Move-in & move-out cleaning service scope · All job topics
What this job is trying to solve
Cleaning before furniture arrives gives access to floor edges, empty storage and surfaces that will soon be obstructed. The task should be based on the actual condition received from the previous occupant, rather than an assumption that a newly purchased or rented suite is already clean. Optional appliance and cupboard interiors need to be named explicitly before the appointment.
Inspect after possession where practical and identify the areas the new household wants completed before unpacking. Ask about recent painting, lingering belongings, appliance contents and any property-manager repair work. Photos should show the condition on receipt. Separate ordinary dust and food residue from damage, pest evidence or renovation deposits that need a different service assessment.
Choose the right extent of work
Compare move-in proposals with the same timing, empty condition and interior-task list. A pre-furniture clean can reach more floor than a later occupied visit, but it may involve neglected cupboards or appliances. Ask which completion records are included and what happens if keys are delayed. The meaning of move-in should be written as tasks, not left as a label.
Move-in cleaning excludes property inspection, pest clearance, construction cleanup, repair work and certification that a suite is free from contamination. Unknown dust after renovation, active leaks or pest evidence require separate advice before ordinary cleaning proceeds. Items left behind are not automatically rubbish, and the cleaner should not discard them without the responsible person’s explicit direction.
How the work is organized
Record the received condition, address agreed empty cupboards and appliance interiors first, and work through bathroom and kitchen surfaces before final floors. Review the areas that will become hidden behind furniture. Provide owner-authorised completion photos where arranged, then leave cupboards dry and the route clear for the scheduled move without claiming to certify the property’s condition.
Coordinate concierge permission, key collection, elevator bookings and delivery timing so the suite stays available long enough to finish. Empty rooms still contain fixed appliances and high glazing that may not be reachable. Define balcony access separately. The cleaner should have a clear lock-up plan if the new occupant cannot attend the final review in person.
A useful first enquiry
- Received suite before furniture delivery
- Empty cupboards and appliance condition
- Recent paint or floor installation information
Use the preparation guide to plan the space, and the written-scope guide to compare the proposed work.
Planning example
A new occupant has one day between receiving keys and furniture delivery. The listing pictures look tidy, but possession photographs reveal crumbs inside cupboards and a dirty refrigerator shelf. The planning decision is to assess that received condition and prioritise storage and appliances before unpacking. Empty floor access is useful, but it does not mean the whole suite needs the same effort in every room.
Downtown Toronto context
A home near Union Station or CityPlace may have separate lobby and loading entrances. Include the actual service route, postal code and any building permissions. See the downtown focus perimeter and GTA enquiry guide before requesting a date.