What should an office move cleaning checklist cover?
An office move cleaning checklist covers two cleans: a thorough move-out clean of the space you are leaving (to recover your deposit and meet lease conditions) and a move-in clean of the new premises before staff arrive. Both should address workstations, kitchens, washrooms, floors, glass, IT equipment areas, and waste removal. The checklist below breaks each phase down so facilities managers and business owners can hand a clear scope to whoever does the work.
Relocating is disruptive enough without a dilapidations dispute or staff walking into a dusty new office. Treating cleaning as a planned part of the move, not an afterthought, protects your lease deposit and gets the team productive on day one.
Phase 1: Move-out clean (the office you are leaving)
Commercial leases usually require you to return the premises in good, clean condition. A documented clean reduces dilapidations claims.
- Remove all furniture, equipment, and stock not staying with the building
- Clear and recycle all waste, including confidential paper shredding
- Wipe down all desks, partitions, and built-in storage inside and out
- Clean and degrease the kitchen/breakroom: appliances, sink, cupboards, worktops
- Descale and disinfect washrooms thoroughly
- Clean internal glass, partitions, and any glazed meeting rooms
- Dust and wipe skirting, sills, radiators, and vents
- Vacuum all carpets; consider professional carpet/upholstery cleaning if required by the lease
- Mop and buff hard floors
- Remove marks from walls and clean light switches and sockets
- Wipe down doors, frames, and handles
- Photograph the cleaned, empty space against your lease schedule of condition
Phase 2: Move-in clean (the new premises)
A pre-occupancy clean removes builders' dust, previous-tenant grime, and packing debris.
- Remove construction or fit-out dust from all surfaces, including high-level ledges
- Clean inside cupboards, drawers, and storage before stock goes in
- Sanitise the kitchen and all appliances
- Deep clean and stock washrooms (soap, paper, sanitiser)
- Clean all internal and accessible external glass
- Wipe down newly installed furniture and workstations
- Vacuum and mop all floors; treat any new flooring per manufacturer guidance
- Disinfect high-touch points: handles, switches, lift buttons, shared equipment
- Clear and remove all packaging and moving debris
Phase 3: Ongoing janitorial setup
Once you are in, set up a recurring schedule so the new office stays presentable.
- Agree daily, weekly, and monthly task lists
- Confirm washroom restocking and waste collection frequency
- Schedule periodic deep cleans (carpets, windows, kitchen)
- Define security and access arrangements for cleaners
- Set a single point of contact and a simple reporting method
What companies looking for janitorial services should ask for
If you are a company looking for janitorial services for the move or for ongoing contracts, ask providers about:
- A written scope of work and clear pricing with no hidden fees
- Public liability insurance and references from similar businesses
- ID-checked, verified staff (important for out-of-hours building access)
- Flexibility around your business hours and move timeline
- Whether they handle one-off move cleans as well as recurring contracts
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Building cleaning vs. office cleaning during a move
It is worth distinguishing two things that often get confused during a relocation. Building cleaning (sometimes called post-construction or post-fit-out cleaning) deals with dust, debris, paint splashes, and residue left by contractors after a fit-out or refurbishment. Office cleaning deals with the day-to-day grime of an occupied workspace. A move frequently involves both: the new premises may need a builder's clean before your standard move-in clean is even worthwhile. When you brief a provider, say clearly whether contractors have just left, because post-construction cleaning is more labour-intensive and is usually priced separately. Getting this right up front avoids a half-finished space and a surprise on the invoice.
Timing tip
Book your move-out clean for the day after the last item leaves, and your move-in clean for the day before staff arrive. Trying to clean while movers are still carrying boxes wastes the cleaner's time and yours.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book office move cleaning?
Book two to four weeks ahead, especially for larger offices or specialist tasks like carpet cleaning. This secures your preferred dates and lets the cleaner scope the job properly.
What is the difference between a move-out clean and ongoing janitorial service?
A move-out clean is a one-off deep clean to meet lease conditions when you vacate. Janitorial service is a recurring contract that keeps an occupied office clean day to day.
Who pays for end-of-lease office cleaning, the tenant or landlord?
Almost always the tenant, as most commercial leases require the premises to be returned clean and in good repair. Check your dilapidations clause and schedule of condition.
Do I need insured cleaners for a commercial office?
Yes. Reputable commercial cleaners carry public liability insurance, and for out-of-hours access you should use ID-checked, verified staff.
Can one provider handle both the old and new office?
Often yes, and using one provider for both cleans simplifies scheduling and accountability. Ask whether they can cover both addresses and coordinate around your move date.
Moving offices soon? Hire a cleaner for your move clean or post a job free to get matched with verified commercial cleaning teams.