How much does professional cleaning cost when moving?

A move in 2026 is a logistical operation where the focus is often on packing boxes and arranging the moving van. However, one of the most critical but often underestimated parts of this process is the final cleaning of the old home and the deep cleaning of the new home. At a time when hygiene standards are high and rental contracts or purchase agreements set strict requirements for the state of completion, more and more people are opting for a professional cleaning service.

But what does it really cost to have a home “ready to move” in 2026? Prices have risen in recent years due to higher labour costs and inflation on specialized cleaning products. In this article, we dive into the rates, the different services and the factors that determine the final bill.

Basic cleaning versus deep cleaning

When requesting quotes in 2026, you will notice that a clear distinction is made between standard cleaning and so-called “Move-in/Move-Out” deep cleaning.

• Standard cleaning: This includes cleaning surfaces, vacuuming, mopping and cleaning the basic sanitary facilities. This is often insufficient for an official delivery.
• Deep clean: This is the standard for moving. This also includes the inside of kitchen cabinets, the oven, the extractor (including filters), limescale in the bathroom, skirting boards, doorposts and windows (inside). In 2026, you will pay between €350 and €550 to deep clean an average apartment (60-80 m²); for a single-family home, this will range from €600 to €950, depending on the level of pollution.

Factors that influence the price

No two homes are the same, and cleaning companies in 2026 will use complex calculation models to determine their price.

• The condition of the house: A home that has smoked for years or where pets have lived requires special treatments (such as ozone cleaning against odour). This can increase the price by 30% to 50%.
• Empty versus furnished home: Cleaning a completely empty home is more efficient for professionals and is therefore often 15% cheaper than a home where the furniture is still in.
• Accessibility and parking costs: Especially in urban areas such as Amsterdam or Utrecht, cleaning companies will charge the high parking fees and travel time directly to customers in 2026. This can be a hidden item of €50 to €100 on the invoice.

Specialized services and extras

In addition to general cleaning, there are specific tasks that are almost always offered as an additional option. In 2026, these are often the items that add up to the bill.

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning: The professional deep cleaning of a carpet or a leftover rug costs an average of €5 to €10 per m².
• Clean windows on the outside: If this is not done by a collective VvE service, this costs between €45 and €90 for an average home.
• Oven and white goods cleaning: Having an extremely greasy oven cleaned is often billed as a separate task for around €50 to €75. Given the strict inspections at rental properties, this is often a necessary investment to get the deposit back.

The ROI of professional cleaning

Although the costs seem considerable, the “Return on Investment” (ROI) in 2026 is high. For tenants, it is often the only way to get the full deposit (which often amounts to two or three months' rent) back without discussion. Landlords and housing associations will be stricter than ever when it comes to the final inspection in 2026.

For buyers, professional deep cleaning gives buyers a psychological fresh start when they move in. It removes the “life traces” of the previous residents, including allergens and bacteria in places you don't easily go to. The time you save, an average of 12 to 20 man-hours for thorough removal cleaning, can be spent on setting up or taking care of administrative matters, which significantly reduces the stress of the moving period.

How to find the best deal in 2026

The cleaning services market was highly fragmented in 2026. There are large platforms that connect self-employed cleaners to individuals, and specialized companies that focus exclusively on moving cleaning.

It is advisable to look for companies that offer a “delivery guarantee”. This means that if the landlord or the new owner is not satisfied with the inspection, the cleaning company will come back free of charge to repair the defects. In 2026, this warranty often comes at a small fee, but it offers complete peace of mind during an already hectic period. Please also note the certification of the products; environmentally friendly cleaning will be the norm in 2026, but in case of extreme contamination, surcharges may apply for industrial cleaning products.

Hiring cleaning professionals moved from a luxury to a strategic choice in 2026. By clearly identifying the costs in advance and opting for a package that suits the condition of the home, you prevent financial surprises and legal wrangling about the condition of the home.