Move-in and move-out cleans are the most intensive service most residential cleaning companies offer. Unlike a recurring clean (or even a deep clean), a move-in/out assumes the home is empty and that every surface — including the ones usually hidden by furniture — needs attention.
What's included
A proper move-out clean in Atlanta should include: full interior cleaning of all cabinets and drawers, interior appliance cleaning (oven, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher), all baseboards, door frames, and switch plates, interior windows and window sills, full bathroom descaling, detailed floor cleaning including corners and behind where furniture stood, and removal of any remaining debris or trash.
Typical pricing
Move-in/move-out cleans run $350–$700 for a typical 3-bedroom Atlanta home, depending on square footage, condition, and add-ons. Our Atlanta pricing guide covers all service tiers. Homes with heavy kitchen grease, pet damage, or long-deferred maintenance will fall at the top of the range or above.
Security deposit strategy
Most Atlanta landlords and property managers include a professional cleaning clause in their leases. A receipt from a reputable company is often the single most effective document you can hand over at move-out — it transfers the burden of proof back to the landlord if they try to claim cleaning fees. Ask your cleaning company for an itemized invoice (our buyer's guide covers what else to ask) that specifically references "move-out cleaning" and lists the scope.
Timing
Book the clean for the day after your movers finish, not the same day. Cleaning around movers is ineffective and usually costs more because the crew has to work around obstacles. For move-in cleans, schedule for the day before you receive furniture deliveries.