Apartment Cleaning Before Moving In: Prices and Guide

Why is it important to book professional cleaning before moving into an apartment?

Moving house is one of the most stressful events in life. Between packing boxes, moving services, and bureaucratic arrangements, the task of cleaning the new apartment can seem like an additional burden. However, booking a professional service before moving in is a worthwhile investment that directly affects your quality of life from the very first moment. An apartment that has undergone a thorough cleaning is not only more aesthetic but also more hygienic and safer to live in.

When you enter an apartment, you want to feel at home. Dust residue, dirt inside kitchen cabinets, or stains in the bathrooms can dampen the feeling of renewal. Professional cleaning includes disinfecting surfaces, which is especially important if you have young children or pets. In addition, a thorough cleaning allows you to identify hidden defects in the apartment, such as small leaks or cracks, which might only be revealed after removing layers of dust and dirt that have accumulated over time.

Beyond that, it is a matter of saving precious time. Instead of spending your first days in the apartment with rags and buckets, you can dedicate the time to unpacking boxes and organizing the house. Skilled professionals have specialized equipment that allows them to achieve results that are difficult to obtain with regular household means. If you need additional help after the move, you can always look for regular cleaning services to maintain the high level of maintenance achieved on the first day.

What does pre-occupancy cleaning service include?

Pre-occupancy cleaning is a comprehensive service designed to bring the apartment to a "move-in ready" state. Unlike regular maintenance cleaning, the emphasis here is on the smallest details in every corner of the house. The work is usually performed in an empty apartment, which allows for easy access to all areas, including behind doors, inside drawers, and under high shelves.

The service usually includes cleaning all surfaces in the house, from the ceiling to the floor. In the kitchen, the work focuses on removing grease, cleaning the inside and outside of cabinets, and disinfecting work surfaces. In the bathrooms, the goal is to remove limescale from faucets, clean shower enclosures or bathtubs, and disinfect toilets. Windows and shutters are an integral part of the process, as they accumulate a huge amount of dust during periods of renovation or while the apartment stands empty.

Below is a comparison table to help understand the differences between the various levels of cleaning:

How much does apartment cleaning before moving in cost?

There is no single price. According to 2026 market price lists, cleaning costs about 70–90 ₪ per hour, while private cleaners charge 50–80 ₪ per hour. The final amount depends on the size of the apartment, its condition, and the task list. A thorough pre-move clean usually takes a full working day, so many people agree on a fixed price for the whole job.

What affects the price:

• the floor area and the number of rooms and bathrooms;
• how dirty it is: dust, paint marks, grout or glue left after renovation;
• the type of floors, windows and surfaces, and access to the windows;
• extra tasks: inside the cabinets, appliances, taking shutters apart.

Hourly pay suits small apartments with a clear scope. For a new apartment from a developer or one after renovation, a fixed price is more convenient: you know the amount in advance and the task list is written down. A new build usually has a lot of construction dust and leftover grout, paint and glue, and after a renovation there is even more (see the guide to cleaning after renovation). Delicate surfaces such as marble or parquet need suitable products: mention them in advance and ask what can and cannot be done.

To compare offers, ask every provider to price the same task list and find out what is included and what may cost extra (windows and tracks, inside the cabinets, appliances). A difference in price does not always mean a difference in quality: more often it is a different scope of work.

Apartment cleaning in Tel Aviv and the Center: Special highlights

Moving to an apartment in Tel Aviv or other major cities carries unique challenges. Urban density, the difficulty of finding parking, and intensive construction in certain areas affect the nature of cleaning services. In many Tel Aviv apartments, especially in historic buildings or older buildings, there are elements like wooden shutters or large windows that require delicate and professional care.

In addition, in cities like Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or Haifa, the demand for cleaning services is very high, especially during seasonal moving periods. Therefore, it is important to plan the booking in advance. Traffic congestion and difficulty accessing buildings in city centers require working with professionals who know the area and know how to manage efficiently under time constraints. If you need additional help after the move, you can find a variety of services on our site, from childcare to garden maintenance if you have moved to a private house.

How to choose the right housekeeper or cleaning company?

Choosing a professional for your new apartment's cleaning is a decision that requires careful consideration. Since this is a person who will enter your private space, reliability is the most important parameter. It is recommended to look for recommendations from friends, family, or in reviews on online platforms. Do not be shy about asking to see previous work or asking about the housekeeper's experience in cleaning apartments before occupancy.

It is important to ensure that the professional arrives with the appropriate equipment. Cleaning before moving in requires stronger materials than those used for weekly cleaning, and equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners or steam cleaners. If you are still looking for a housekeeper, you can use additional information on finding a housekeeper to help you choose quality and safe service.

• Check recommendations and reviews online.
• Ensure there is coordination of expectations regarding equipment and materials.
• Ask about specific experience in cleaning after renovation or before moving in.
• Ask whether the worker has insurance and how they handle problems with the work.

Coordination of expectations: What is important to agree upon in advance with the professional?

To avoid misunderstandings on the day of cleaning, it is essential to prepare a clear checklist. Sit with the professional before starting work and go over every room. Is there a need to clean the inside of the cabinets? Do the windows also include cleaning the tracks and screens? Is there a need for scrubbing baseboards throughout the house? Defining expectations in advance prevents a situation where the work is finished but you are not satisfied with the result.

In addition, it is important to agree on the subject of cleaning materials. Does the professional bring everything, or do you need to purchase specific materials? In most cases, professional cleaning companies bring their own equipment, but it is always worth verifying this. Also, talk about schedules – when they start and when they are expected to finish – so you can plan the arrival of your movers accordingly.

• Prepare a detailed checklist for every room.
• Agree in advance on who provides the cleaning materials and equipment.
• Define an estimated completion time.
• Clear access to the surfaces: move away boxes and items that do not belong to the apartment.
• Perform a joint tour of the apartment at the end of the work before the professional leaves.

Safety and security: Why check professionals yourself?

Bringing a stranger into your home is a step that requires a lot of trust. When you look for a professional through a platform like EzraHome, you see a profile with experience, languages and area, but the platform does not verify workers. As with a search on social networks, find out who is really standing in front of you: ask for an ID and references, and call previous clients. Personal security is a top value, especially in a sensitive process like moving house.

In addition, agree on the scope of work, the price and the date in writing in chat before the cleaning. If something does not meet expectations, you raise it with the specialist you hired – EzraHome is a platform, not a cleaning company. Clear agreements allow you to focus on organizing your new home instead of worrying about logistical problems.

• Check references and ID yourself.
• Meet and talk to the person before the work starts.
• Share your address and access details only with the person you chose.
• Agree on the scope, price and date in writing in chat.

Tips for maintaining cleanliness after moving into the apartment

After you have invested in a thorough cleaning before moving in, the goal is to keep the house clean over time. The most important tip is to maintain regular cleaning and not neglect accumulations. Dedicate a regular time each week to cleaning surfaces, vacuuming, and mopping floors. If you feel you need help, do not hesitate to book regular cleaning services.

In addition, keeping order in cabinets and drawers will make your weekly cleaning much easier. The fewer unnecessary items on surfaces, the easier it is to clean them. If you need help managing your household, you can also look for specialists in elderly care or pet care, to ease your daily burden.

• Maintain regular cleaning once a week.
• Reduce clutter on surfaces.
• Use mild cleaning agents for daily maintenance.
• Do not delay cleaning stains – treat them immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book cleaning before moving in?

It is recommended to book the cleaning service at least two to three weeks before the planned moving date. Periods at the end of the month or holidays are especially busy, so booking early improves your chances of getting the professional most suitable for you on the day and time that are convenient for you, and will prevent unnecessary pressure at the last minute.

Does the cleaning also include window and shutter cleaning?

Yes, pre-occupancy cleaning usually includes thorough cleaning of windows, tracks, and shutters. This is a critical part of the service, as these are areas that accumulate a lot of dust. However, it is important to verify in advance with the professional that the service includes dismantling shutters if necessary, as not every housekeeper performs the dismantling and assembly of complex shutters.

What is the difference between regular cleaning and pre-occupancy cleaning?

Regular cleaning is maintenance-based and focuses on visible surfaces and floors. Pre-occupancy cleaning is much deeper and more thorough; it is performed in an empty apartment and includes cleaning the inside of cabinets, baseboards, deep disinfection of bathrooms and the kitchen, and removing dust residue from every corner of the house. This is a process designed to prepare the apartment for living from scratch.

Do I need to provide the cleaning materials?

In most cases, cleaning professionals arrive with their own equipment and cleaning materials. However, it is always worth verifying this in advance when booking. If you have sensitivities to certain materials or prefer the use of environmentally friendly materials, it is worth mentioning this in advance so the professional can prepare accordingly.

Does EzraHome check that the housekeeper is reliable?

No. EzraHome does not vet the professionals listed on the platform: profiles are filled in by the specialists themselves. Talk to the person in chat, ask for references and call previous clients, look at an ID, and arrange a trial visit – as with any hire. These steps give you peace of mind when you bring a person into your new home.

Is it possible to book cleaning for a partially furnished apartment?

It is definitely possible, but it is important to coordinate this in advance. Cleaning a partially furnished apartment requires adjusting the work method, as it is necessary to move furniture carefully and clean around it. It is recommended to mention the state of the apartment when booking so the professional can estimate the time required and bring the appropriate equipment for working within a furnished space.