Move Out Cleaning Services: What’s Not Included?
Comprehensive Guide to Move-Out Cleaning Services
Moving out of a home or apartment is always a great idea, but before you go, there is always the hassle of cleaning in order to prepare the house for the next tenants. This chore is often outsourced to professional move-out cleaning services, but one should know what it means and what needs to be covered by such services.
In this article, it’s crucial to understand exactly what these services do—and do not—include. In this article, I’ll guide you through what’s typically excluded in move-out cleaning services, helping you make an informed decision and avoid any surprises.
Understanding Move-Out Cleaning Services
Post-tenant cleaning services are intended to clean the house after all your property has been taken out. The aim is to tidy up the space and get it looking pristine so that it is possible to either move another tenant in or have it meet the checklist that landlords prefer. Such services normally provide all general cleaning services such as sweeping, mopping, or washing general spaces, say the living room and bedrooms, washing the dishes and cleaning the refrigerator and similar areas similar to the kitchen and bathrooms. Nevertheless, some tasks might not be included in a standard service provision, and hence, there is a need to elicit these details before hiring a particular service provider.
Standard vs. Premium Move-Out Cleaning Services
Some points will be helpful to explain before going deeper into what is not included in the move-out cleaning services – there are two types of them: standard and premium. Basic cleaning often involves cleaning all the rooms, washing all surfaces, and making sure that the floors are clean. Additional services may involve more tasks added to the general package, such as carpet shampooing, steam cleaning, or even deep cleaning of some areas. Another thing worth stating here is that even if you are going for a premium service provider, some services might still be excluded; therefore, always ensure that you request a detailed list of what is offered.
Cost Considerations
Move-out cleaning can, therefore, be expensive, and the cost will depend on the service type as well as the size of the house. For instance, the price of moving out and cleaning in Singapore is different from the prices in California or anywhere else. Cheap moving-out cleaning services can be found in Singapore, but always remember that cheap is expensive when the cleaning services are terrible.
What’s Typically Not Included in Move Out Cleaning Services?
Here’s a breakdown of the common tasks that are often not included in standard move-out cleaning services:
1. Carpet Shampooing or Steam Cleaning
Even though vacuuming carpets should be done basically, carpet shampooing or steam cleaning may be charged as an additional service. This form of cleaning may be required at some point; for instance, if you see stains or your carpet is quite worn out, you’ll have to order a different service or ask for a deeper cleaning.
2. Washing Walls and Ceilings
Other tasks that are normally not completed include washing walls and ceilings. If your walls are dirty, scuffed, or marked, you might need to clean them. You might need to clean them yourself or hire an additional service. This can be especially important if you’ve lived in the space for a long time and there’s visible wear and tear.
3. Deep Cleaning of Appliances
While the exterior of appliances like ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers will usually be wiped down, deep cleaning inside of appliances is often not included. If you want the insides of these appliances thoroughly cleaned, you should request this service specifically.
4. Heavy Furniture Cleaning
Cleaning underneath or behind heavy furniture is another area where services might fall short. Many cleaning crews will clean the visible areas but may not move large, heavy items to clean underneath. If you want these areas addressed, it’s a good idea to move the furniture beforehand or discuss it with the service provider.
5. Exterior Cleaning
Exterior areas, including the carport or garage, balconies, and patios, are often separate from a standard move-out cleaning package. If these areas need attention, especially if they’re part of the checklist for landlords, you’ll need to confirm whether they can be included for an additional fee.
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Additional Areas to Consider
Beyond the basics, some other areas and tasks might not be included but are worth considering, especially if you want to leave the property in top condition.
1. Trash Take Out
Strikingly, trash takeout is not always part of the move-out cleaning services that you get. Some of these were mentioned as follows: You may be required to take the trash and additional items with you, or you may be able to find out if this is considered in the services that will be provided to you.
2. Organizing and Decluttering
Sometimes, people leave behind their belongings, and sometimes, the space has to be organized, but they do not count on the cleaning crew to do it.Organizing and decluttering cleanliness and tidiness, as well as rearrangement, are often to be done by the tenant, not the cleaning service. This is something that you will have to deal with before the cleaners come to get the job done.
3. Cleaning of Shared Responsibilities
Non-exempt areas in multi-family properties, such as duplexes, townhouses or apartments, and common areas, such as the hallway or stairway, may not be part of the recommended measurements. Find out if the cleaning service provider cleans these areas or if it is your task to do it.
4. Interior Windows
Interior windows may or may not be included in the cleaning service. While some services will wipe down the windows, others might charge extra for this, especially if there are many windows or if they require special attention.
5. Deep Cleaning
Extra cleaning services like floor cleaning or washing of walls and wooden floorboards, as well as boundaries, are considered ‘extras’ to basic move-out cleaning services. If any of these areas require deep cleaning, then one can ask their provider if the area can be added.
Common Challenges During A Newborn Session
When planning your move-out cleaning, it’s also helpful to be aware of potential challenges and how to deal with them.
1. Extreme Messes
However, certain circumstances require more than general janitorial services, particularly where the property is unkempt.Extreme messes in some areas could be excessively dirty and may need more than the conventional cleaning process or extra duration, which makes the cleaning even more expensive and time-consuming.
2. Floor Clean Up
While floor clean-up is typically included, deep stains or worn floors may require more intensive treatment, such as refinishing or replacing sections of the flooring. Standard cleaning won’t cover these types of repairs.
3. Apartment Turnover
If you are planning to move out of an apartment, the cleaning process may be done through an apartment turnover cleaning service. However, the two are different to the landlords. It is, therefore, wise to determine what the landlord expects; some landlords can be very picky, and all they are after is a cleaning that is different from the normal cleaning packages.
4. Tenant Responsibilities
One thing is important to know: what responsibilities are on the tenant side. Then again, there are some cleaning chores that you have to do on your own, and therefore, you should go through your tenancy contract and talk to your landlord about this matter in advance to avoid getting caught unawares.
5. Exterior
If you have an exterior area, such as a yard or patio, it’s important to check whether it is included in the cleaning service or if you need to take care of it yourself.
FAQs
1. What is typically not included in move-out cleaning services?
Common exclusions include carpet shampooing, deep cleaning of appliances, washing walls and ceilings, exterior cleaning, and heavy furniture cleaning.
2. Can I request additional services that are not included in a standard package?
Yes, many cleaning companies offer add-on services for an extra fee. It’s best to discuss your specific needs with the provider to ensure they can accommodate your requests.
3. How much does move-out cleaning typically cost?
Costs vary based on location, the size of the property, and the level of cleaning required. For example, the price of moving out cleaning in Singapore might differ from prices in other regions. Always get a quote beforehand.
4. Are exterior areas like garages and patios included?
These areas are often excluded from standard packages but can usually be added for an additional fee. Confirm with your cleaning service provider.
5. Do I need to take out the trash before the cleaners arrive?
Yes, trash takeout is typically your responsibility unless specified otherwise. Be sure to clear out any trash before the cleaning team arrives.
Conclusion:
Hiring a service to clean after you and your tenants depart their living space is a great way to ease your move-out process, so long as you know what is being offered and know which areas may need more focus or additional services.By knowing which areas might require additional attention or extra services, you can ensure that your property is left in excellent condition and meets the standards expected by your landlord or the next occupant. Always communicate your specific needs clearly with your service provider to ensure you get the best possible result.