A move-out clean is more than a regular clean. It covers the inside of everything: appliances, cabinets, drawers and closets, plus the details an inspection looks at. This is the list our crews work from on every move-out, room by room, followed by the Georgia rules on getting your deposit back.
The move-out cleaning checklist
Kitchen
- Clean inside the oven
- Clean inside the fridge
- Clean inside the microwave
- Clean the stovetop and range hood
- Wipe inside every cabinet and drawer
- Wipe counters and backsplash
- Clean and polish the sink and faucet
- Wipe the outside of the dishwasher and every appliance
Bathrooms
- Clean and disinfect the shower and tub
- Clean the grout surface
- Clean and disinfect the toilet
- Wipe inside the vanity drawers and cabinets
- Clean the sink, mirrors and fixtures
Bedrooms and living areas
- Hand wipe every surface
- Wipe and spot clean baseboards
- Wipe blinds slat by slat
- Clean interior windows, sills and ledges
- Wipe light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Wipe doors, frames and casings
- Wipe switch plates and outlet covers
- Wipe air vent covers
- Spot clean walls for fingerprints and smudges
Closets, laundry and floors
- Wipe closet shelves, rods and built-ins
- Clean closet floors and linen closets
- Sweep the entry and garage where clear (patios and balconies are extra)
- Vacuum carpets
- Vacuum and mop hard floors
Georgia rules for your deposit
These come from the State of Georgia's Landlord Tenant Handbook (revised August 29, 2024). This is a summary, not legal advice. Your lease may add its own terms, including about cleaning, so read it before move-out day.
- 30 days to return it. Every landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after the lease ends or you move out, whichever is later. If they keep any of it for damage, they must send you a list of the damage and the estimated cost within those 30 days.
- Normal wear and tear is not yours to pay for. A landlord cannot keep your deposit for the expected slight wear that comes from living there.
- What they can keep it for: damage by you, your household, pets or guests; unpaid rent or late charges; unpaid pet fees; unpaid utilities that were yours under the lease; or costs from ending the lease early.
- The move-out inspection. Landlords with more than 10 units, or who use a management company, must inspect within 3 business days after the lease ends and give you a signed list of damage. You can inspect within 5 business days and sign the list or write down what you disagree with. The handbook says it is best to be there for the inspection.
Make move-out day easier
- Move your things out first. An empty home cleans faster and better.
- Take photos of every room once it is clean, before you hand back the keys.
- If no one will be there, tell us how to get in. Keys and lockboxes are easy to set up: just note it when you book.
- Short on time? We welcome same-day move-out bookings when the schedule allows.
"They were super responsive, and were able to help and clean my daughter’s apartment next day! They did an amazing job." Kelly D., Google review
Common questions
Will a professional move-out clean get my deposit back?
A clean home helps, but no one can promise it. Your landlord can still keep money for damage, unpaid rent or other lease terms. What a cleaning crew can do is make sure the home is clean when the inspection happens.
How long does a Georgia landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the lease ends or you move out, whichever is later, according to the State of Georgia's Landlord Tenant Handbook.
Does a move-out clean include the inside of the oven and fridge?
Yes. A move-out clean includes the inside of the appliances, cabinets, drawers and closets.
Can you clean the same day?
We welcome same-day move-out bookings when the schedule allows. Call or text 678-578-4747 to check.
Want Us to Handle Move-Out?
See your price and book online. Same-day move-outs when the schedule allows.