Finding a move out cleaning service in Auckland can be a daunting task. From whom to hire to how much they charge and how long it’ll take, the questions are endless!

So to help make the process easier, we’ve come up with the 7 most important questions you need to ask before hiring a move out cleaning service. 

1. Why do I need a move out clean?

When tenants vacate rental properties, they must hand over the property in the same condition they received it – meaning the home is clean and disinfected before the arrival of new renters. 

Suppose, during the final inspection your landlord finds that the home isn’t in good condition – it could hurt your chances of getting your bond back in full. 

You’d also lose the opportunity to list your landlord as a reference for any future leases. 

2. How much does a move out cleaning cost?

Usually, this is the most common question people ask. However, when deciding if it’s worth it, don’t simply look at the price; look at the services offered too.

A move out cleaning in Auckland can cost anywhere between NZ$180 – 300 for a standard 2-bedroom home. 

Many companies offer low prices to entice customers but only provide a basic clean for one bedroom, living room, and bathroom, charging customers extra for each additional room or service. 

An important factor affecting price is the condition and cleanliness of the property. 

So, ensure that you compare checklists offered by each company and make sure the services you need are covered – or can be added on, like a carpet cleaning. 

Carpet cleanings are a popular additional service, with prices in Auckland starting from an estimated NZ$100 for a one-bedroom home (increasing according to how much carpet is present). 

A move out cleaning service at NexDo starts from NZ$249 and is customised according to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms present.

3. What does a move out clean include?

Right before you move out, your property manager or landlord will do a final walkthrough and inspect your home. So you must ensure that you take care of every nook and cranny of your home. 

1. Ceilings and Walls

Tenants often overlook the ceilings and walls though these areas are some of the most important. 

Your landlord will look for wall marks, peeling paint or wallpaper, and cracks. 

2. Windows, Blinds, Sliding Doors

We can guarantee that your landlords will look to make sure that all windows are clean and intact. They will also check to see that the windows open, close and lock smoothly. 

3. Carpeting and Flooring

They will check that all carpets are free of stains and marks. 

4. Furniture and Mirrors

If there were furniture included as a part of your lease agreement, these items would also be checked for damage.

5. Electrical power

Ensure that all electrical connections are working, including plug sockets, ceiling and exhaust fans, light switches and even the circuit breaker too!

6. Water

Landlords may test and inspect water fixtures, tapware, toilets, baths, showers, and toilet bowls. 

Make sure that all pipes and faucets are free of damage and leaks.

7. Household Appliances 

Give all appliances that came with a property a once-over before your landlord inspects them. Make sure they are clean and in good working condition.

8. Cleaning

By the final inspection, all rooms should be clean and free of dust, stains, and dirt. Clean and empty cabinets are required. Wipe down the walls, ceilings, flooring, etc.

9. Outdoor Cleaning

Grassy areas should be well-maintained when handing over to your landlord. Since outdoor areas accumulate mould and mildew throughout the year, check that your outdoor decks, stairs, driveways, etc., are free of mould and grime.

4. How much time does a professional cleaning take?

You can choose to clean it yourself – or hire a professional service to do it for you. 

If you want to clean your home by yourself, it should roughly take you 4-5 hours to clean a one-bedroom house – provided you use a real estate standard checklist to make sure you’re cleaning it properly. 

On the other hand, professional cleaning services can complete the move out cleaning in a significantly shorter amount of time – and they’ll help reduce your stress too!

5. Do I have to clean my oven when I move out?

The short answer? It depends.

If you use your oven a lot, then yes, you will require an oven cleaning. However, if you’ve rarely used it, you can simply clean up any food stains and wipe your oven down with a disinfectant.

6. Is there a cleaning checklist when moving?

Moving is a complex, time-consuming task. Most professional services use a checklist. 

At NexDo, we follow a real estate standard checklist that includes the cleaning of:

  • All high-touch surface areas, including a thorough vacuuming and mopping of all floors, cleaning all glass and wooden windows and doors.
  • Windows, sills & skirting boards.
  • Ceilings and ceiling lights, including cobwebs removal.
  • Residual appliances, light fixtures, and power points.
  • Bins, including sanitisation. 
  • All cupboards, wardrobes, and cabinets inside-out.
  • Stovetop burners, hobs and the range hood.
  • Backsplash and countertops.
  • Dishwasher inside-out.
  • All tapware
  • All benches and vanities.
  • Bathroom and laundry room tiles, including mould removal (within reason).
  • Shower, shower screens, bathtubs, toilets and drains. 
  • All mirrors

Also, keep in mind that there are two types of move-out cleaning services, 

  • Regular

Book a regular move out clean if your house is regularly maintained and cleaned.

  • Intense

If your house has not been professionally cleaned for more than a year, then an intense move out clean is required. The cleaning intensity is higher in these cases due to more spots and areas to cover. 

7. Is there a bond-back guarantee?

One of the reasons your bond may be held up may be due to (in some part) an improper cleaning.

Some cleaning services may not offer a bond-back guarantee; however, we guarantee that our real estate standard checklist is followed for moving out or moving in clean.