Hand over and move in without worry
Move-in and move-out cleaning
When you move from one flat to another, cleaning is the last thing on your mind among the boxes and appointments — yet it matters a lot for handing back the old flat smoothly and moving into a clean new one. An empty home reveals everything: dust in corners, furniture marks on walls and floors, grease inside kitchen cupboards and limescale in bathrooms.
Cleaning an empty home is easier than any other clean, because every space can be reached. With SaudiCleaning you give the home type, number of rooms and that it’s empty, and your request reaches cleaning companies in your city who contact you with offers.
What cleaning an empty home includes
Inside cupboards
Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom cupboards inside and out — among the first things a landlord or new tenant notices.
Kitchen
Removing grease from walls, cupboards and worktops, cleaning the hood outside, the sink and taps.
Bathrooms
Removing limescale from tiles, grout, taps and mirrors, and cleaning toilets and basins.
Windows and doors
Glass from the inside, frames and tracks, and internal doors and handles.
Walls and switches
Dusting walls, wiping off light marks that can be removed, and cleaning switches.
Floors and balconies
Washing all floors including corners, and sweeping and washing balconies.
What it usually doesn’t include
Cleaning doesn’t replace painting. Deep marks on walls, nail holes and very dirty walls may need repainting, which is a different job. Cleaning also doesn’t include repairs, such as dripping taps or doors that don’t close properly.
If the flat has just been renovated or painted, it needs post-renovation cleaning, because paint and plaster residue need a different method. Read about post-construction and renovation cleaning. Floor polishing is a separate service that can be added — read about floor polishing.
Cleaning doesn’t usually include clearing out belongings or disposing of old furniture; if things will remain in the flat, mention them in your request.
When to clean, and how long it takes
The best time for a move-out clean is after the last piece of furniture has gone and, if possible, a day before handing over the keys, so you can check the result yourself. The best time for a move-in clean is before the furniture arrives, when every space is easy to reach.
How long it takes depends on size, condition and the number of workers. A small empty flat can be done in part of a day; a large empty villa needs a bigger team. Ask the company to estimate the time in its offer, and coordinate it with your handover date.
It helps to walk through the home with the supervisor before the team leaves, and to photograph the result if you’re handing the flat back to a landlord, so you have a record of its condition at handover.
If you rent, read your lease before booking: some leases require the flat to be handed back clean, and some mention specific items such as the kitchen, bathrooms or floors. Make sure the offer you request covers exactly what the lease says, so you don’t need extra cleaning at the last minute or a dispute with the landlord over small things that could easily have been avoided.
How to prepare
- Move furniture and belongings out before the visit, or mention what will stay.
- Make sure water and electricity are on that day — some flats have services disconnected on move-out.
- Check your lease: does the landlord require the flat to be handed back clean, and what exactly does it say?
- Photograph the flat before and after cleaning.
- Agree with the company how keys will be handed over, or who will let the team in.
- Ask the building guard or management about permitted working hours and use of the lift.
Products, equipment and team
Companies usually bring products and equipment — important in empty flats, where you probably won’t leave any. The job needs ladders for high cupboards, products for grease and limescale, and tools for corners and tracks.
You can ask for a female or male team; a male team is often convenient for empty flats, as no family member needs to be present. Remember never to mix cleaning products, and to ventilate the flat during and after the work.
Questions to ask the company
- Does the clean include inside cupboards and balconies?
- Do you bring products, equipment and ladders?
- How long will it take, and can you finish before the handover date?
- Can you work without me there if I give you the key?
- What if the landlord rejects the handover because of an area that wasn’t cleaned — will you come back?
What drives the price?
- The size of the flat or house and the number of rooms and bathrooms.
- Its condition and how long it was lived in.
- Whether inside cupboards, balconies and windows are included.
- Extras: floor polishing, tank cleaning, fitted carpet.
- Timing: month-ends and the start of holidays are busiest.
Read the cleaning cost guide before comparing.
Move-in and move-out cleaning: FAQ
Will cleaning help me get my deposit back?
It helps a lot, but the landlord’s decision depends on the lease and the flat’s condition. Read the move-out cleaning checklist.
Do I need to be there?
Not always — you can give the team the key — but it’s best to check the result before they leave.
Does it include painting?
No. Cleaning removes dirt that can be removed; deep marks and nail holes need repainting.
Can the new flat be cleaned before the furniture arrives?
Yes — that’s the best time, as every space is easy to reach.
Can I add water tank cleaning?
Yes — add it as an extra in the form. Read about water tank cleaning.
When should I book?
A few days ahead, especially at month-end when many people move.
Request move-in or move-out cleaning offers
Give the home type, number of rooms and handover date, and let companies contact you with offers.