The boxes are taped shut, the moving truck is booked, and you are ready to start the next chapter of your life. But there is one looming hurdle standing between you and your new front door: the final move-out clean.
For renters in Lakewood, this isn’t just a chore; it is a financial necessity. Your security deposit hangs in the balance, and Colorado landlords can be meticulous about cleanliness.
For homeowners selling a property, a sparkling home is the final handshake that ensures the closing goes smoothly.
What is the Average Cost of Move-Out Cleaning in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, CO, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $600+ for a comprehensive professional move-out cleaning.
Here is a quick snapshot of average market rates in our area:
| Property Type | Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
| Studio / 1-Bed Apt | 600 – 900 sq. ft. | $200 – $350 |
| 2-Bed / 2-Bath Apt | 900 – 1,200 sq. ft. | $300 – $450 |
| Small Home / Townhome | 1,200 – 2,000 sq. ft. | $400 – $600 |
| Large Home | 2,000 – 3,000+ sq. ft. | $550 – $800+ |
What Factors Influence Your Quote?
Why does one neighbor pay $300 and another pays $600? Cleaning quotes are rarely “one size fits all.” Here are the specific variables that will change your price tag.
1. Total Square Footage
It is simple math: more surface area equals more time. A sprawling ranch-style home near Green Mountain will naturally cost more to clean than a condo near Belmar.
2. The “Lived-In” Condition
Cleaning companies often categorize homes into condition levels:
- Standard: The home has been maintained regularly. There is dust, but no heavy grime.
- Heavy Duty: The home hasn’t been deep cleaned in months (or years). Expect higher fees if there is built-up grease in the kitchen or soap scum in the bathrooms.
3. Add-On Services
A base move-out clean usually covers surfaces, floors, bathrooms, and the kitchen exterior. However, inspection checklists often require more. The following are typically extra charges:
- Cleaning inside the oven and fridge.
- Washing interior windows.
- Steam cleaning carpets.
- Wiping down blinds (hand-wiping each slat takes significant time).
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Service
To help you build your budget, here is a breakdown of what specific add-ons generally cost in the Lakewood market.
- Carpet Cleaning: $40 – $90 per room.
- Inside Fridge: $25 – $50.
- Inside Oven: $30 – $50.
- Interior Windows: $4 – $8 per pane.
- Junk Removal: $100 – $300 per load (if you left items behind).
- Garage Sweep-out: $30 – $60.
Pro Tip: Many leases in Colorado specifically require professional carpet cleaning. Check your lease agreement before you skip this service!
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: Is it Worth It?
Is saving the cash worth the elbow grease? Let’s compare the two options.
The DIY Route
- Cost: $50 – $100 for heavy-duty supplies (degreasers, floor cleaners, sponges).
- Time: 10 to 20 hours.
- Risk: If you miss a spot (like the top of the ceiling fan or the tracks of the sliding door), the landlord may hire a cleaner anyway and deduct it from your deposit.
The Professional Route
- Cost: $350 – $600+.
- Time: Zero hours of your labor.
- Benefit: Professional cleaners work off of checklists designed to pass inspections. Many offer a “satisfaction guarantee,” meaning if the landlord finds a spot, they will come back and fix it for free.
Understanding Colorado Security Deposit Laws
Knowledge is power when it comes to getting your money back. In Colorado, the law offers specific protections regarding cleaning and deposits (C.R.S. § 38-12-103).
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Cleaning
Your landlord cannot deduct from your security deposit for “normal wear and tear.”
- Normal Wear and Tear: Gently worn carpet paths, minor scuffs on walls, or nail holes (unless excessive).
- Chargeable Cleaning: Pet stains, food residue in the fridge, grime in the bathtub, or trash left behind.
The 30 to 60 Day Rule
By default, Colorado landlords must return your deposit (or a letter explaining deductions) within 30 days. However, if your lease specifies it, they can extend this up to 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to empty the house before the cleaners arrive?
Yes. Move-out cleaning is designed for an empty home. If furniture or boxes are still present, cleaners cannot access baseboards, carpet edges, or inside cupboards.
Does a move-out clean include the walls?
Generally, no. Cleaners will spot-clean light marks and switch plates. However, washing entire walls usually risks damaging the paint. If your walls are heavily soiled, you may need a painter or a specialist service.
How far in advance should I book?
Lakewood is a busy rental market. We recommend booking your cleaning service 2 to 3 weeks in advance, especially if you are moving at the end of the month (the busiest time for movers and cleaners).
Save Money and Stress with Trailside Tidy
Moving is stressful enough without having to scrub a refrigerator at midnight. If you are looking for a reliable, thorough, and fair-priced move-out clean in Lakewood, look no further than Trailside Tidy.
We know exactly what Colorado landlords look for during inspections. Our team arrives fully equipped to tackle the grime, grease, and dust, ensuring your home looks as good as the day you moved in.
Don’t leave your security deposit to chance.
