Move-Out Cleaning Checklist to Get Your Deposit Back
A move-out cleaning follows the same checklist a landlord uses at inspection: inside every appliance, inside every cabinet, all baseboards, all closets, and every corner. Most security deposit disputes come down to two rooms — the kitchen and the bathroom — so those get the most attention.
A move-out cleaning is designed to pass a landlord inspection. Here's exactly what we clean, why, and in what order.
Kitchen (highest-priority room)
Kitchens are where most deposit disputes start. Landlords look for:
- Grease on the range hood and stovetop
- Baked-on food inside the oven
- Sticky spots inside and outside cabinets
- Water stains around the sink
- Crumbs and residue inside the fridge
- Buildup inside the microwave
Our move-out kitchen clean handles all six.
Bathrooms (second-priority room)
- Toilet base and behind the toilet
- Grout scrubbed
- Mildew removed from shower door and tile
- Mirror and chrome polished streak-free
- Inside all bathroom cabinets
Every other room
- Baseboards wiped
- Windows and window tracks
- Inside all closets — floors, shelves, and rods
- Light switches, door frames, and vent covers
- All floors — vacuum then mop
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
Timing
Schedule the move-out clean after your movers leave and before your inspection. If those are the same day, plan for the cleaners to arrive within an hour of the movers finishing.
For most rentals in Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena, a proper move-out clean takes 4 to 8 hours.
Why a professional move-out clean is almost always worth it
Landlord deposits in Los Angeles County typically run $1,500 to $3,500. A move-out clean runs $200 to $500. If the clean prevents even a partial deposit deduction, it more than pays for itself.
What to leave for us
Nothing. The home should be completely empty of your belongings when we arrive — that includes closets, cabinets, the fridge, and the garage. If you need us to remove trash bags or items, tell us at booking.
Pairs with a move-in clean
Moving into your next place at the same time? See our move-in cleaning guide — we regularly do both on the same day.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my deposit does a move-out clean protect?+
For most rentals, the entire cleaning portion. Landlords in Los Angeles County typically deduct $200–$800 for cleaning if the tenant doesn't hire a professional.
Do I need to move out completely before the cleaners arrive?+
Yes. Cleaners work in an empty home. Anything left behind slows down the clean and may not be cleaned around properly.
Should I do a walk-through with my landlord first?+
Ideally, yes. Ask for their specific checklist so we can prioritize whatever they inspect.
How long does a move-out clean take?+
4–8 hours for most homes; longer for larger properties or homes that need extensive attention.
Related services
- Deep House Cleaning →
A thorough reset for homes that need extra attention or haven't been cleaned in a while.
- Apartment Cleaning →
Fast, careful cleans tailored to apartments and condos.
Related guides
- What's Included in a Move-In Cleaning? →
A move-in clean is a deep clean plus the details a previous owner or tenant almost always misses.
- Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: What's the Difference? →
They sound similar, but they're two very different services. Here's exactly when to book each.
- Room-by-Room House Cleaning Checklist →
A printable checklist covering every room in a typical home, in the order our crews actually clean.