Tips for Offering Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning Services

People and businesses are constantly on the move. The latest U.S. Census reports that there are over 327 million people currently living in the United States. Statistics indicate that almost 15 percent of the population moves annually. That's over 49 million people packing their bags and relocating. This mass migration creates opportunities for cleaning business owners.

As people and businesses move, they need their previous location cleaned and/or want to make sure their new setting is “work ready”. Cleaning companies can fill this niche for on the move businesses by providing what is known as “move-in/move-out cleaning”. It can be an ideal add-on service and a great way for your commercial cleaning company to make more money!

Want to increase cash flow? Try adding move-in/move out cleaning services.

What are move-in / move-out cleaning services?

This type of service usually encompasses what we refer to as “deep cleaning”. Deep cleaning can include washing, wiping, scrubbing, and dusting pretty much everything that needs it. Windows, cabinets, walls, ceilings, floors, vents, fixtures, blinds, you name it; you probably will be cleaning it.

It may also require floor maintenance of some sort or another. Carpets may need spotting and cleaning. Hard floor surfaces may need a new floor finish or buffing.

A major challenge that most cleaning companies face performing this type of service is time constraints. Commercial building owners will want the location cleaned top to bottom and in most situation require a deadline. Most owners want it ready as soon as possible for their new business, new tenants or ready for the real estate market.

How do I find opportunities to provide move-in / move-out cleaning services?

A good place to start when looking for move in/out cleaning accounts is to contact commercial contractors or real estate offices. If you have been cleaning commercial buildings for a while, your clients will no doubt ask you to provide move in/out cleaning services. It's also a good idea to spread the word to your clients that this is a service you provide.

When first starting out with move in/out cleaning; it may be necessary to meet with the point of contact to provide an estimate on the time it will take to clean the building. Once you establish a relationship with the decision maker, you may be able to skip the estimate and just bill for your time. If the work includes carpet extraction or hard floor care, remember to charge extra for these specialty services.

Remember, it makes sense to talk to the point of contact before starting any job to discuss time limits, the scope of work, and expectations. Make sure that your cleaners will have access to electricity and running water. A few minutes spent on the particulars today can save you hours of work later.

How should I price move in / move out services?

The prices charged will vary depending on the type of facility you are cleaning, cleaning specifications, and deadlines. Prices range from $25 to $40 per hour. Again, this is dependent upon your cleaning company, your expenses and overhead costs, and your profit expectations.

Be careful when providing a flat fee simply because many “newbies” to this type of cleaning underestimate their total time to complete the work. Many move-in/out jobs tends to run into cost overruns, so it may make sense to price this service on the high side.

What steps are necessary to be successful providing move-in / move-out cleaning?

When cleaning commercial buildings, there are several steps you should take to guarantee your success and your customer's satisfaction.

Use teams of 2 to 4 people, depending on the size of the building. Larger teams may be needed for larger commercial locations.

Team members should be specialists in the tasks they are performing. For example, in a two person team, one person will be assigned to dusting, windows, and vacuuming. One person will be assigned to bathrooms, breakrooms, vacuuming, and mopping.

For teams of two or more, assign a supervisor. They will be responsible for delegating tasks, time management, and quality control. They will also be responsible for making sure all equipment and supplies are brought to the job site and gathered up when the job is complete. I can't tell you how many times our cleaning crews left behind ladders, brutes, broom, tools, and partially used cleaning chemicals.

And don't forget to label or write your name on your tools and equipment. Many times there are several contractors working in close proximity to one another and using the same types of equipment. If you company name is on a ladder or pail, it's easily identifiable.

Simple tips and techniques for move-in/move-out cleaning services.

• Begin cleaning by removing all large trash pieces. Pick up all trash that is too large to vacuum. Vacuuming will be quicker and more efficient not having to stop, pick up or move large waste materials.

•  Proper vacuuming is an important step in move in/out cleaning. Using a backpack vacuum with the proper attachments can speed up the tasks at hand.

•  Remember to vacuum from high to low, including light fixtures, window tracks, blinds, ceiling vents, heat registers, and along the baseboards.

•  Use a microfiber flat mop for cleaning ceilings, walls, baseboards, and doors.

•  After picking up trash and vacuuming, start cleaning the stuck-on grime and dirt. Chemicals to have on hand include: bowl cleaner, fume-free oven cleaner, window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, degreaser, neutral pH floor cleaner, stainless steel polish, and furniture polish. Save money by using concentrated chemicals rather than RTU (ready-to-use) chemicals.

•  Windows and glass entrance doors should be washed with an applicator and squeegee. Use scrapers or #0000 steel wool to remove stickers and bugs. Be sure the window is wet when using these tools or you could scratch the glass. Window frames and tracks should be vacuumed and then wiped down.

•  Provide appropriate dwell time so the chemicals have time to work. Make sure that your employees have the correct personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) and safety training when working with chemicals.

•  If you need to loosen build-up, use the correct cleaning tools – scrubber pads, brushes and scrapers. Use caution when using these tools - you don't want to damage surfaces.

•  Use paper towels, terry cloth rags, or microfiber cloths for most cleaning tasks. Use a green microfiber cloth for dusting; blue for windows, glass and polished surfaces; red for cleaning restrooms and yellow for counter-tops, sinks and walls.

•  Have a variety of different hand brushes on hand for general and specialty cleaning. Use grout brushes for cleaning up grout on counter-tops and ceramic tile floors. Toothbrushes can be used for detail cleaning around faucets and other fixture.

•  Scrubbing pad can be used wet or dry. Use for cleaning, scouring, and scrubbing a variety of surfaces, including floors, stairways, walls, railings, and counters.

•  Use white pads for surfaces such as glass, chrome, stainless steel and plastic surfaces. White pads are not as abrasive as green pads.

• Use a 2" utility scraper for build-up and adhesives in break rooms/kitchenettes and bathrooms. Keep plenty of spare blades on hand.

•  Save time by pre-spraying the inside of the microwave and refrigerator with a pump-up sprayer rather than using a spray bottle. When cleaning break rooms/kitchenettes, be sure to pull out the stove and refrigerator. Clean the walls, sides of appliances, sides of cabinets, floor, vacuum the coils, and underneath the microwave. Also clean the oven hood and filters.

•  Clean the floors last. Use the backpack vacuum to give the floors a final vacuuming, and then mop all hard surface flooring. The first thing most people notice is a nice looking floor. It will project cleanliness throughout the rest of the location.

Conclusion

Businesses will always be moving in and out of offices and other locations. There will always be a need for dedicated cleaning companies that can provide professional and quality move-in/move-out services. Whether just starting out as a new cleaning company or already a well-established business, this type of service can put extra dollars in your pockets.

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