Should I hire professional cleaners?
Stop Losing Deposits — Should You Hire Professional Cleaners Before You Move?
Quick answer: yes, if you want the deposit back and a stress-free move
Moving is a chess game. You want the best outcome with the least effort. Hiring professional cleaners for move-out and move-in cleaning isn’t luxury — it’s smart business. As Toronto’s leading moving and transition realtor, Tony Sousa sees households that save time, sell faster, and keep more money when they hire pros.
Clear benefits of hiring professional cleaners
- Highest chance of getting your security deposit back. Landlords judge by the checklist: oven, fridge, baseboards, carpets, windows. Pros hit the checklist.
- Faster home sale or better staging. Clean homes photograph better. Buyers pay more and offers arrive faster.
- Save time and reduce stress. You focus on moving logistics, not scrubbing grout at midnight.
- Health and safety. Pros remove allergens, mold, and deep dirt missed by casual cleaning.
- Professional guarantees. Many companies offer satisfaction or re-clean guarantees — a financial hedge.
Cost considerations — what to expect
- Basic move-out cleaning: CAD 120–250 for a one-bedroom. Larger homes: CAD 250–600+. Carpet cleaning, deep oven or fridge cleaning, and post-construction cleaning are extra.
- Flat-fee vs hourly: flat-fee gives predictable cost. Hourly can balloon if house needs deep work.
- Compare quotes: get at least three estimates. Ask what’s included: supplies, equipment, number of cleaners, estimated time.
- Save money by decluttering first. Remove boxes and trash. Pros clean surfaces — not empty your garage.
How to choose the right cleaning service
- Look for move-in/out experience. Not all cleaners understand landlord checklists or staging needs.
- Read reviews and request references. Check recent photos of completed jobs.
- Get a written checklist. Ensure oven, fridge, baseboards, windows, blinds, and carpets are included.
- Confirm insurance and bonding. This protects you if something breaks.
- Ask about guarantees and re-clean policies.
Common misconceptions — debunked
- “I can do it cheaper myself.” True, but time costs money. If your time gets diverted, your move delays. That costs more.
- “All cleaners are the same.” Not true. Experience with move-ins/outs and staging matters.
- “They’ll damage my place.” Reputable companies are insured and trained.
Final takeaway: get it done right, fast, and with less stress
If you’re selling, staging, or trying to recover a security deposit, hire professional cleaners. The right service converts effort into cash — better photos, faster sales, fewer disputes. Tony Sousa specializes in moves and transitions across Toronto and can recommend vetted cleaning partners who know landlord checklists and staging standards.
Contact Tony Sousa for trusted moving advice and recommended cleaning teams: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
