How to price a move-out cleaning
What makes move-outs different
- Everything is inside-out. Cabinets, drawers, closets, inside the fridge and oven, window tracks.
- The standard is someone else's. Tenants are often cleaning for a deposit check, so ask for the landlord's move-out checklist and agree what's included in writing.
- Condition varies hugely. Ask for photos of the kitchen, bathrooms and appliances before you quote.
- Utilities matter. Confirm water and power will be on, and whether you can unplug the fridge.
How to quote it
- Get the detailsBedrooms, bathrooms, rough square footage, appliances included, and photos.
- Estimate hours room by roomUse your own timings from past jobs; add time for inside appliances and cabinets.
- Price it in the calculatorYour supplies for a move-out are usually higher than a standard clean: degreaser, oven cleaner, more cloths.
- Put scope and price in writingList what's included and excluded (for example, walls beyond spot-cleaning, exterior windows). Our estimate template has a section for it.
- Photograph your finished workRoom by room, for your records.
Driving and tax are real costs
The IRS 2026 business mileage rate is 76¢ a mile for driving on or after July 1, 2026, and 72.5¢ before.[1] Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of your net earnings.[2] The calculator includes both. If your state taxes cleaning (Texas taxes cleaning homes[3]), add sales tax on top.
For regular homes, use the main house cleaning price calculator.
Free: the Cleaning Business Starter Kit
A one-page launch checklist and a room-by-room cleaning checklist you can hand to clients. PDF, no signup needed.
Questions people ask
How do I price a move-out cleaning?
Estimate the hours from a walkthrough or photos, then add self-employment tax on your pay, supplies, driving at the IRS rate (76¢ a mile from July 1, 2026[1]), a share of monthly costs and a buffer.
What's included in a move-out clean?
Usually inside cabinets, drawers, closets and appliances, plus everything in a standard clean. Agree the exact list in writing, ideally against the landlord's move-out checklist.