Moving Out Stress-Free: Combining End of Tenancy Cleaning with Your Relocation
Here you are, all surrounded by half-packed boxes, cleaning mixes, scrubbers, and mops, and the panic of moving out in just a few days. If you think you’re the only tenant ever found in this scenario, here’s some good news: most UK tenants go through a race against time and a mess before moving out. With almost 60% of deposit disputes being caused by cleaning problems, it’s understandable why cleaning is such a burden. Luckily, tenants can combine professional end of tenancy cleaning with moving service—the entire move-out experience will go as stress-free as possible. Details come next!
Key takeaways
- Cleaning is the #1 cause of deposit disputes in the UK--Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning enhances your chances of getting your full deposit back.
- Buzz Maids offers a 7-day re-clean guarantee—If your landlord detects any cleaning issues within a week, the cleaners return for free fixes.
- DIY cleaning is risky in terms of securing the deposit refund--Common areas often missed with DIY cleaning are scrutinised by landlords and clerk inspectors.
- Combining cleaning and moving services saves 20% on costs—A bundled approach has better value than booking separate services or going DIY.
- The optimal sequence is to move first, then clean. Cleaners get the best access, and there’s no need for re-cleaning before inspection.
- Professional cleaners address complex cleaning challenges –Professionals use specialised equipment and methods to handle limescale removal, oven cleaning, and difficult stains.
- Proper preparation is essential for both services—Pack and label boxes for movers, take final meter readings, and remove all personal things before cleaners start cleaning.
End-of-tenancy cleaning is vital—here’s why
It directly affects your deposit.
Landlords and letting agents expect tenants to leave the properties in the same condition at move-in, matching the initial inventory. This doesn’t refer to surface tidiness—kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, and appliances should be immaculate.
Limescale, grease, and dust can cause deposit deductions—cleaning is the #1 cause of deposit deductions in the UK. Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning helps tenants meet landlords’ high standards of cleanliness, minimise the risk of disputes during final inspections, and boost the chances of receiving the entire deposit back.
Detailed inventories and cleaning checklists are invaluable
When moving out, a detailed inventory is your best friend. As the official record of the property’s state at the move-in, the inventory is a tool for landlords and letting agents to assess cleanliness and detect changes.
Cleaning checklists ensure that all surfaces get cleaned, from ceilings to skirting boards and light switches. Professional cleaners use agency-approved checklists that match inventory standards and cover every surface, seen and unseen, of the rental. A checklist-backed clean helps tenants pass their final inspection with flying colours.
Buzz Maids offer a 7-day re-clean guarantee.
Buzz Maids offers a 7-day re-clean guarantee, which means we will return for free fixes if the results aren’t satisfactory. You have 7 days to assess our work and decide if you need us to return. This guarantee protects your deposit, alleviates move-out stress, and ensures your rental is clean to the landlord’s standards.
DIY cleaning—not ideal before moving out
DIY cleaning may seem like a good idea, but it has several downsides:
Time-consuming tasks and often-missed areas
End-of-tenancy cleaning goes beyond surface cleaning; the top-to-bottom clean can take more than one day. With the pressure of packing, it’s no surprise that many tasks get rushed or skipped with DIY cleaning.
Labour-intensive jobs like descaling taps, scrubbing ovens, cleaning grout, and steam cleaning carpets often overwhelm DIY cleaners. They also miss areas such as skirting boards, extractor fans, air vents, and behind appliances (fridge, oven, washing machine), which are often scrutinised during the final inspection. Missing even a few will cause a deposit deduction—professional cleaners never miss these spots!
Costs for products, equipment, and transport
DIY end-of-tenancy cleaning should engage more than off-the-shelf products and tools for a professional outcome. Tenants must pay for specialist products (ovens, limescale, mould, and carpet stains), equipment rental (steam cleaners, power scrubbers, and carpet cleaners), transport, and time to buy, rent, and return the tools.
Overall, DIY cleaning can get expensive and doesn't meet landlords’ standards. Most tenants will lack the expertise, skills, and attention to detail to leave properties immaculate.
It’s risky altogether.
Move-out inspections can be strict, and minor cleaning oversights can cause large deposit deductions. Landlords and letting agents inspect the place using the original inventory will flag any area that falls short.
The most common reasons for deposit deductions are:
- Grease left in the oven
- Limescale on taps or showerheads
- Dust on blinds or skirting boards
- Marks on walls or switches
- Missed crumbs or spills inside cupboards
Do you think they’re minor issues? You might want to think twice—they often breach the tenancy agreement. What feels “clean enough” for tenants may not meet professional standards, so DIY cleaning is risky nine times out of ten.
The smart decision? Booking combined services
Cleaning and relocation service work together
Combining end-of-tenancy cleaning and moving is a wise, stress-alleviating decision and easy to make in real life. Here’s how it goes:
- You contact one provider (like Buzz Maids) to book both services at the same time
- The team schedules your move and clean—typically moving first, then cleaning right after emptying the place
- Your provider handles all aspects, and you don’t need to juggle several companies or timelines
- Everything is timed perfectly, and your rental is ready for move-out inspection without you worrying about delays or double-handling.
You don’t worry about coordination or communication
When you move, many must juggle several service providers and strive to align movers, cleaners, key handovers, and landlord inspections. If you opt for a bundled service, you don’t need to worry anymore about coordinating everything—here’s why:
- The service provider sets the best sequence—moving first, then cleaning—for a smooth experience
- Movers and cleaners sync their schedule to avoid overlap and confusion
- You get clear updates, confirmation, and reminders from just one point of contact—you don’t need to handle several companies
- Services are performed so the rental is cleaned and ready for the move-out inspection without gaps and delays.
A day in the life of a combined move
To get an idea about how a bundled service will work, here’s what a day in the life of a combined move looks like:
8:00 AM – Movers arrive
Professional movers arrive, carefully load your belongings, and transport them to your new rental.
11:00 AM – Property cleared
The cleaning team steps in and thoroughly cleans the property—there are no items or obstructions to impede their cleaning!
11:15 AM – Deep cleaning begins
Following a detailed checklist, cleaners tackle kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, and all high-risk areas that landlords will scrutinise.
3:30 PM – Cleaning complete
Your rental is immaculate and inspection-ready.
4:00 PM – Final walkthrough (Optional)
Do a walkthrough or let the landlord/agent do it if possible.
Bundling has better value.
Booking your move and end-of-tenancy clean as a package saves time and money—you get a 20% discount on the total cost. This means instant savings on two primary services, without sacrificing the quality. You get clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees and one invoice, one payment. Ultimately, bundling the services has better value than booking distinct companies or going DIY.
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Many tenants face hidden costs during the move, amplifying their stress. With Buzz Maids’ combined moving and cleaning service, the pricing is transparent, upfront, and all-inclusive. You should expect:
- Accurate, flat-rate quotes based on property size and service type
- All essentials included, from cleaning products and equipment to fuel and labour.
- No hidden costs like weekend surcharges, parking fees, or re-clean penalties.
- Optional add-ons (e.g. carpet shampooing or packing assistance) are available, clearly listed and priced.
- Average deductions for cleaning-related disputes range from £250 to £500.
- Tenants who hire professional cleaners have a 90% success rate in securing full deposit returns, compared to 40–50% for those who go DIY.
Bundled vs. separate vs. DIY—which one is cheaper?
Bundled service (moving + cleaning together)
- Cost: Lower overall with a 20% discount
- Convenience: One booking, one schedule, one point of contact
- Risk: Minimal—you get professional standards, a re-clean guarantee, and hassle-free coordination
- Best For: Busy tenants who want to secure their deposits and have a pleasant move-out experience
Separate bookings (distinct companies)
- Cost: Often higher with no package discounts
- Convenience: More planning, possible scheduling issues, overlaps
- Risk: Miscommunication, delays, or one service depending on the other
- Best For: Tenants interested in getting more control over the move-out experience
DIY (You Do It All)
- Cost: it looks cheaper, but costs quickly add up (products, equipment hire or rental, transport)
- Convenience: High effort, time-consuming
- Risk: Missed areas, no re-clean guarantee, high risk for deposit deductions
- Best For: Tenants with the tools, skills, time, and confidence in their cleaning abilities.
Bottom line?
It’s easy to see that bundled services offer the most attractive combination of value, convenience, and deposit protection.
What to expect with professional end-of-tenancy cleaning
It’s beyond surface cleaning
With end-of-tenancy cleaning, professionals will prioritise key focus areas, respectively:
- Kitchens
Cleaners eliminate grease from ovens, hobs, extractor fans, and behind appliances. They also clean cupboards, splashbacks, and sinks to perfection.
- Bathrooms
Limescale on taps, showerheads, and tiles is removed, and cleaners sanitise toilets, mirrors, and grouting to a gleaming finish.
- Carpets
Employing steam cleaning and shampoo cleaning, professionals go beyond vacuuming and remove stains, odours, and embedded dirt in carpets.
- Windows
Dirty windows alter a property’s curb appeal, and cleaners leave dustless and streak-free windows, frames, sills, and inside panes.
- Appliances
The pros empty and clean inside and out fridges, freezers, microwaves, and washing machines. They remove all food residue and mould.
It addresses complex problems.
Some areas in a rental property are known for causing deposit deductions and require extra attention during the end-of-tenancy clean.
Limescale
Common in bathrooms and kitchens, limescale builds up on taps, showerheads, tiles, and kettles. It’s a sign of neglect and unsightly, and professional cleaners employ descaling agents to eliminate every trace of it, leaving surfaces spotless.
Ovens
The oven cleaning is one of the most challenging tasks, as landlords expect grease-free, odourless ovens. All trays, racks, grills, and glass doors should be pristine. DIY attempts often fall short, while professionals have the necessary tools, methods, and expertise.
Stains
Whether it’s carpet spills, wall marks, or furniture imprints, visible stains will cause deposit deductions. Using stain removers and steam cleaners, professionals eliminate stains to help tenants pass their final inspections.
Buzz Maids’ Service Promise
Buzz Maids goes above and beyond to streamline your move-out experience. We are dependable, fair, and always ready to take on a new job. You should expect from us:
No upfront deposit required
You only pay after we complete the job, as we don’t ask for an upfront deposit.
7-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
If your landlord/letting agent spots a cleaning problem within seven days, the Buzz Maids team will return and re-clean at no extra charge. This protects your deposit and leaves your property to the landlord’s standards.
Clear Resolution Process
After forwarding your landlord’s feedback or checkout report, Buzz Maids will prioritise a re-clean visit—typically within 24-48 hours. Our professional resolution prioritises your deposit, and you don’t have to stress about anything.
Coordinate your move and clean—here’s a step-by-step guide
Timing and logistics—how to get it right
When to book both services
Timing is vital for a seamless, hassle-free move, especially if you want to sync cleaning and relocating. Here’s how to do it right:
- Book early
Book your cleaning and moving services 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during busy rental periods (end of the month, summer).
- Move first, clean after
Ideally, you want to move first and clean afterwards. Without your belongings on the property, the professionals will clean better, faster, and with no obstructions.
- Go for same-day scheduling
We recommend you schedule both services on the same day—movers can come in the morning and cleaners in the afternoon.
- Avoid an overlap
Steer away from delays and overlaps, and leave at least 1-2 hours between the move-out and clean.
Leave at least 1–2 hours between the move-out and clean to avoid delays and give teams space to work.
Best practice: clean after moving
We know cleaning before moving out is tempting, but this isn’t the best approach. Here’s why you should clean after completely moving out:
You ensure unobstructed access
When there are no boxes or furniture to work around, professionals will easily clean every corner, behind appliances, and under beds.
There’s less mess to re-clean
Moving will stir up dust, dirt, and debris, no matter how careful you are. If you clean first, you must redo some parts later, working twice.
Everything is ready on time.
If you clean right after moving, the property will be immaculate before the final inspection, and you will avoid deposit deductions.
How do you ensure access to the property?
If you’ve already handed the keys to your landlord, here’s how to ensure access to the cleaners:
- Coordinate with your landlord/letting agent so they offer access to cleaners. Please provide them with the cleaning company’s name and time of arrival.
- If possible, leave a spare key with a neighbour, concierge, or agent—you will avoid missed appointments or delays.
- Some cleaning companies like Buzz Maids can liaise directly with the landlord/agent to get the keys and return them after completing the job.
- Remember to ask the cleaners to take before-and-after photos to prove they have thoroughly cleaned the property, especially if you can't attend the inspection.
- Prices for professional cleaning vary by property size, from approximately £80 for a studio to over £450 for a four-bedroom home.
- In the UK, demand for end-of-tenancy cleaning services increases by 68–72% during the summer months (July–August), aligning with standard tenancy expirations.
The pre-move checklist
What to prepare for movers and cleaners
As a tenant, you must prepare everything before movers and cleaners come.
For the movers:
- Pack ahead, seal, and label all boxes
- If it’s not part of the movers’ service, you should take apart beds, desks, and shelving units
- Make sure hallways, stairs, and doorways are free of obstacles
- Secure a convenient parking spot for the team to help them work quickly and efficiently.
- Inform the movers about fragile or heavy items that require attentive handling.
For the cleaners
- Empty the property—no boxes, bins, or furniture should be left behind
- Switch off appliances, defrost the freezer, and leave fridge/freezer doors ajar
- Remove the rubbish and dispose of all leftover waste—cleaners don’t remove personal rubbish.
- Provide access instructions and leave the key and entry code to someone you know if you cannot be present
- Flag problematic areas such as stains, damage, or landlord concerns so that cleaners handle them efficiently.
Dealing with rubbish, leftover items, and meter readings.
How to deal with rubbish, leftover items, and meter readings
Rubbish & leftover items
You should remove all your personal belongings, furniture, and décor—some landlords charge for clearance if you leave something behind. Use the correct bins and bag all rubbish and recycling—some councils provide bulky waste collections.
Never leave food or toiletries, and empty all fridges, cupboards, and bathroom shelves, as landlords find any expired/opened items unacceptable.
Final meter readings
Take clear photos of the gas, electricity, and water meters on moving day to avoid disputes. Submit the final readings to your utility suppliers and move-out date to settle final bills. If any questions arise later, it’s wise to have a written log of when you took the readings.
Flagging special instructions or fragile items
Clear communication is vital for a smooth, damage-free move and efficient end-of-tenancy clean.
For the movers
- Label fragile items clearly and use “Fragile” stickers or write it on boxes. For upright handling, add arrows.
- Make a quick checklist of fragile items (electronics, artwork, glassware) and hand it to the movers when they arrive.
- Inform movers on narrow staircases, tight doorways, and cumbersome furniture.
- Flag the essentials you need right after moving to the new place.
For the cleaners
- Leave a note or instructions about specific concerns, like “please do not use bleach on stone surfaces” or “focus on the oven”
- Alert the cleaners on damaged areas, scuffs, cracks, or worn spots to avoid misunderstandings over pre-existing damage.
- Highlight trouble spots and inform on stains, limescale, or difficult build-up areas that require extra attention.
Real stories from happy tenants
Before-and-afters: real results, real deposits returned
London – Margaret T.
“I was so afraid of the move-out process, but thank God I have found Buzz Maids—they made it all a walk in the park! They handled the cleaning and the move-in in one day, and I got my deposit in full in just one week. It was worth every single penny”.
Manchester – Liam C., Northern Quarter:
“Deposit deductions were no mystery to me, and I’ve learned my lesson. I booked the bundled service and both teams—movers and cleaners—were spot-on, careful, and quick. Everything went smoothly from beginning to end”.
Oxford – Priya K., Cowley Road:
“Buzz Maids were reliable, punctual, and worked impeccably. Even my landlord was impressed with the cleaning results. I got my whole deposit back, moved to the new place with no worries, and didn’t even have to lift a finger! I highly recommend the combo service!”
Is it a tricky scenario? Count on Buzz Maids!
a pet situation—Emily B., Camden, London
”I had two dogs in the flat and was nervous about receiving my deposit back in full. Few fur and pet accidents were on the carpets, but Buzz Maids efficiently resolved them. At move-out inspection, there were no pet smells and pet stains, so I got my whole deposit back. I was so relieved!”
Tackling stains—Tom J., Salford, Manchester
“I thought that the wine stains on the carpet were permanent, but the Buzz Maids team used professional equipment and eliminated all marks. My letting agent noticed that my checkout was one of the cleanest they’d experienced!”
Last-minute booking—Pam N., Headington, Oxford
”I called the pros just 48 hours before my move. Luckily, they have handled both the cleaning and van service. They completed on time, and I could present a spotless flat before moving out. Buzz Maids saved the day for sure!”
End note
Just because you’re moving out doesn’t mean you should get crazy. Combine end-of-tenancy cleaning with a relocation service—you will save time, avoid stress, and boost your chances of securing the whole deposit refund. With no upfront payment, plenty of guarantees for their work, and discounts on bundle services, Buzz Maids streamlines move-out experiences. Ready to move the smart way?
FAQs
When should I book moving and cleaning services?
Book 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak periods, to ensure availability and have time to sync access, keys, and scheduling.
Do I have to be present for the cleaning?
No, but it’s preferable. You may give access instructions or leave keys with your agent—we’ll take care of everything and keep you updated.
What happens if the landlord doesn’t find the cleaning satisfactory?
Buzz Maids offers a 7-day re-clean guarantee. So, if your landlord finds issues, we will return for free fixes.
Do you include cleaning carpets, windows, and garden maintenance?
Yes, we clean interior windows and carpets. Our teams can perform garden tidying, upon request. We adjust our services to your end-of-tenancy checklist standards.
Which cities/areas do you serve?
We cover major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Oxford, Birmingham, and neighbouring areas.
Do you accommodate short-notice bookings?
Yes, and we often provide next-day availability. We are flexible and will do everything we can to come whenever suits you best.
RESOURCES
- https://www.buzzmaids.co.uk/blog/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-diy-guide/
- https://www.ultimaenvironmental.com/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-everything-you-need-to-know/
- https://samyxcleaning.com/blog/perfect-date-end-of-tenancy-cleaning/
- https://www.justlandlords.co.uk/news/end-tenancy-cleaning-checklist/
- https://cleanercleaner.co.uk/end-of-tenancy-cleaning/checklist/
- https://helloservices.co.uk/end-of-tenancy-cleaning-checklist/