How to Book a Deep Clean Before Moving Out of Your Apartment

1. 01

   Step 1: Check your lease and take photos

   

   Before you book anything, pull out your lease and read the cleaning requirements. Some leases require professional cleaning with a receipt; others just say "clean condition." Look for phrases like "broom clean," "move-in condition," or "professionally cleaned."

   Walk through your apartment and take photos of every room, especially stains, scuffs, or damage you didn't cause. Compare these to your move-in photos if you have them. Note what's normal wear and what needs extra attention—burnt stove drip pans, soap scum in the shower, carpet stains, window tracks full of dirt. This list becomes your cleaning checklist and protects you if your landlord disputes the condition later.

2. 02

   Step 2: Decide what kind of clean you need

   

   Move-out cleaning comes in three levels. Basic deep clean ($150–$250 for a one-bedroom) covers floors, bathrooms, kitchen appliances, windows, and baseboards—enough for most apartments in decent shape. Heavy-duty clean ($250–$400) adds degreasing the oven and stovetop, scrubbing grout, removing hard water stains, and wiping down inside cabinets and the refrigerator. Damage repair clean ($400+) tackles serious issues like pet odors, nicotine stains, or years of neglect.

   Most renters need a basic or heavy-duty clean. If you've lived there under two years and cleaned regularly, basic is fine. Longer tenancy or visible grime? Go heavy-duty. Prices vary by city—expect to pay more in metro areas and less in smaller towns.

3. 03

   Step 3: Search for local cleaning pros

   

   Open Lumo, tap the Customer mode on the welcome screen, then look for cleaning under services. You can also search online for "move-out cleaning [your city]" or ask neighbors for recommendations.

   When browsing pros, check their ratings, number of completed jobs, and reviews. Look for comments about move-out cleans specifically—some cleaners specialize in them and know exactly what landlords inspect. Read recent reviews (last three months) for patterns: do they show up on time? Do they bring their own supplies? Do they communicate well?

   Make a shortlist of three to five pros with at least 4.5 stars and ten or more reviews. Avoid brand-new accounts with zero history unless someone you trust referred them.

4. 04

   Step 4: Message pros with your details

   

   Use Lumo's in-app messaging to contact your shortlist. Include:

   • Apartment size (square feet or number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
   • Move-out date and your preferred cleaning date
   • Specific needs: oven, fridge interior, windows, baseboards, carpet stains
   • Whether you need a receipt for your landlord
   • Access details (will you be there? is the apartment empty?)

   Pros usually reply within a few hours with a price quote. Compare not just price but also what's included—some quotes cover supplies, others don't. Ask if they've done move-out cleans before and if they guarantee landlord approval or offer to fix anything the landlord flags. Good pros will ask clarifying questions; one-word answers are a red flag.

5. 05

   Step 5: Book the job and confirm the plan

   

   Once you've picked a pro, agree on the date, time, and final price in the app. Book at least three to five days before your move-out inspection if possible—this gives you time to check the work and call them back if your landlord finds issues.

   Confirm the scope one more time: which rooms, which tasks, who supplies cleaning products. If you're having the carpets professionally cleaned separately, tell them so they don't move furniture around. Decide whether you'll be there—most pros prefer an empty apartment and a key or lockbox code so they can work uninterrupted.

   Lumo lets you pay securely by card in the app. You'll see the final price before you confirm, and you can tip after the job if you're happy with the work.

6. 06

   Step 6: Walk through and approve the work

   

   As soon as the pro finishes, walk through the apartment with your checklist. Open cabinets, check behind the toilet, run your finger along baseboards, look at light fixtures and window sills. Most pros do excellent work, but it's easier to fix a missed spot now than after they've left.

   If something's not right—say the oven racks are still greasy—point it out politely. Professional cleaners will fix it on the spot. Take after photos of every room just like you did before, especially areas your landlord will inspect closely: kitchen, bathrooms, floors.

   Once you're satisfied, approve the job in the app. If the cleaner did great work, leave a tip (10%, 15%, or 20%—it all goes to them) and a detailed review to help the next person.

7. 07

   Step 7: Get your receipt and follow up if needed

   

   If your lease requires proof of professional cleaning, ask the pro for a receipt with their business name, the date, and the service performed. Most will email or text one; some provide it automatically.

   Schedule your move-out walk-through with your landlord as soon as the cleaning is done. Bring your after photos and receipt. If your landlord points out something the cleaner missed, contact the pro immediately—many guarantee their work for 24–48 hours and will come back for touch-ups.

   Keep all your photos, the receipt, and any messages with the cleaner until you get your security deposit back. If your landlord still deducts cleaning fees, you have documentation to dispute it. Most state laws require itemized deductions, and a professional cleaning receipt is strong evidence you left the place clean.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.