Over time, places get dirty and need to be cleaned.  Even if you managed to keep your carpet kindly, the stuff that lurks under your couch, behind your dresser and beneath your refrigerator can be downright nasty.

Sure, you can roll up your sleeves and do your own cleaning, but if your place has been sullied and stained with years, it might be time to hire professionals, especially if you want that deposit back.

But where to start?  What do you need to have cleaned?  Do you need a cleaning service?  And how do you select a cleaning business from the dozens available in your area?

Do You Really Need a Cleaning Service?

Before you go off and hire somebody to clean your old place, you should check to make sure that it’s worth it.  Talk to your landlord to see what you will be charged for regarding cleaning.  Some landlords might insist on using their own cleaning services, and some might charge you for things, like floor buffing, that a cleaning service wouldn’t provide you.  Once you know what you need to clean, then you can move on to hiring a service for that.

Find a reliable cleaner

You want to find a trustworthy, reliable cleaning company or private cleaner.   There are several ways to do this:

• Use Yelp or Google to locate a cleaning service with good reviews
• If you have any family or friends who use a maid service, ask them if they have any recommendations.
• Ask your real estate agent for suggestions.
• Tell the cleaner about your needs and make sure they are willing to do the job for the right price.

Next Step: Moving Day Considerations

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