Planning Cleaning When Moving
Cleaning when moving often determines whether apartment handover runs smoothly or leads to discussions. In Switzerland, tenants should therefore clarify timeline, checklist, cleaning standard, materials, disposal, follow-up cleaning, handover guarantee and handover protocol early.
In brief
Cleaning when moving should not start only on the last evening. After moving out, allow enough time for the kitchen, bathroom, windows, floors, cupboards, appliances, balcony, cellar, attic and ancillary rooms. A detailed checklist, suitable cleaning products, waste disposal, final inspection and clean documentation during apartment handover are decisive. Anyone hiring a cleaning company should clarify the quote, scope of services, handover guarantee, presence at handover and follow-up cleaning in writing.
What does cleaning when moving mean?
Cleaning when moving means preparing the previous apartment so that it is clean, empty, inspectable and fully documented at handover. This includes not only visible surfaces, but also cupboards, appliances, window frames, extractor hood, sanitary facilities, floors, doors, sockets, balcony, cellar, attic and ancillary rooms.
The existing UrbanHome guide already names the most important basic steps: set a timeline, create a cleaning checklist, prepare cleaning materials, set priorities, consider professional cleaning, dispose of waste and carry out a final inspection. These points form the basis for a clean apartment handover.
In Switzerland, final cleaning is especially important because property managers often check very carefully at handover. The apartment does not have to look new, but it should be thoroughly cleaned and make it possible to distinguish contractual wear and tear from actual defects.
Swiss practice: cleaning, wear and defects
When returning an apartment, two different topics matter: cleaning and damage. Normal wear and tear is generally part of ordinary rental use. Dirt, insufficient cleaning or damage caused without due care, however, can lead to objections.
In practice, this means: an apartment must be clean when handed back, but tenants are not automatically liable for every sign of age. Scratches, limescale, stains, nicotine, damaged appliances or heavy soiling should therefore be considered separately and recorded specifically in the protocol.
The defect notice is also important: if the property management or landlord wants to assert defects at handover, they must be described specifically and reported immediately. It is therefore worth paying attention during handover, taking photos and not signing the protocol uncritically.
Planning cleaning: the right timeline
Cleaning should be scheduled between moving out and apartment handover. If cleaning is done too early, furniture transport, dust and footprints create new dirt. If cleaning is started too late, there is not enough time for the kitchen, bathroom, windows, oven or follow-up cleaning.
A clear sequence is ideal: first declutter and dispose, then pack and move, then rough cleaning, followed by thorough final cleaning and finally a final inspection with photos.
| Timeframe | Task | Why important? |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 weeks before | Estimate cleaning effort, check tenancy agreement, decide between cleaning yourself or hiring a cleaning company. | More choice and better planning. |
| 3–4 weeks before | Obtain quotes, clarify handover guarantee, create materials list, plan disposal. | Prevents last-minute bottlenecks. |
| 1–2 weeks before | Empty and roughly clean cupboards, cellar, attic, balcony and ancillary rooms. | Reduces work after moving day. |
| After moving out | Thorough final cleaning of kitchen, bathroom, windows, floors, doors and appliances. | All surfaces are now accessible. |
| Before handover | Final inspection, photos, meter readings, keys and protocol prepared. | Secures evidence and reduces discussions. |
| If objected to | Organise follow-up cleaning immediately or contact cleaning company with handover guarantee. | Helps resolve open points quickly. |
Clean yourself or hire a cleaning company?
Whether you clean yourself or hire a cleaning company depends on time, apartment size, condition, budget, experience, handover date and property management requirements. A small, well-maintained apartment can often be cleaned by the tenant. A large apartment, heavy limescale, pets, nicotine, many windows or little time are arguments for professional cleaning.
A cleaning company is particularly useful if it offers a handover guarantee and is reachable or present during apartment handover. However, a guarantee only helps if it is clear which services are included and which objections will actually be cleaned again.
Clean yourself
Cheaper and flexible, but time-consuming and without external handover guarantee.
Cleaning company
More predictable, faster and often includes follow-up cleaning if objections arise.
Combination
Do preparatory work yourself and have difficult areas cleaned professionally.
Handover guarantee: what should be in the quote?
Many Swiss cleaning companies advertise with a handover guarantee. It is important not to understand the guarantee merely as a buzzword. The decisive question is whether follow-up cleaning, travel, appointment, scope and presence at handover are actually regulated.
A good quote should clearly show which rooms and services are included, whether windows, shutters, oven, extractor hood, refrigerator, balcony, cellar, attic and ancillary rooms are included and which surcharges may apply.
| Quote point | Why important? | Question to check |
|---|---|---|
| Handover guarantee | Regulates follow-up cleaning if objections arise. | Is follow-up cleaning free and how long is it valid? |
| Presence at handover | Makes immediate corrections easier. | Will someone attend the apartment handover or be reachable by phone? |
| Scope of services | Prevents disputes over excluded areas. | Are windows, shutters, appliances, cellar and balcony included? |
| Price type | Flat rate and hourly rate have different risks. | Is the price fixed or dependent on effort? |
| Surcharges | Heavy soiling, height, special appliances or short-notice appointments can cost extra. | Which additional costs are possible? |
| Invoice and contracting party | Important in case of complaints. | Who is responsible and issues the invoice? |
Cleaning materials and tools
Anyone cleaning themselves should prepare all materials before starting. Missing products cost time and often mean that difficult areas are only cleaned superficially. Limescale, grease, oven, window frames and sanitary areas in particular need suitable products and enough soaking time.
Also check whether sensitive surfaces require special care. Natural stone, oiled parquet, stainless steel, induction hobs, glass surfaces or coated fronts can be damaged by the wrong products.
- vacuum cleaner, broom, mop and bucket
- all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, limescale remover and degreaser
- sponges, microfibre cloths, brushes and an old toothbrush
- oven cleaner and cleaner for extractor hood or filters
- gloves, ladder, rubbish bags and tape
- tools for lamps, filters, grilles, shower head and small disassembly work
- camera or smartphone for photos and meter readings
Cleaning by room: what is often checked?
During apartment handover, areas that are easily overlooked in everyday life are often checked closely. These include inside cupboards, window frames, rubber seals, extractor hood, oven, refrigerator, drains, fittings, joints, shutters, skirting boards and light switches.
| Area | Typical tasks | Common objection |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Oven, hob, extractor hood, filters, refrigerator, cupboards, worktops, sink. | Grease, crumbs, limescale, odour, dirty filters. |
| Bathroom and toilet | Washbasin, shower, bathtub, toilet, fittings, mirror, joints, drain, ventilation. | Limescale, hair, mould traces, soap residue. |
| Windows and shutters | Glass, frames, sills, roller shutters, slats, guide rails. | Streaks, dust, insect residue, dirty frames. |
| Floors | Vacuum, damp mop, remove stains, clean skirting boards. | Dust in corners, stains, wrong care product. |
| Cupboards and doors | Inside surfaces, handles, edges, door frames, key areas. | Dust, adhesive residue, fingerprints. |
| Balcony and terrace | Floor, railing, drain, plant residue, cobwebs. | Soil, leaves, moss, blocked drain. |
| Cellar and attic | Empty, sweep, remove cobwebs, dispose of private items. | Items left behind or dust. |
Setting priorities: where does special care pay off?
If time is short, first clean the areas that are especially noticeable during handover and difficult to clean afterwards. These include kitchen, bathroom, toilet, windows, appliances and floors. These areas shape the overall impression of the apartment.
Appliances should not only be clean on the outside. Oven, baking trays, refrigerator, freezer compartment, dishwasher, extractor hood, filters, washing machine or tumble dryer may be opened during inspection. Odours, crumbs or limescale residue are quickly visible.
Waste disposal and items left behind
Cleaning also means that no private items are left behind. Cellar, attic, balcony, mailbox, garage, bicycle room and ancillary rooms are often forgotten. Furniture, boxes, plants, paint buckets or bulky waste left behind can lead to costs.
Plan disposal and recycling before final cleaning. Bulky waste, electronic waste, glass, cardboard, metal, hazardous waste and old furniture should be taken away or collected in good time. The emptier the apartment is, the more thoroughly it can be cleaned.
Final inspection before apartment handover
After cleaning, a final inspection should take place. Go through room by room from the property manager’s perspective: Are all surfaces clean? Are cupboards empty? Are appliances cleaned? Are windows, frames and floors clean? Are cellar, attic and balcony empty?
Photograph the cleaned condition, especially kitchen, bathroom, floors, windows, balcony, cellar, meter readings and keys. Photos do not replace a handover protocol, but they can be helpful if questions arise later.
Prepare the tenancy agreement, old entry protocol, keys, guarantees, appliance manuals, meter readings and the cleaning company’s contact details for handover.
Apartment handover, protocol and follow-up cleaning
During handover, cleaning, apartment condition, defects, meter readings and keys should be recorded in the protocol. If the property management objects to the cleaning, the exact point should be noted: for example oven, window frames, extractor hood, limescale in the shower or balcony floor.
Vague wording such as “apartment not clean” is not very helpful. A specific list is better. If a cleaning company with handover guarantee was hired, it should be informed immediately so that follow-up cleaning can be carried out quickly.
Only sign the protocol if you agree with its content. If you disagree, you can add this as a remark. Take photos and ask for copies.
Step by step: planning cleaning when moving
- Set handover date, moving-out date and available cleaning window.
- Check tenancy agreement, house rules and property management requirements for cleaning.
- Decide whether to clean yourself or hire a cleaning company.
- With a cleaning company, clarify quote, scope of services, handover guarantee and presence at handover.
- Create a cleaning checklist by room: kitchen, bathroom, windows, floors, cupboards, balcony, cellar and attic.
- Organise cleaning materials, ladder, protective equipment, rubbish bags and disposal.
- Completely empty the apartment and dispose of bulky waste, cardboard, rubbish and private items.
- Carry out thorough final cleaning or have the company clean.
- Prepare final inspection, photos, meter readings, keys and handover protocol.
- If objections arise, record concrete points and organise follow-up cleaning immediately.
Request template: obtain quote for moving cleaning
The following template helps you receive a comparable quote with a clear handover guarantee.
Subject: Quote for moving cleaning with handover guarantee on [date]
Hello,
I would like to request a quote for final cleaning of my apartment.
Address:
[address, postcode city]
Apartment:
- Rooms: [number]
- Living space: [m²]
- Floor: [e.g. 3rd floor]
- Lift: [yes/no]
- Balcony/terrace: [yes/no]
- Cellar/attic: [yes/no]
- Number of bathrooms/toilets: [number]
- Number of windows/shutters: [approx. number]
Important information:
- The apartment will be completely empty on [date].
- Apartment handover will take place on [date/time].
- Cleaning with handover guarantee is requested.
- Please state whether someone will be present during handover.
- Please state which services are included:
kitchen, oven, extractor hood, refrigerator, bathroom, toilet, windows, shutters,
cupboards, floors, balcony, cellar, attic and ancillary rooms.
Please let me know:
- flat rate or hourly rate
- possible surcharges
- conditions of the handover guarantee
- procedure for follow-up cleaning
- availability
- payment terms
Kind regards
[name]Practical examples
Example 1: cleaning a small apartment yourself
A person moves out of a well-maintained 2-room apartment. The apartment is emptied on Friday, cleaned on Saturday and handed over on Monday. With a clear checklist, enough materials and focus on kitchen, bathroom, windows and floors, self-cleaning can work. A final inspection with photos and enough time for forgotten areas are important.
Example 2: family apartment with cleaning company
A family moves out of a 4.5-room apartment with two bathrooms, balcony, cellar and many windows. Due to time pressure and strict property management, a cleaning company with handover guarantee is hired. Clear quote, presence during handover, follow-up cleaning in case of objections and a complete list of all ancillary rooms are decisive.
Checklist: planning cleaning when moving
Frequently asked questions about cleaning when moving
Summary
Cleaning when moving is a central step before apartment handover in Switzerland. A realistic timeline, detailed checklist, suitable cleaning materials, priorities for kitchen, bathroom, windows and floors, timely disposal and careful final inspection are important. Anyone cleaning themselves should plan enough time and materials. Anyone hiring a cleaning company should clarify handover guarantee, scope of services, presence during handover and follow-up cleaning in writing. During handover, photos, meter readings, complete keys and a precise handover protocol help clearly separate cleaning, wear and possible defects.