Moving in New York City is already one of the most stressful experiences you can go through — tight timelines, expensive movers, and the constant pressure of landlords and new tenants. One thing that can make the process significantly smoother is hiring a professional move in / move out cleaning service. Whether you’re leaving an apartment and need your security deposit back, or you’re moving into a new place and want it truly clean before unpacking, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is Move In / Move Out Cleaning?
Move in / move out cleaning (also called “end of tenancy cleaning”) is a comprehensive, top-to-bottom cleaning service designed for apartments and homes that are being vacated or newly occupied. Unlike a standard cleaning, which focuses on maintaining a space that’s already lived-in, a move in/out cleaning treats every surface, corner, and appliance as if it hasn’t been touched in months — because often, it hasn’t.
This type of cleaning is especially important in New York City, where apartments change hands frequently, landlords have strict expectations, and security deposits can be worth thousands of dollars.
What’s Included in a Move In / Move Out Cleaning?
A professional move in / move out cleaning from DLL Cleaning Services covers every area of the apartment from top to bottom. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s included:
Kitchen
Cleaning the interior and exterior of all appliances (oven, refrigerator, microwave), wiping down all cabinet interiors and exteriors, degreasing the stovetop and hood vent, scrubbing the sink and faucet, cleaning countertops and backsplash, and mopping the floor.
Bathrooms
Scrubbing the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower including grout and tile, cleaning mirrors and glass surfaces, wiping down all fixtures, cleaning cabinet interiors, and disinfecting all surfaces.
Bedrooms & Living Areas
Vacuuming and mopping all floors, wiping down all baseboards and window sills, cleaning inside closets, dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures, cleaning window tracks and frames, and wiping all doors and door frames.
General Throughout
Removing all cobwebs, cleaning all light switches and outlet covers, wiping down walls where needed, and ensuring every room is left in move-in-ready condition.
Move In / Move Out Cleaning Prices in NYC (2026)
Pricing for move in/out cleaning in New York City depends on the size of the apartment and its condition. Here are the standard rates from DLL Cleaning Services:
| Apartment Size | Move In/Out Price | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $299 – $349 | 3 – 4 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $329 – $399 | 3.5 – 4.5 hours |
| 2 Bedrooms | $389 – $469 | 4 – 5 hours |
| 3 Bedrooms | $449 – $549 | 5 – 6 hours |
| 4 Bedrooms | $549 – $699 | 6+ hours |
These prices reflect the full scope of a move in/out cleaning. If the apartment is in particularly poor condition — heavy grease buildup, pet hair throughout, or significant neglect — an additional charge may apply. DLL Cleaning Services will always communicate any adjustments before the cleaning begins.
Popular Add-Ons for Move In / Move Out Cleanings
While most essentials are already included in a move in/out cleaning, some clients choose to add extra services for a truly complete result:
| Add-On | Price |
|---|---|
| Inside the Refrigerator | $35 |
| Inside the Oven | $35 |
| Inside Cabinets | $45 |
| Interior Windows | $45 |
| Laundry (1 load) | $45 |
| Laundry (2 loads) | $75 |
| Balcony / Terrace | $50 |
| Disinfection Treatment | $60 |
| Eco / Green Products | $20 |
Move Out Cleaning: Will It Help You Get Your Security Deposit Back?
In New York City, landlords are legally required to return your security deposit within 14 days of your lease ending — but they can deduct for cleaning costs if the apartment is left in poor condition. A professional move out cleaning is one of the most effective ways to protect your deposit.
DLL Cleaning Services has helped hundreds of NYC tenants leave their apartments in pristine condition, meeting or exceeding landlord expectations. Our cleaners are experienced with the standards that NYC landlords and property managers expect, and we work efficiently to ensure every surface is addressed before your walkthrough.
Pro tip: Schedule your move out cleaning for the day after your furniture is removed. This allows our team to clean every corner, including areas that were previously blocked by furniture.
Move In Cleaning: Why You Should Clean Before Unpacking
Even if a previous tenant cleaned the apartment before leaving, it’s always worth having a professional move in cleaning done before you unpack. You don’t know how long the apartment sat empty, what the previous tenants’ cleaning habits were, or what the building’s common areas may have tracked in.
A move in cleaning gives you complete peace of mind. You’ll know exactly what condition your new home is in, and you’ll be starting fresh in a space that’s been professionally sanitized and cleaned from top to bottom.
DLL Cleaning Services serves all NYC neighborhoods for move in cleanings, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Yonkers, Riverdale, Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem.
How to Book a Move In / Move Out Cleaning in NYC
Booking with DLL Cleaning Services is simple and takes less than two minutes online:
- Visit book.dllcleaningservices.com
- Select “Move In / Move Out” as your cleaning type
- Choose your apartment size and any add-ons
- Pick your date and time
- Enter your address and payment information
- Receive your instant confirmation by email and text
We recommend booking at least 48–72 hours in advance for move in/out cleanings, as they require more time and team coordination than standard cleanings. Same-day availability may be possible for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a move in / move out cleaning take in NYC?
Depending on apartment size, a move in/out cleaning typically takes between 3 and 6+ hours. A studio or 1-bedroom usually takes 3–4 hours, while a 3–4 bedroom apartment can take 5–7 hours or more.
Do I need to be present during the cleaning?
No. Many clients provide key access or a lockbox code and are not present during the cleaning. You’ll receive a notification when the team arrives and when the cleaning is complete.
What if the apartment is in very poor condition?
DLL Cleaning Services handles apartments in all conditions, including heavy grease, pet hair, and long-term neglect. We’ll assess the situation and communicate any additional charges before starting.
Do you clean empty apartments only, or with furniture?
We can clean apartments both with and without furniture. Move in/out cleanings are most thorough when the apartment is empty, but we can work around furniture if needed.
Do you serve all NYC boroughs?
Yes. DLL Cleaning Services serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Yonkers, Riverdale, Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem for move in/out cleanings.
Is DLL Cleaning Services insured?
Yes. DLL Cleaning Services is fully licensed, insured, and bonded. All team members are background-checked and trained professionals.
Moving is hard enough. Let DLL Cleaning Services handle the cleaning so you can focus on settling into your new home — or leaving your old one in perfect condition.
📅 Book your move in / move out cleaning: book.dllcleaningservices.com
📞 Call or text: (866) 955-0192
📧 Email: info@dllcleaningservices.com
DLL Cleaning Services — Licensed, Insured & Background-Checked | Serving NYC Since 2018
Manhattan · Brooklyn · Queens · Yonkers · Riverdale · Washington Heights · Inwood · Harlem
Author Profile
-
I am an entrepreneur and a perfectionist by
nature. After half of my life in the Dominican Republic, I arrived to New York. I learned the industry's groundwork on my own. In 2010 I partnered with a cleaning Business in
New Rochelle, which inspired me to start my own Company. I founded DLL Cleaning.
Services in 2018. Since then, my company has been providing Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn,
Yonkers residents with excellent residential and commercial cleaning services.
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