for every sticky cabinet or hairball I’ve found under bathroom sinks, I’d own a cabin in the San Juans.
This is where people make those snap decisions—stay or move on.
Your checklist here:
If you have pets, deodorizing is non-negotiable.
Nothing says “this house still smells like someone else’s life” like pet dander lingering in a corner.
First impression? That entryway.
Lasting impression? The hallway you use to leave the showing.
Have these in top shape:
Sure, cleaning the toilets matters—but so does a driveway free of motor oil and a garage that doesn't scream “dumping ground.”
Exterior and utility spaces checklist:
One client once swore the biggest reason their home sold in two days was because we made their concrete driveway look “like fresh new sidewalk.” I believe it.
Wrap-up checklist takeaway: The cleaner everything looks (visible and hidden), the easier it is for buyers and renters to say “yes.”
Coming up, I’ll walk you through the difference between regular cleaning and Real Estate Ready Cleaning—including how staging, decluttering, and subtle upgrades bring in higher offers.
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: Regular deep cleaning is table stakes. Real Estate Ready Cleaning takes it to the next level—and it directly affects how long your house lingers on the market.
Think of this as matchmaking. Buyers aren’t just assessing square footage—they’re looking for that “I could live here” moment. That doesn’t happen in a cluttered, over-personalized space.
This is where strategic cleaning meets light staging.
Here’s how I prep homes to not just look clean, but feel like a fresh start for someone new:
Every showing should feel like walking into a magazine photo. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about neutrality and freshness.
A few months ago, we cleaned a 2-bedroom townhouse that was sitting on the market for five weeks.
It had great bones, good location—but lots of personal stuff still around: college diplomas, a busy entryway with open shoes, and the smell of heavy takeout in the kitchen.
We did an intensive Real Estate Ready clean, decluttered, neutralized the odor with enzyme treatments, staged the bookshelves with just three design books and a tiny aloe plant... Boom. Four showings. Sold in 48 hours.
Sometimes it’s not about major renovations—it’s about the presentation.
Key takeaway: You don’t just clean for your future buyer’s eyes—you clean for their imagination.
Let’s clear the fog around a common seller question: “Do I really need to deep clean everything before listing?”
Short answer? Yes.
Longer answer? You want what I call a “broom-clean PLUS” level.
Focus your energy (or budget) on what hits hardest:
And don’t sleep on the entryway: that first 10 seconds makes or breaks your home’s vibe.
Yes, you could DIY this.
But doing it solo takes time, elbow grease, and a serious checklist mindset. Things get missed unless you're laser-focused.
That’s why most homeowners and realtors bring us in before the first showing.
We charge $80 an hour, and yes—clients often make that back (and more) in higher offers or faster closings. Professional cleaning pays for itself.
Complete House Cleaning Checklist for Home Sellers
Here’s a truth from ten years of cleaning professionally: Even super disciplined homeowners rarely get to “real estate ready” standards on their own.
Yes—you can absolutely:
But most people don’t deep clean like they mean it.
Pros like us show up with:
Best part? No stress. You relax. We prep.
Bottom line: If your time is strapped, or cleanliness anxiety is rising—call us.
Do I have to hire a cleaner to sell my house?
No one’s forcing you—but professional cleaning increases perceived value. Think of it as staging’s REI cousin. Clean sells.
How long does a full Move-Out or Real Estate Ready clean take?
Depends on size and condition. Average 1,500–2,000 sq ft homes take 6–10 hours. Heavily lived-in? Add more. Totally empty? Slightly less.
Can’t I just clean it after it's under contract?
Please don’t. First impressions happen during that listing launch. Showing photos and open houses determine interest—make the clean count.
Is “broom clean” really good enough?
Technically, yes—for closing standards. But it won’t wow buyers. Think move-in ready, not landlord-basic.
How far should I go with scent removal or repainting?
If something smells or looks “off” now, buyers will magnify it 5x in their minds. Clean it, paint it, or replace it. Prevention’s cheaper than price reductions later.
I have pets—will buyers notice?
If they sniff dog before they see the fireplace, you’ve got a problem. We specialize in pet hair and odor elimination. Ask about our enzyme protocols.
We once prepped and staged a mid-century modern in Tacoma—a $5,000 investment total. Sold in 6 days for $64,000 over asking.
Clean is confidence.
It tells buyers, “This home was cared for.”
It fuels better photos, smoother showings, and higher offers.
Whether you’re prepping to sell, rent, or hand the keys to new tenants—move-in move-out and real estate ready cleaning sets the tone.
No buyer wants to imagine your leftovers in the fridge or your dog on the carpet.
They want a blank slate. A fresh start.
So wipe the slate clean—and let them step into their future.
Need help getting there? I’ve done this hundreds of times.
Call or text me at 253-449-6100 or email sierrastoptobottomcleaning@gmail.com and let’s talk about your property.
Because Move-In Move-Out Cleaning isn’t just another to-do—it’s your secret weapon for boosting property value.
