Move-In Cleaning in Chicago

Clean it while it is empty

The best move-in clean happens in the gap between getting the keys and the movers arriving. Empty cabinets, an empty fridge and clear floors let the crew reach everything on the checklist. Once boxes and furniture are in, we clean around them: we do not move furniture, unpack or pull out items when too much is in the way.

Utilities matter too. Make sure water and electricity are on at the new place before the appointment.

What is included

Move-in cleaning uses the same move-in / move-out column of our official checklist:

All rooms

• Remove reachable cobwebs
• Dust ceiling fans and reachable A/C vents
• Clean mirrors
• Dust windowsills and ledges
• Dust doors and door frames
• Dust baseboards
• Detailed baseboards
• Vacuum carpet and hard floors
• Mop hard floors

Bathrooms

• Clean and sanitize the toilet and the area around it
• Remove soap scum and mildew in the shower or tub
• Sanitize countertops
• Sanitize sinks and polish fixtures

Kitchen

• Wipe countertops
• Wipe cabinet fronts
• Clean the microwave
• Clean and polish appliance exteriors
• Sanitize the sink and polish fixtures
• Clean inside the oven
• Clean inside the fridge
• Clean inside cabinets and drawers

Windows

• Detailed interior windows

Need floors refreshed or blinds wet-wiped before you move in? Those are extras; see the extras and prices. If the previous occupant had pets or smoked, ask about ozone odor removal. If the place just finished a renovation, book post-renovation cleaning instead.

Before the crew arrives

1. Tell us how to get in: building office, door code, lockbox or key instructions.
2. Confirm water and electricity are on.
3. Note any freight elevator reservation, stairs or parking details.
4. List anything already in the unit that we should clean around.

What we do not do

• Move furniture. We are cleaners, not movers.
• Organize. We clean; we do not sort or put things away.
• Pull items out to clean underneath when there is too much in the way.
• Fold clothes that are spread around the home.
• Climb to hard-to-reach areas. For safety we work from the floor or a step stool.
• Wash dishes or do laundry, unless that work is added to the bill.
• Clean inside a dishwasher, except a quick wipe of the inside of the door if you ask.
• Clean inside a washer or dryer unless you ask. We can dust the outside.
• Clean windows from the outside, or touch television screens and computer equipment.
• Haul leftover moving boxes, construction debris or large piles of trash. Up to two trash bags are removed at no extra charge.

Payment and recleans

Your price depends on the size and condition of the home and shows when you book online.

Payment is taken after the cleaning, once you have had the chance to check the work. We accept Zelle, Venmo, and debit or credit cards. Card payments include a 3% fee. We do not accept cash.

If you are home, our crew will ask you to look the work over before they leave. If you notice something we missed after the crew has gone, you have 24 hours to request a reclean at no charge. That applies to every job.

We need 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule without a fee.

Frequently asked questions