According to the Société de l’habitation du Québec, more than 200,000 Quebec households move every year, with a massive peak around July 1st. Move-out cleaning is often one of the most stressful tasks of the entire process, but it’s also one of the most important — both for getting your deposit back and for moving into a healthy space. Here is everything you need to know.
Cleaning before departure: why it’s non-negotiable
In Quebec, the standard lease stipulates that the tenant must return the dwelling in a state of cleanliness comparable to that in which they received it. A poorly cleaned home can lead to the loss of your security deposit or, in some cases, additional fees charged by the landlord for professional cleaning.
Beyond the legal obligation, it’s also a matter of respect toward the next occupants. If you appreciated moving into a clean home, offer the same courtesy when leaving. A professional move-out cleaning service can guarantee an impeccable result, even amidst the chaos of boxes and moving.
Cleaning the home you are leaving
The kitchen
This is the room that requires the most work. The oven, stove, and range hood accumulate months or even years of baked-on grease. Clean the inside and outside of every appliance, including the refrigerator once defrosted. Scrub the countertops, backsplash, and the inside of cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the tops of the cabinets, which are often covered in a layer of sticky grease and dust.
The bathroom
Descale the faucets, shower, and toilet. Scrub the tile grout, which tends to blacken over time. Clean the ventilation (often full of dust) and the mirror. Check under the sink and around the base of the toilet — these areas are often neglected in daily maintenance but will be inspected during the move-out walkthrough.
Bedrooms and living room
With the furniture gone, you’ll likely discover impressive amounts of dust. Vacuum everywhere, including closets and cupboards. Wash the floors thoroughly. Clean the interior windows, baseboards, and moldings. Check electrical outlets and switches — a quick wipe with a damp cloth removes accumulated fingerprints.
Often forgotten areas
- Balconies and terraces
- Storage under the stairs
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans
- Inside of the dishwasher
- Ventilation grilles and heaters
- Windowsills and sliding window tracks
Cleaning the new home
Even if the home looks clean at first glance, cleaning before moving your furniture in is highly recommended. It’s the ideal time — when the rooms are empty and fully accessible — to reach every corner without obstacles.
Take this opportunity to disinfect the bathroom and kitchen, vacuum and wash all floors, clean the inside of cabinets and closets, and check the general condition of windows and walls. If your new space is in Laval, Montreal, Blainville, or the Laurentians, our team can perform a complete cleaning of your new home before you move in.
Table: move-out cleaning checklist
| Area | Tasks – Old Home | Tasks – New Home |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Oven, fridge, hood, cabinets, counters, floor | Cabinets, counters, sink, floor, appliances |
| Bathroom | Toilet, shower, grout, mirror, ventilation, floor | Disinfect toilet, shower, sink, floor |
| Bedrooms | Floors, baseboards, closets, windows | Floors, closets, windows, walls |
| Living Room | Floor, baseboards, light fixtures, windows | Floor, windows, electrical outlets |
| Entrance | Floor, handles, mailbox | Floor, lock, doorbell |
| Balcony/Terrace | Sweep, clean the railing | Sweep, check condition |
| Laundry Room | Washer, dryer (inside seal), floor | Washer/dryer, tub, floor |
When to schedule your move-out cleaning
Timing is crucial when moving. Ideally, plan two separate cleaning sessions: one for the old home (after the furniture is gone) and one for the new one (before the furniture arrives). Here is a suggested schedule.
2 weeks before moving: Start decluttering and book your move-out cleaning service. The best slots go fast, especially during the peak period around July 1st.
The day before or the day of: If you’re doing the cleaning yourself, set aside a full half-day for the old home. Start with the rooms that are already empty and finish with the last room cleared.
Moving day (morning): Clean the new home before the truck arrives. This is the only window where you’ll have access to the empty space.
DIY vs. professional: the right choice
Doing your own move-out cleaning is possible, but you have to be realistic about the time and energy required. After packing dozens of boxes, coordinating the truck, and managing logistical stress, cleaning two homes from top to bottom is often the final straw.
A professional service like Ménage Laurentides offers several advantages: superior efficiency thanks to experience and professional equipment, a guaranteed result to satisfy your landlord, and invaluable peace of mind during an already stressful time. Our qualified cleaners operate throughout the region, including Rosemère and Saint-Eustache.
Tips for special situations
Moving with pets
Homes where pets have lived require special attention: deep cleaning of carpets (embedded hair), checking for lingering odors, and cleaning baseboards at pet height. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential.
Moving after renovation
Construction dust is fine and gets everywhere. Post-renovation cleaning is much more intensive than standard move-out cleaning and may require several rounds of vacuuming and washing.
First move (leaving the family home)
If this is your first apartment, don’t underestimate the time needed. Even a small studio can take 2-3 hours for a full cleaning. Ask those around you for advice or call in a professional to be sure you get your deposit back.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions about move-out cleaning
How much does a move-out cleaning service cost?
Rates vary depending on the size of the home and its general condition. For a standard 4½, expect between $150 and $350. At Ménage Laurentides, we offer free personalized quotes to give you an exact price before the job.
Should I clean even if my landlord doesn’t do an inspection?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. The landlord could still notice a lack of cleanliness after you leave and charge you fees. Additionally, the Régie du logement may consider a poorly cleaned home as a failure to meet your tenant obligations.
What should I do if the previous tenant left the place dirty?
Document the condition of the home with photos as soon as you arrive. Contact your new landlord to report the situation. You can also call a professional cleaning service and discuss a reimbursement of the costs incurred with the landlord.
How far in advance should I book?
Book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, and up to 4-6 weeks if you are moving around July 1st. Move-out cleaning services are in high demand during peak periods.
Do the walls and ceiling also need to be cleaned?
Walls generally don’t require a full wash, but you should remove tape residue, fill nail holes, and wipe away scuff marks. A damp cloth with a bit of mild soap is enough for common stains. The ceiling only needs attention if it is visibly stained.
Does Airbnb cleaning also apply when moving?
If you are leaving a place you were renting out on Airbnb, the cleaning must be even more meticulous. The standards for professional Airbnb cleaning are higher than those for a classic move-out, as the home has been used intensively by multiple occupants.
Is your move approaching? Contact Ménage Laurentides to book your move-out cleaning and leave with peace of mind. Call 450-489-8995 for a free quote.
