Move-Out Cleaning in Chicago

Why move-out cleaning is its own job

A standard cleaning keeps a lived-in home in good shape. A deep cleaning resets buildup in a home you still live in. A move-out clean happens in an emptying or empty home, and it has a different purpose: the next occupant, or the person inspecting the unit, should be able to open every cabinet and appliance without finding last month's crumbs.

If you are moving into a place that was left dirty, see move-in cleaning instead. If you are staying put and the home just needs a reset, see deep cleaning.

Chicago's moving calendar

Many Chicago apartments turn over on the first of the month, and late spring through summer is especially busy. The last few days of each month fill up quickly, so book as soon as you know your date. The best time for us to reach baseboards, closet floors and appliance interiors is after the movers have left.

Same-day appointments are sometimes available; other times we are booked several days ahead. If your building has a narrow move-out window or a scheduled walk-through, tell us that date when you book.

What is included

These tasks follow the move-in / move-out column of TooClean's official checklist. If your landlord gave you a written list, send it when you book so we can pay extra attention to what they inspect.

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

Dusting furniture, spot-washing walls, making beds and changing linen are not part of a move-out clean, because the home is expected to be empty. Bathroom and kitchen trash removal is also not on the move-out list; up to two trash bags can still go at no extra charge.

We normally send a two-person crew. For a larger empty home we may send three people, and occasionally one cleaner comes if scheduling or the size of the job calls for it.

Extras you can add

Wet-wiping blinds is $7 per window, a wet wipe of a ceiling fan or chandelier is $15 each, and floor scrubbing and polishing is $85 per room. Carpets, rugs and upholstery are shampooed with a shampoo machine, not steam. See all prices on the cleaning extras page.

What we do not do

Please plan around these limits so the crew can spend the visit cleaning:

• 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.

How to prepare

1. Finish the move, or tell us what stays. An empty home is faster and more thorough. If some furniture remains, list those rooms in your booking notes.
2. Empty what you want cleaned inside. Clear the fridge, freezer, oven and any cabinets or closets you want wiped inside.
3. Arrange access. You do not have to be home. Leave a note with the building office, a door code, a lockbox combination or key instructions.
4. Mention parking, stairs and elevators. Walk-ups, freight elevators and move-out reservations help us plan time. A parking note is appreciated.
5. Send any landlord checklist so we can focus on what your building inspects.

Pricing, payment and recleans

Move-out pricing depends on the size of the home, how empty it is and its condition. You will see your price when you book online, or call us to talk it through.

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