How long does a move-out cleaning take?

How long a move-out cleaning takes varies depending on the size, condition, and layout of the home. Since a move-out cleaning involves significantly more tasks than a regular home cleaning, the time cannot be estimated solely based on the number of square metres.

Factors such as the number of rooms, bathrooms, and windows, the condition of the home, and how easy surfaces are to access also affect how long the work takes.

What determines how long the move-out cleaning takes?

The size of the home is an important factor, but far from the only one.

The time required is affected by, among other things:

• the size of the home
• the condition of the home
• number of rooms
• number of bathrooms
• number of windows and how they are constructed
• the size and condition of the kitchen
• the amount of limescale, grease, and other dirt
• how easy various surfaces are to access
• if the home is completely empty
• any special tasks that need to be performed

Two homes with the same number of square metres can therefore require different amounts of time for a move-out cleaning.

Does a larger home always take longer?

Generally, a larger home requires more time because more floors, surfaces, cupboards, and rooms need to be cleaned.

But square metres don't tell the whole story.

A well-maintained larger apartment can sometimes be easier to clean than a smaller home with a lot of ingrained dirt, many windows, or a kitchen and bathroom that require extra work.

Therefore, the cleaning company usually needs more information than just the size of the home to assess the work.

Why does move-out cleaning take longer than regular home cleaning?

In regular home cleaning, the focus is primarily on the surfaces that are used regularly.

In a move-out cleaning, the home must be left thoroughly cleaned for the next occupant. This means that significantly more details need to be taken care of.

This might include, for example:

• cleaning inside cupboards and wardrobes
• cleaning the oven and other appliances
• cleaning skirting boards, doors, and frames
• thorough cleaning of bathrooms
• window cleaning
• cleaning radiators and accessible surfaces
• cleaning all floors and fixed surfaces in the home

If you want to see all the tasks, you can read our complete move-out cleaning checklist.

Does the condition of the home affect how long it takes?

Yes. The condition of the home can significantly affect the time required.

Grease in the kitchen, limescale in the bathroom, dirty windows, and surfaces that have not been cleaned for a long time often require more work.

A home that has been maintained and cleaned regularly is usually easier to move-out clean than a home where dirt has been allowed to build up over a long period.

Does the number of windows affect the time?

Yes. Window cleaning can be a significant part of a move-out cleaning.

The time is affected not only by the number of windows but also by, for example, their size, construction, the number of sides to be cleaned, and how accessible the windows are.

Therefore, two equally large homes can have different time requirements depending on the windows.

How can I make the move-out cleaning easier and faster?

The most important thing is that the home is empty and ready when the cleaning is to begin.

Before the move-out cleaning, it is good to:

• empty the home of furniture and personal belongings
• empty cupboards and wardrobes
• empty the fridge and freezer
• ensure the cleaning staff can access the surfaces to be cleaned
• inform about any special conditions in advance

When the home is properly prepared, the cleaning staff can focus directly on the cleaning itself.

When should you do the move-out cleaning?

Move-out cleaning should normally be done when the home is empty and before it is handed over to the next occupant.

It is good to leave some margin between the cleaning and the handover. This allows space to handle any questions or anything that needs to be checked before the keys are handed over.

Therefore, if possible, avoid planning the move-out cleaning immediately before the handover.

How far in advance should you book move-out cleaning?

It is wise to book as soon as you know the date the home is to be vacated.

Demand can be higher around the end of the month, for example, when many people move at the same time.

By booking well in advance, you increase the chance of getting a date that fits your move planning.

Can you do the move-out cleaning yourself?

Yes, but it is important to set aside enough time.

A common reason for hiring a cleaning company is precisely the extent of the work. Furthermore, move-out cleaning takes place during a period when packing, transport, changes of address, and the new home already require a lot of attention.

If you choose to do the work yourself, it is therefore good to use a complete checklist and start earlier than you think is necessary.

Move-out cleaning in Gothenburg

City Städ has worked with professional cleaning in Gothenburg since 2007.

With professional move-out cleaning in Gothenburg, we help you plan the cleaning based on the size and conditions of the home, so you can spend your time on the rest of the move.

Do you want to know what fits your specific home? Get a free quote for move-out cleaning in Gothenburg and we will get back to you with a proposal.

Frequently asked questions about how long move-out cleaning takes