The keys have been handed over, the flat is empty – and the removal van arrives in a few days. Right now is the best moment for a thorough clean. A move-in cleaning in Zürich means you move into a truly clean home and do not have to put your things into dusty cupboards. In this article you will find out how cleaning an empty flat works, what to look out for and how to coordinate the appointment with your furniture delivery.
Quick enquiry: Send your location, preferred date and 2–3 photos via WhatsApp to +41 78 747 15 14.
Move-in cleaning or handover cleaning – what is the difference?
Many people confuse the two terms. The handover cleaning (Abgabereinigung, also called final cleaning or Endreinigung) is the responsibility of the outgoing tenants: they clean the flat before handing it over to the property management (Verwaltung) so that it passes the inspection. If you are moving out yourself, you will find everything you need on our page Move-out cleaning and final cleaning with handover guarantee.
The move-in cleaning (Einzugsreinigung), on the other hand, is something you do for yourself. Even if the previous tenants have cleaned, something is often left behind: dust from the handover, traces of the move, fingerprints on doors or residue in drawers. Sometimes the flat has also stood empty for a few weeks. The move-in cleaning is based on your own standards, not on an inspection report.
Why the empty flat is the ideal moment
An empty flat is much easier to clean thoroughly than a furnished one. There is no furniture to move, no boxes in the way and free access to corners, skirting boards and floors. Whatever you clean now, you will not have to tackle later behind the sofa or under the bed.
The right order in an empty flat
The tried-and-tested principle: from top to bottom and from the inside out. That way, dust always falls on surfaces that have not yet been cleaned.
- Air the rooms and remove loose dust: open the windows, remove cobwebs and dust from ceilings, light fittings and corners.
- Inside of cupboards: wipe out built-in wardrobes, the hallway wardrobe and kitchen cupboards, including shelves and drawers.
- Kitchen: fronts, worktops, sink, oven, fridge and extractor hood.
- Bathroom and WC: washbasin, shower or bath, toilet, taps, mirrors and grout.
- Windows, frames and blinds: inside and, where accessible, outside.
- Doors, light switches, sockets, skirting boards.
- Floors last: vacuum and mop, room by room towards the exit.
Inside the cupboards: the underestimated part
Once clothes, crockery and food supplies are put away, it is hard to reach the inside of the cupboards. That is why it pays to wipe out built-in wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, drawers and shelves thoroughly before moving in – including the tops of tall cupboards, where dust likes to collect.
Kitchen and bathroom: where people look most closely
In the kitchen, it is about all the surfaces that will later come into contact with food: inside the fridge, the oven, drawers and worktops. In the bathroom, the focus is on limescale on taps and glass, grout and the toilet. Limescale is easiest to remove before you use the bathroom for the first time and put away your toiletries.
Coordinating with the furniture delivery
The best move-in cleaning is of little use if the removal company is walking through the flat with boxes at the same time. So plan like this:
- Schedule the cleaning between the key handover and the furniture delivery, ideally with at least one day’s buffer.
- Let the floors dry completely after mopping before heavy furniture is carried in.
- Clarify whether keys will be handed over or someone will be on site.
- If kitchen appliances or lamps still need to be installed, have this done before the cleaning if possible.
- If your time window is tight, enquire early – short-notice appointments are possible depending on availability.
What is included – and what is not?
Typically included
- Kitchen including inside of cupboards, oven, fridge and extractor hood
- Bathroom and WC including descaling of taps and glass
- Built-in wardrobes and hallway wardrobes inside and out
- Windows, frames and blinds as part of the cleaning
- Doors, switches, radiators, skirting boards and floors
Not included
- Disposal of material or items left by the previous tenants
- Repairs, painting or installation work
- Final builders’ cleaning after major conversions (for construction dust after smaller renovations, see the link below)
What determines the price?
Every flat is different, so you will receive a quote based on your details. The main factors are:
- Size of the flat and number of rooms
- Number of bathrooms and size of the kitchen
- Number of windows and type of blinds
- Condition of the flat (lightly dusty or heavily soiled)
- Additional spaces such as balcony, cellar or attic
- Date and time window
Photos of the kitchen, bathroom and windows help us assess the workload realistically.
Checklist for your move-in cleaning
- Dates of the key handover and furniture delivery noted
- Access clarified (key, badge, lift, parking)
- Electricity and water switched on
- Photos taken of the kitchen, bathroom, windows and blinds
- Inside of cupboards, oven and fridge on the list
- Balcony, cellar or attic mentioned, if required
- Any residue left by the previous tenants documented
If you need regular help after moving in, our home cleaning is the next step. If the flat has just been renovated, read our article on cleaning after a renovation in Zürich.
We work throughout the canton of Zürich, with a focus on the city of Zürich and the left bank of Lake Zürich – from Wollishofen and Enge via Kilchberg, Rüschlikon and Thalwil to Oberrieden, Horgen and Adliswil.
Frequently asked questions about move-in cleaning
Is a move-in cleaning worth it if the previous tenants have already cleaned?
Often, yes. The handover cleaning is based on the property management’s inspection report. In addition, new dust collects between the handover and moving in. With a move-in cleaning you start according to your own standards.
When is the best time?
After the key handover and before the furniture delivery, when the flat is completely empty. If possible, allow a day’s buffer so the floors can dry.
Do I have to be present during the cleaning?
No, not necessarily. What matters is that access to the flat is arranged in advance, for example through a key handover.
Is a short-notice appointment possible?
Yes, depending on availability. Send us your location, preferred date and a few photos via WhatsApp, and we will quickly get back to you with a suggestion.
Request a move-in cleaning now
Send us your location, preferred date and 2–3 photos – we will prepare a suitable quote for your move-in cleaning in Zürich.