Move-In vs. Move-Out Cleaning: What’s the Difference in Toronto? | Maid4Condos
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Move-In vs. Move-Out Cleaning: What’s the Difference in Toronto?

Move-In vs. Move-Out Cleaning: What’s the Difference in Toronto?
May 16, 2024

When you move homes, you need to arrange for move-out and move-in cleaning to ensure your old home is clean and sanitary for the new residents, and your new home is a clean slate when you arrive.

Move-in vs. Move-out cleaning: What’s the difference in Toronto?

You might be thinking, “But if everyone is supposed to do that, doesn’t it mean I should just worry about the move-out cleaning service?” You would think so, but there’s a difference between the two, and also, not everyone follows the rules!

In this article, we will look at the difference between move-in and move-out cleaning in North York, and why both are so important.

What is move-out cleaning in North York?

Move-out cleaning services provide a deep cleaning of your old home to leave everything disinfected and sparkling clean for the new residents. This is almost always part of your tenant’s agreement or terms of your home sale, typically including a thorough scrubbing of every surface in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living areas, closets, and hallways from top to bottom.

If there are rugs, these are shampooed, and the floors are mopped and/or treated with protective coatings. All walls, window sills, and baseboards are wiped down, and appliances are also cleaned inside and out. Other services might include polishing surfaces and cabinets.

The purpose of the move-out cleaning process is to guarantee the landlord or new owners/tenants are satisfied with the condition of the home. It helps to take pictures and request a receipt from the cleaning service as proof the job was completed to ensure you get your deposit back.

What are move-in cleaning services?

Move-in cleaning provides a similar cleaning process to the one mentioned above at your new home before you arrive. Although tenants and previous owners are expected to conduct a move-out cleaning, a move-in cleaning is intended to remove all traces that the move-out cleaning might miss.

This ensures that your home is move-in ready so you aren’t sitting in your new home wondering if it has in fact been cleaned by the previous residents.

What’s the difference between move-in and move-out cleanings in North York?

When looking at the above descriptions of each, it might seem there aren’t any obvious differences, which is true! However, where the difference tends to lie is in the check-lists used for the two services.

In the case of move-out cleanings in North York, there might be specific requirements made by the landlord depending on the type of property. These differences might also be noted in the case of a home sale, where certain conditions apply. This typically might include additions such as:

  • Cleaning windows inside and out.
  • Power-washing exteriors such as siding, paths, patios, etc.
  • Ensuring all marks and stains are removed from surfaces.
  • Ensuring all garbage is removed from the property.
  • Steam-cleaning certain elements of the home, like carpets or bathrooms.

The landlord dictates what is done for a move-out cleaning, whereas it’s the new resident who dictates the list for the move-in cleaning.

What are the benefits of move-out cleaning in North York?

The main benefit of move-out cleaning services is that you guarantee you’ll get your full deposit back. You’ll not only have a professional cleaning team following the required cleaning list, but also have a receipt proving the cleaning was conducted and paid for.

However, there are also fringe benefits to move-out cleaning, including the following:

  • You don’t have to worry about doing it yourself (with so many other things to do on moving day).
  • Proper cleaning equipment and products will ensure there is nothing to dispute with your landlord.
  • It’s the respectful thing to do for the new residents.
  • It will reduce the stress of not just moving, but also worrying that you’ll lose your deposit.
  • Move-out cleanings also pay it forward for you when you arrive at your new home!

What are the benefits of move-in cleaning services?

Move-in cleaning services are all about peace of mind. You’ll know you’re moving into a clean, safe environment free of all the germs, bacteria, and unthinkable things left behind by the previous residents.

You can concentrate on packing at your old home and then unpacking at your new home, confident that everything is cleaned to your standards. As a result, moving day is all about settling in, adding your own touches to your new home, and enjoying your new space with family and friends.

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning FAQs

Can my landlord actually hold back my deposit just because my apartment is dirty?

Yes, your lease will explain what is expected when you move out, namely, returning the apartment key with the apartment in the same condition as when you moved in. Leases do consider normal wear and tear, but have the expectation that the home will be clean and sanitary for the next tenant.

If everyone has to perform a move-out cleaning, why should I pay for a move-in cleaning?

This is a logical question with a very logical answer. Do you really want to trust that the home was cleaned to your satisfaction? Consider what people might potentially do in each room and what that might leave behind.

Not to be gross, but remember the stories about what inspectors have found in hotel rooms? Well, your home could be just as bad or worse. It’s easy to fake a clean, so you don’t want to take any risks with your health or living with the constant worry of potential “ick” factors every time you bathe, use the bathroom, or prepare a meal!

If I really want to know the home is clean, why not just do it myself?

This is another good question. Let’s put it this way: do you really want to worry about cleaning your new home on top of moving? When exactly would you do it? You likely won’t have time to do it before you move, unless you get the keys early.

Even then, you’ll have so many other things to worry about that you likely won’t get to it. That leaves cleaning to moving day. How tired will you be? How can you inspect the home for dirt if the residence is filled with boxes and all your furniture?

No, we definitely say that although you could try cleaning your new home yourself, you won’t have the time, tools, cleaning products, energy, or desire to do so with everything else you have to worry about!

Contact the Cleaning Experts at Maid4Condos

So, there you have it. Although not drastically different in theory, move-in and move-out cleanings ensure you honour your commitments and give you peace of mind knowing your new home is cleaned to within an inch of its life!

Click here to get a quote on Maid4Condos’ move-in/move-out cleaning in North York packages. For more information, you can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

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