Moving into a new house or apartment is an exciting time. But, before you can make the full transition into your new life, you’ve got to make sure that the old house or apartment is ready for resale.

 

Everyone, including renters looking to get their bond back or home owners hoping to get the highest bids for their house, needs a game plan to make sure that now-empty space is clean and ready for the next family to move right in.

 

In this guide, we’re going to share with you all the trade secrets to end of lease cleaning and house cleaning for resale. We’ll even include some price comparisons for the top-rated cleaners in your area.

 

We’ll help you get your former home looking great!

The End of Lease Cleaning That You Can Tackle

There are quite a few things that you can do to make sure that your home is clean and tidy before you move out. It’s a good idea to clean up yourself even if you’re planning on bringing in the professionals at a later stage – the cleaners will thank you and you’ll end up paying less overall.

 

Before we get into the End of Lease Cleaning Checklist, here are a few tips that will make the whole process easier.

Tip #1: Make sure you’re working with a clutter-free space

It doesn’t make much sense to try to clean around your boxes of packed belongings, so make sure that everything is out before you do your deep clean. If you can, move all of your boxes and furniture into the new place before you do your moving out cleaning.

 

Of course, maybe you don’t have the opportunity to move your belongings into your new place early. In that case, you might store some of your items in a storage unit near your new flat for easy access while you get down to the cleaning in your old place.

 

Spacer has plenty of affordable options right in your area where you can store your items for however long you need.

Tip #2: Give yourself plenty of time

You should try to dedicate an entire day for your moving out cleaning. There are a couple of reasons for this. On the one hand, if you plan on moving out your belongings in the morning and then cleaning in the afternoon, you’re going to be tired. It’s no fun to spend a few hours moving heavy boxes and furniture and then trying to find the energy to clean an entire house or flat.

 

The other benefit to giving yourself an entire day for cleaning is that it allows you to take breaks and look at your space with fresh eyes. You’d be surprised at how much dust and dirt you overlook because you’ve been cleaning for too long without a break. So give yourself some time and take it slow.

 

If you absolutely can’t dedicate an entire day to cleaning, you might consider cleaning in the morning and then having an end of lease cleaning service come in for a few hours in the afternoon.

Tip #3: Get the right supplies

There are a few cleaning supplies that you should add to your inventory if you don’t yet have them. Not only will they help you with your end of lease cleaning, but you’ll be glad to have them in your new home, too.

 

If you’re missing anything on this list, make sure you stock up now:

• Sugar soap for the walls

• Degreaser/Oven cleaner

• Glass cleaner – and for a pro tip, use newspaper for a streak-free shine

• Toilet cleaner

• Grout cleaner

• Multi-purpose surface spray  

If possible, make sure to find some eco-friendly cleaning supplies. You can also take matters into your own hands by making your own powerful surface cleaner with vinegar and baking soda. Get the recipe, here.

 

Here are a few of the essential tools you’ll be needing, as well:

• Melamine sponges – you might have also heard these called magic erasers

• Plastic scraping tool

• Variety of sponges and scrubbing brushes

• Plenty of rags and paper towels

• Wet cleaning wipes

• Broom

• Mop

• Bucket

Once you have all of your supplies, you’ll also want something to keep them in, like a portable plastic or metal basket or shower caddy. It will save you time and help you keep your sanity as you clean different parts of the house.

Tip #4: Tackle the job one task at a time, or one room at a time

Typically, there are two ways to tackle a big cleaning job: you can break it down into tasks or you can break it down into separate rooms. It doesn’t really matter which option you choose, so long as you’re not fluttering from room to room, picking up a broom here and wiping down a window there, without much direction. Having a clear goal will help you use your time more efficiently.

 

There are a couple of benefits to cleaning task-by-task. On the one hand, it’s much easier to keep track of cleaning tasks when you do them one at a time – for instance, cleaning all the windows in the house, and then cleaning wiping down all the walls, etc. Your mind is only focused on dusting all of the shelves in the house and then all of the floor runners in the house and then all of the doors, you get the point. You won’t be wondering, later, if you forgot to clean the window in one of the rooms because you cleaned all of the windows at the same time.

 

This is also an option if you tend to get bored of cleaning one room at a time. You won’t be stuck in one room until it’s finished, but rather, you’ll be moving throughout the house. Obviously, if you’re trying to clean a home with many rooms, this wouldn’t be the most time-efficient option for you.

 

One room at a time cleaning is also a good way to tackle your end of lease cleaning. This will allow you to feel more accomplished throughout the process because you’ll be able to see the sparkling finished product more quickly.

 

This is also a good option if you weren’t able to get all of your items out of the home before you started cleaning. Simply shuffle the boxes out of the room that you’re cleaning and then move them back in – possibly on a tarp or something to protect the clean floor – when you’re finished.

Tip #5: Work from the top down

It can be tempting to clean the obvious things first, like the floor, the kitchen countertops, and the bathtub. But you’ll inevitably have to redo those areas the minute you start dusting off ceiling fans, window sills, and other higher up parts of your home.

 

So, when you choose a room to clean, take a moment to look at it vertically. Start at the top and work your way down.

Tip #6: Make safety a priority

You may not think of cleaning as a high risk task, but it’s still important to take certain measures to keep yourself safe.

 

For one, you want to keep your space well ventilated. The risk of breathing in cleaning supplies all day is not worth the price of your bond, trust us. You should also keep in mind that certain cleaning supplies become toxic when they mix, such as vinegar and bleach, or ammonia and bleach, so use those supplies separately.

 

Another way to stay safe is to invest in a sturdy step ladder. Don’t climb on top of your furniture to get those ceiling cobwebs!

 

Finally, get some helpers. You don’t have to bring in a team of your best friends to do all of the cleaning with you – unless you have some really good friends who are willing to help. Instead, this is more about having someone there to help you move heavy furniture out of the way so that you can clean underneath.

 

You’ll want to clean under large items like the refrigerator, beds, and couches, and it’s just not safe to do the heavy lifting alone. So, even if your friends or loved ones can only stop by for a few minutes, that should be enough time for them to help you move those items so that you can do a quick sweep and wipe down underneath. And hey, maybe they’ll be motivated to stay and help – you never know.

 

Now that we’ve shared some cleaning tips with you, it’s time to move onto the end of lease cleaning checklist! It can be helpful to print this list out or keep it as a PDF on your phone so that you can cross out the tasks as you do them. There’s a lot on the list, and it’s easy to forget which tasks you’ve completed.

 

Also, make sure to add or cross of the tasks that don’t apply to your specific home. You may think you’ll remember to clean that alcove in the bedroom, but you should add it to the list just in case.

The End of Lease Cleaning Checklist

Interior – Bedrooms and Living Areas:

• Ceiling fans

• Cobwebs on the ceilings

• Light fixtures – you should also replace non-working bulbs

• Tops of shelving units and windowsills

• Windows and mirrors

• Blinds or other window coverings

• Fly screens

• Shelves, tables, and other surfaces

• Wall scuffs and marks

• Light switches

• Powerpoint coverings (you may want to take them off and clean them separately)

• Skirting Board

• Doors: scuffs and marks, handles, hinges, and door jambs (if you have a sliding door, clean the tracks, too)

• Floors: vacuuming, sweeping, wood floor cleaning; you might steam clean the carpets yourself with a rented steam cleaner or call in a professional

Bathrooms:

• Ceiling fan or vent

• Light fixtures

• Mirrors

• Ledges and shelves

• Walls: clean shower tiles with grout cleaner

• Shower head and taps

• Vanity, basin, and faucets

• All storage units, inside and out

• Toilet: including the base and the hard-to-reach floor behind

• Door: scuffs and marks, handles, hinges, and door jambs

Kitchen:

• Vents and fans

• Light fixtures

• Top of shelving and cabinets

• Top of refrigerator

• Window sills and windows

• Hanging or floating cabinets: doors, hinges, interior shelving

• Range hood: get a good degreaser for the range hood and make sure to get up inside it

• Backsplash and walls

• Stovetop

• Oven

• Lower cabinets: doors, hinges, interior shelving

• Floors: make sure to get under and behind the fridge and as far under the lower cabinets as possible, if you have tile flooring, get a good grout cleaner

• Refrigerator – if you’ll be leaving it, it needs to be cleaned inside and out

• Other appliances that will stay – clean inside and out

• Pantry

Exterior – Balcony and Entryway:

• Windows and Doors

• Screens

• For balconies, clean any railing

• If there are plants, make sure pots are dusted and wiped down, clean any standing water

• Sweep floors

Garage or outdoor sheds:

• Cobwebs on the ceiling

• Windows and sills

• Shelving

• Doors: If there’s a large garage door, take a broom to dust the parts on the ceiling

• Floors: sweep and clean

Lawn and garden:

You don’t have to renovate the entire garden before you go, but it’s a good idea to clear out dead debris and keep the lawn looking nice. If you have a pet, also make sure to clear away any potty break messes and keep an eye out for dog toys.

 

If you have stepping stones or a patio area in the yard, keep these surfaces swept and hosed down.

Pool, spa, barbeque area:

You might not be using these spaces anymore, but they should look inviting and ready for use for the next family. Make sure barbeques are clean, and perhaps covered.

Basic Repairs to Get Back the Bond

Cleaning is just one part of getting your bond back before you hand over the keys to the landlord. Here are a few other quick fixes that will ensure you get your money back:

• Remove all nails in the wall and fill with putty

• Grease all door hinges

• Screw all knobs on cabinets tightly

• Replace any non-working light bulbs

• Take care of any damages you might have made during your stay  

The important thing is to look carefully through the apartment before the official inspection so that you can spot any damages and get them taken care of. You’ll pay less to fix many things on your own than you would out of your bond.

Some Extra Steps for House Resale

If you’re putting your house on the market for sale, there are a few extra steps that you might consider to make sure your home is swept up by a new family fast. Ideally, you’ll start doing these fix-ups and repairs a few weeks before you put your house on the market, because some of them are a bit time-intensive.

• Update the light fixtures – this is an easy, affordable fix that will instantly upgrade your place

• While you’re at it, get a higher wattage for the bulbs to brighten up the place

• Repaint and get rid of wallpaper

• Update the window coverings by replacing old, worn-out blinds with light curtains that allow lots of natural light in

• Fix any peeling laminate on the floors or surfaces

• Pay attention to the grout details in the kitchen and bathroom and re-caulk if necessary

• Take a look at the floors – if the carpet is worn and dingy, it’s probably going to turn potential buyers away. You might want to replace the flooring before you go

• Repaint the front door – if you don’t have the money to paint the entire exterior of your home, you can still make a good first impression by sprucing up the front door paint

Bring in the Professionals: End of lease cleaning in your area

Alright, you’ve done a lot on your end to get your home ready for resale or re-rental. Now, it’s time to bring in the professionals to finish the job. Luckily, in most major cities across Australia, there are plenty of end of lease cleaning service to choose from.

 

As you start your search for a bond cleaner, it’s important to read current reviews and reach out to the company before you book. It can be hard to know which cleaning company will end up being your best option, so here are a few questions to ask each company that will give you a good sense of their quality:

Question One: Are you insured?

It’s hugely important that you go with a company that is fully insured. Cleaning can sometimes be a precarious business, and you don’t want to be footed with the bill for any injuries or broken items.

Question Two: Do you offer a bond back guarantee?

It’s pretty much useless to hire a company that is going to leave you hanging when it comes to getting your bond back. With a bond back guarantee, you can be sure that the company will take their responsibility seriously and that you won’t have to fight for your bond.

Question Three: Can you give me a quote?

The companies listed here have all been well-reviewed online, but you should still call to get a quote for your specific flat or house.

 

Unfortunately, we can’t tell you exactly how much you’re going to pay for end of lease cleaning. That’s going to depend on the size of your home, how much cleaning you’ve done on your own, and which region of Australia you’re in. But, we can share with you some national averages that will give you a good sense of what’s reasonable for end of lease cleaning:

• Studio, one bedroom, one bathroom – between $200 and $300

• Two bedroom, one or two bathrooms – $300 to $400

• Three bedrooms or more – $450 and up

When asking about pricing, it’s helpful to ask whether the company charges by the hour or a flat rate. You should ask for a full list of services. You might also ask if they include carpet cleaning, as that is often an additional price that you’ll have to factor into your bill.

 

Once you have the details ironed out, have the company send you a quote via email so that there are no arguments later on about pricing.

Question Four: Are you based in my area or do you exist in other regions?

Alright, this isn’t a question that you actually have to ask on the phone – you can easily look it up on your own. But it’s a question you want to ask yourself as you look for a bond cleaning service.

 

Dealing with a national company has its perks. You’ll likely get consistent, high quality service for an affordable price. Known names are generally reliable, and they often have a support net in place to deal with complaints or errors.

 

On the other hand, choosing a local business can also be the right choice. Family owned businesses often work hard to maintain a good reputation and will make you feel taken care of. They may also be more available for last-minute jobs.

 

At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to talk to both national cleaning companies and local ones to get a good sense of which option is best for you

Let’s get to the search for an end of lease cleaning service

And now, here’s a breakdown of the most popular and reliable end of lease cleaning professionals in your area:

Companies that operate in multiple cities:

Urban You

This is a great professional cleaning service that operates out of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth. They offer next-day end of lease cleaning and they guarantee that they’ll get you your bond back.

 

Their end of lease cleaning checklist includes everything from dusting the air vents to cleaning the inside of the oven to cleaning and sanitizing the entire bathroom and more.

 

Their cleaners generally charge $35 per hour, but you can give them a call to ask about their specific end of lease cleaning fees. They’ll give you a quote before they step foot in the door so that you’re not blindsided by the price later on.

 

Urban You has a high rating across different websites, with a 4.4 star rating on Product Review.

Austral Cleaning

Austral Cleaning has been offering end of lease cleaning services for the past 12 years. They operate in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Toowoomba and Melbourne. They offer a 100% bond back guarantee and they pride themselves on their use of environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies.

 

No matter what city you’re in, Austral Cleaning will likely be one of the cheaper options. They offer cleaning for a studio apartment for just $149, and that will get you about 3 hours of cleaning.

 

Keep in mind that the ratings for Austral Cleaning aren’t quite as high as Urban You. They have a 3.3 star rating on Facebook, and a 4 star rating on Houzz. Most reviews say that the cleaners with Austral Cleaning are professional and friendly, while negative reviews pointed to tardiness, or confusion about the prices.  

Superior Bond Cleaning

Superior Bond Cleaning is a company with over 20 years of experience, and they cover Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. These cleaners offer all interior cleaning services you might need – windows, ceiling fans, range hoods, toilets, and more.

 

They’re highly rated – with 4 stars on True Local – and they offer a bond return guarantee. Give them a call for a free quote.

End of lease cleaning Sydney

It’s not often that a cleaning business has a 5 star rating on Google, but this Sydney owned and operated business has done it. They’ve been servicing Sydney for the last 10 years and offer a bond back guarantee.

 

You can call End of Lease Cleaning Sydney for a quote for moving out cleaning in the following areas of Sydney:

• CBD

• North Sydney

• Sydney City

• Eastern Suburbs

• Newtown

• Inner West

They pride themselves on being the most affordable end of lease cleaning service available in Sydney, so give them a call to get your quote.

Parker Cleaning

Based in Campsie, this cleaning service has a 4.5 star rating on Oneflare and and a 4.8 star rating on Google. Their clients consistently rate them highly because of their punctuality, attention to detail and competitive prices. One of the very rare negative reviews stated that their cleaners never showed up due to high demand.

 

Parker Cleaning offer moving out cleaning starting at $150, which will cover kitchens, bedrooms, carpets (including steam cleaning), balcony, walls, and bathrooms. They’ll offer a free quote so that you can know exactly how much you’ll pay for a great end of lease cleaning.  

Merit Cleaning

Merit Cleaning states on their website that they are fully committed to good communication, professionalism and the kind of deep clean necessary for end of lease cleaning. One of the unique features of Merit Cleaning is that you can customize the cleaning checklist so that you’re not paying for cleaning that you don’t want.

 

They also make security a high priority, and make sure to provide all equipment and cleaning supplies they need to make your home shine.

 

Merit Cleaning doesn’t list their prices on their website, but offer free quotes.

Fantastic Cleaners Sydney

Fantastic Cleaners offer a starting rate of $242 for end of lease cleaning in Sydney. They’re also available on short notice and offer free re-cleaning if things aren’t up to your landlord’s standards within 72 hours. They also offer a bond back guarantee.

 

The prices for Fantastic Cleaners isn’t hourly, and there’s not time timit, so you can be sure that they’ll stay until the job is done. It’s important to note that their base prices don’t include ceiling cleaning or steam cleaning, but you can easily add them to the package.

 

Fantastic Cleaners have 3.7 stars on Google, and most customers would recommend them or reuse their services in the future. Many customers pointed to the friendly attitudes of the cleaners.  

 

The negative pointed to some lack of communication and some slow service.

End of lease cleaning Melbourne

This company specialises in end of lease cleaning or moving out cleaning which will give you the confidence to know they’ll get your bond back. They also offer same day services in the disastrous event that your other end of lease cleaner backs out at the last minute.

 

They have a 4.9 star rating on Google, with customers stating that the service was quick and professional. One reviewer even said that they had no expectation of getting their bond back, but End of Lease Cleaning Service Melbourne was able to get them their bond after all.

Maid to Clean

This cleaning service is located in Brunswick East, but they also service Melbourne, Brunswick, Northcote, St Kilda, Brighton, and Bentleigh. Most of their clientele rely on them for regular house cleaning, but they have great packages for moving out cleaning, as well.

 

A typical full house service for a one bedroom apartment costs $129, plus $80 for the moving out cleaning process. This includes cobweb removals, deodorising, vacuuming, mopping, and full cleaning in the bathrooms and kitchen.  

 

Maid to Clean has 4.9 stars on Google, and in addition to a superior end of lease cleaning job, they’ve also pleased their guests with an easy booking system and good communication.

Singhz End of Lease Cleaning

Signhz Cleaning is a reliable, well-rated option for the neighborhoods of Bayswater, Bentleigh, Camberwell, Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Dandenong, and Docklands. They have a 4.9 star rating on Google, and have been top-rated by Home Improvement 2 Day for two years in a row.

 

They offer a wide range of services, including the standard dusting, sanitizing, and wiping down windows, but they also offer garden care and carpet cleaning to make your home really stand out.

 

You can get a quote for prices within 2 hours of making a request, and customers frequently state that they appreciate the affordable prices.

Melbourne Vacate & Carpet Cleaning

This cleaning service has been used and reviewed more times than most of the other cleaning companies that you can find online. They have a 4.7 star rating on Google, and a 5 star rating on True Local.

 

They offer carpet steam cleaning along with all of the other basics for a thorough end of lease cleaning. All of their products are environmentally friendly, and they pride themselves on being a family-owned business. They even donate a percentage of their earnings to the Cancer Council of Victoria.

 

Melbourne Vacate & Carpet Cleaning offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, although it seems that customers rarely have any complaints. In fact, the only negative complaints they’ve received have been from a number of years ago, involving confusions about cost or arranging schedules.

Mr Guru Canberra Expert Group

One thing we love about Mr. Guru Expert Group is that it is very easy to get an online quote. On their website, you can fill out their simple survey and get an instant quote with no waiting.

They offer end of lease cleaning starting at $290 and they also offer basic carpet cleaning (no stain removal) free of charge. One thing to keep in mind about their prices is that you will pay extra if all of your furniture is still in place, so make sure that you arrange for the end of lease cleaning once you’ve fully moved out of your home.

 

They have a 5 star rating on Google and ServiceSeeking, and a 4.3 rating on Facebook. Some of their good reviews pointed to their timeliness on arrival and quality cleaning service.

Blue Cleaning Group

This end of lease cleaning company was recommended by RiotACT as being one of the best in Canberra. They also have a 4.8 star rating on Facebook and a 4.7 star rating on Google.

 

Blue Cleaning Group offers clear pricing and a list of their services right on their website so that you know what you’ll get when you book end of lease cleaning with them. Their end of lease cleaning packages start at $295 for a one bedroom, one bath, and you can also add carpet steam cleaning.

 

This cleaning service is also one of the few that gives you the option of a fixed price end of lease cleaning package or an hourly rate. The latter is a good option for anyone who has already done much of the cleaning themselves and just needs a professional touch up to guarantee a bond return.

 

Blue Cleaning Group will come out to your house for next day service, and they’ll also rectify any issues so that you will have no problem getting your bond back.

Mint Cleaning Group

This is a cleaning company that regularly makes the list for best cleaning services in Canberra. They have a 4.8 star rating on Google, and their customers only have good things to say about the quality of their work.

 

For end of lease cleaning, they offer all the basics – polishing of taps, rangehood cleaning, detailing for doors and cabinets – and you can add on some of the necessary extras, like carpet steaming and fridge cleaning.

 

This is a high-quality cleaning service, and some customers say that comes with a higher price. They do not list prices on their website, so make sure to contact Mint Cleaning Group to get your quote.

Fixed Price Cleaning

One of the main benefits of going with Fixed Price Cleaning – other than, of course, the quality cleaning service – is that you know exactly what you’ll pay for before you book. Their prices are all laid out clearly on their website, along with their end of lease cleaning checklist.

 

End of lease cleaning for a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment with Fixed Price Cleaning will start out at $399, and that price includes dusting of cornices, vacuuming and mopping, door detailing, range hoods in the kitchen, appliances, and more. We love, also, that Fixed Price Cleaning clearly states the extra charge for very dirty, or very, very dirty end of lease cleaning jobs. Everything you get with this company is clear and to-the-point.

 

Fixed Price Cleaning has a 4.3 star rating on Google, and they’ve been well-reviewed by RiotACT.

Finding the right end of lease cleaning service

We’ve shared some of the biggest names in house cleaning for a variety of different regions, but we could go on and on about potential end of lease cleaning companies! Make sure that you take the time to talk to moving out cleaning companies to get a sense of whether they’ll be a good fit for your home.

 

And, again, here are just a couple of things to keep in mind while you search for the best end of lease cleaning service:

• They should offer a 100% bond back guarantee

• They should be fully insured

• They should offer to come back within 72 hours if you’re not completely happy with their cleaning

• They should be willing to provide you with a written quote that remains valid until your booking date

• They are transparent about any additional costs you may face

Here are a few more extra things to look out for if you’re on the fence about which end of lease cleaning service to choose:

• They use eco-friendly supplies and updated equipment

• They have good reviews

• They have professional and friendly responses to any bad reviews

• They are friendly and polite with you (think of it this way – if they’re less than absolutely wonderful to you now, you’ll dread dealing with them in the case of any disagreements later on)

Getting Your Home Sale Ready

We’ve talked about everything from how to clear out your home, clean it, fix it up, and bring in the professionals for the finishing touches. You’re now ready to hang over the keys and let that house or apartment become a home for the next family!

 

If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it around! Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra or beyond, all of us can use a little bit of advice when it comes to house cleaning and getting that home sale ready.