Getting someone in to do a deep clean before moving

[SheWouldNever]

People who have got a cleaner in to make sure your home is clean for the new owners, talk me through how / when you did this? We are anticipating a house full of boxes and removal men up until the last minute on completion day - how would we schedule in a deep clean or is it just not really practical and should we just do a quick clean of each room ourselves once the movers are done in there?

[MrsTWH]

We just did this last week. Our removals men finished upstairs by 11, the cleaners then came and started upstairs. Removals men finished downstairs by 12, cleaners did downstairs. Cleaners finished at 1:30pm just as our buyers pulled up with their removals!
So it just worked...

[LittleOverwhelmed]

We always have done this, but we have always had an overlap (ie rented into bought, completed on a purchase just before completing on a sale (then sold and transferred money into mortgage), sold and rented, then bought, then sold and into rented, then bought).

Although, in recent moves, I think that the removals have “packed and loaded” the day before the move, then moving day, then they unpack the next day.

[SheWouldNever]

@MrsTWH that could work, don’t think upstairs will take that long to pack so cleaners could start there and move into rooms as the removal guys are done.

[Midlifephoenix]

I have got keys to houses left in a disgusting condition, obviously you wouldn't do that but you don't need the stress of worrying about cleaning on moving day. I always try and get it professionally cleaned before completing. Try and get your timings right and your buyers will really appreciate it!

[DespairingHomeowner]

Do people really pay for cleaning of a house they are selling?

I was just looking at prices for a deep clean of the house I’m buying for day after completion as I expect it wont be very tidy

Feeling guilty that I can’t be bothered to deep clean place I’m selling... there is a gap so was going to suggest to buyers I offer them £100 or so to split cost of a clean of this place...

[LittleOverwhelmed]

I do, but I get my cleaner to do it (who is very very good). So it is “deep cleaned” empty, but it a specialist deep cleaner or an agency. Last place we lived in was a rental. They specified a “professional deep clean” on check out: my cleaner did it (incredibly well) and the agency was happy.

However the last place we bought was £1.25m and really not left very clean (found rusty old dog collars - from dogs, not vicars - I’m the utility room cupboard...

[MirandaMarple]

I would expect to pay for a deep clean of my purchase, not my sale.

[FangsForTheMemory]

I left my last place in a clean if not spotless state and the guy who bought it actually thanked me. I didn’t pay someone else to do it though. I cleaned each room as I packed and kept the vacuum and a couple of packs of floor wipes so I could buzz round after the movers had gone.

[SheWouldNever]

Yes, I think we are now thinking we will do the cleaning of our sale ourselves, and maybe get someone to do a deep clean of our purchase.

[DespairingHomeowner]

I would do it that way! I’m in London, a deep clean for a 3 bed is coming in at around £250-300, so that’s quite a big freebie to thrown in

[Starseeking]

My first ever purchase at 25 was a probate sale, and they left absolutely everything in there, it was a disgusting mess. I was so shocked that I burst out crying when I got the keys and opened the front door.

Luckily I was planning a full refurbishment anyway, but I had to get a house clearance company to gut it before I could start.

On moving from a rented 2 bed, the professional clean was £250, I can't imagine your buyer would expect you to do that. Just leave the place in a clean and tidy state behind you.

The suggestion to get a professional clean of the place you are buying before you move in is a good one, and I'd definitely recommend doing that.

[Snakeplisskensmum]

I spent the week before moving cleaning out cupboards/fridge/ professional oven clean, so on the day I literally followed the removers round, hovered the room once they'd done and only had to wipe down surfaces, it was no bother at all. Was all left lovely and clean for our buyers.

[DespairingHomeowner]

Has anyone had cleaners in the day after completion? I was thinking they could work around the boxes etc and then I would unpack. Can they manage or does it end up a waste of money/ half-done job?

I have so much to do on my own move that I think getting a cleaner in would spare my blushes as I know my buyers but will try to see what I can do on my own