Move-In Cleaning: What’s Included and How Much Should It Cost?
Introduction: A Fresh Start Begins With a Clean Home
Moving into a new home should feel exciting — a fresh start, a new chapter, and a clean environment to settle into.
But the reality is that many rental properties and even “freshly cleaned” homes aren’t as spotless as you expect. Hidden grime, dusty cupboards, stained showers, sticky kitchen surfaces, and neglected corners can turn what should be a happy move-in day into a frustrating one.
That’s why move-in cleaning has become one of the most popular cleaning services in Australia. It ensures your new home is hygienic, fresh, and truly ready for you or your family before your furniture arrives.
This guide explains everything you need to know:
✔ what’s included in move-in cleaning
✔ how much it costs
✔ how to compare quotes
✔ when to consider professional help
✔ how to avoid overpaying
1. What Exactly Is Move-In Cleaning?
Move-in cleaning is a deep cleaning service designed specifically for homes before you settle into them.
It’s more detailed than a regular clean but slightly less intense than an end-of-lease clean.
Nobody wants to move into a home with:
- Someone else’s dust
- Hair in the bathroom
- Smudged cupboards
- Old food stains
- Sticky pantry shelves
- Dirty toilets
- Grimy sinks
- Pet smells
- Fingerprints everywhere
Move-in cleaners make sure your home is completely sanitised and ready for immediate use.
2. What’s Included in a Proper Move-In Clean?
Move-in cleaning is extremely thorough. While inclusions vary between cleaners, here’s what most professional companies cover:
✔ Kitchen
- Deep clean of benchtops
- Scrubbing cooktop
- Cleaning backsplash
- Degreasing rangehood exterior
- Cleaning inside all cupboards and drawers
- Wiping pantry shelves
- Cleaning sink and tap
- Polishing stainless steel
- Oven cleaning (optional or included depending on quote)
✔ Bathrooms
- Sanitising toilet
- Deep clean of shower and screen
- Scrubbing tiles and grout
- Cleaning mirrors
- Wiping cupboards inside/outside
- Polishing taps and fixtures
- Removing soap scum
- Deodorising
✔ Bedrooms & Living Areas
- Vacuuming and mopping
- Cleaning window sills and tracks
- Dusting ceiling fans
- Wiping wardrobes inside/out
- Cleaning skirting boards
- Removing cobwebs
- Wiping light switches
- Cleaning doors and door handles
✔ Whole Home Extras
Some cleaners may include or charge extra for:
- Blind cleaning
- Spot cleaning walls
- Outside balcony cleaning
- Air vent cleaning
- Carpet steam cleaning
- Deodorising
- Pet odour removal
Ask for a full checklist so your expectations match theirs.
3. How Much Does Move-In Cleaning Cost in Australia (2025)?
Move-in cleaning costs vary depending on home size, condition, and inclusions.
Here are realistic price ranges:
Apartments
- 1 bedroom: $180–$260
- 2 bedroom: $220–$330
- 3 bedroom: $270–$400
Houses
- 3 bedroom: $300–$450
- 4 bedroom: $380–$550
- 5 bedroom: $450–$700+
Optional Extras
- Oven cleaning: $60–$120
- Carpet steam clean: $30–$55 per room
- Balcony or patio: $30–$80
- Full wall clean: $40–$120
- Blinds: $10–$25 each
Why prices vary:
- Some homes look “clean” but haven’t been deep cleaned in years
- Larger homes take longer
- Kitchens and bathrooms may require more work
- High-rise apartments may need special access/time
Move-in cleaning is worth every cent when you’re starting fresh.
4. Why Move-In Cleaning Costs More Than a Regular Clean
Many Australians wonder why move-in cleaning costs more than standard weekly cleaning.
Here’s why:
It’s more detailed.
Inside cupboards, drawers, wardrobes and appliances are all cleaned.
It takes longer.
A regular clean might take 1–2 hours.
A move-in clean can take 3–8 hours depending on size.
It requires more product and equipment.
It resets the entire home.
Once the move-in clean is done, maintaining it becomes easy.
5. How to Compare Move-In Cleaning Quotes
To avoid overpaying, always compare 3–5 quotes.
When comparing, focus on:
✔ What’s included?
Cupboards? Oven? Window tracks?
✔ Is the price flat-rate or hourly?
Flat-rate is better for move-in cleaning.
✔ Do they bring products and equipment?
They should.
✔ Do they have reviews and an ABN?
✔ Are there hidden extras?
✔ Do they offer carpet cleaning as a bundle?
A cheaper quote may exclude essential items — making the “expensive” cleaner better value.
6. Should You Clean Before or After Movers Arrive?
Always book the move-in clean before the furniture arrives.
Why?
- Cleaners can access every corner
- No furniture blocking cupboards
- No carpet damage during cleaning
- You move into a fresh home immediately
Trying to clean around furniture doubles the time — and cost.
7. When Is Professional Move-In Cleaning Worth It?
You should definitely hire a move-in cleaner if:
✔ the home hasn’t been professionally cleaned in years
✔ you’re sensitive to dust or allergens
✔ you’re moving with kids or pets
✔ you want a hygienic start
✔ the kitchen or bathroom looks old or grimy
✔ you don’t have time or energy to deep clean
✔ the property was previously a rental
A professional move-in clean makes your new home feel like new, even if it’s not.
8. A Quick DIY Move-In Cleaning Checklist
If you want to do it yourself or reduce the professional cost, start with these tasks:
Do-it-yourself essentials:
✔ Vacuum and mop everywhere
✔ Clean fridge & pantry shelves
✔ Clean inside cupboards
✔ Wipe ceiling fans
✔ Scrub shower, toilet & sink
✔ Remove dust behind appliances
✔ Clean window sills
✔ Wipe skirting boards
✔ Wash door handles and switches
This will reduce workload for cleaners and lower the final cost.
Final Thoughts
Move-in cleaning is one of the most valuable cleaning services you can book in Australia. It ensures your new home is sanitised, fresh, and ready for living from day one — instead of spending your first night scrubbing old grime from cupboards and bathrooms.
With realistic pricing and a clear understanding of what’s included, you can compare quotes easily and choose a cleaner who offers great value.
A proper move-in clean isn’t just a one-off job — it sets the foundation for a cleaner, healthier home for months to come.
