Move In Cleaning New York — Start Fresh in Your New Home

You just got the keys. Before the boxes come in, let Maid First make sure your new apartment is actually clean. We serve all five boroughs — and we know what New York apartments really look like behind that "freshly cleaned" claim.

Call Us: (212) 920-7872

New Yorkers Trust Maid First

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I moved into a 'cleaned' apartment in Astoria and the oven was disgusting. Maid First came the next morning and fixed everything. Never moving without them again.

Olivia T., Astoria, Queens

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Booked a move in cleaning in New York for my new Williamsburg place. The bathroom grout alone was worth the price. So glad I did it before unpacking.

James R., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

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They cleaned my new 2-bedroom on the Upper West Side before my furniture arrived. The place smelled different — actually clean — when they were done.

Michelle A., Upper West Side

The Dirty Secret About "Move-In Ready" New York Apartments

Here's something most landlords won't tell you: "move-in ready" doesn't mean clean. It means legally habitable and free of previous tenants' belongings, but not necessarily scrubbed or spotless.

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Grease and grime baked into the oven from the last tenant

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Dust and crumbs inside every cabinet and drawer

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Hard water stains and soap scum in the bathroom

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Dust buildup on baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans

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Sticky residue on light switches and doorknobs

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A refrigerator that smells like someone else's food

What a Real Move In Cleaning in New York Actually Looks Like

A move in cleaning isn't a quick once-over. It's a detailed, room-by-room clean that gets every surface, every corner, and every hidden spot before your stuff goes in.

Here's what Maid First does when we show up for your move in clean:

Kitchen

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We clean inside the oven, broiler tray, and oven racks to remove all baked-on residues. Our thorough approach ensures your cooking appliances look and perform like new.

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Our team cleans both inside and outside the refrigerator and freezer, eliminating spills and odors. This keeps your food storage areas hygienic and fresh.

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Degreasing the range hood and filter removes built-up grease and grime that can affect air quality. We restore these components to optimal cleanliness.

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We clean inside and outside every cabinet and drawer, removing dust and crumbs. This attention to detail helps maintain a tidy and organized kitchen space.

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Cleaning behind and under the stove and refrigerator targets hidden dirt and debris. This prevents pest issues and improves overall kitchen hygiene.

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Wiping walls, backsplash, and counters removes stains and splatters for a polished look. We ensure all surfaces are spotless and ready for use.

Bathrooms

Thorough cleaning focused on grout, fixtures, and surfaces.

Bathroom Cleaning

Detailed care for every bathroom corner and fixture.

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Tile Grout & Soap Scum

Scrubbing tile grout and removing soap scum for a fresh look.

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Toilet Cleaning

Cleaning the toilet inside and out, including base and behind.

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Vanity & Exhaust Fan

Polishing faucets, cleaning vanity, medicine cabinet, and exhaust fan cover.

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Living Areas and Bedrooms Cleaning

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Walls, doors, and door frames are thoroughly wiped to remove dust and marks. This ensures a fresh and clean surface throughout your living spaces.

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All baseboards and window sills receive detailed cleaning to eliminate accumulated dirt. This attention to detail brightens your rooms and enhances overall cleanliness.

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Ceiling fans and light fixtures are carefully dusted to improve air quality and lighting. This reduces allergens and maintains a polished look.

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Inside closets, shelves, and cabinets are cleaned to remove dust and debris. This creates a neat and inviting storage space for your belongings.

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Window tracks and sills are cleared of dirt and dust to ensure smooth operation and a tidy appearance. Clean windows contribute to a brighter home environment.

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Light switch plates and outlet covers are wiped down to remove fingerprints and grime. This small detail helps maintain a consistently clean home.

What It Feels Like to Move Into a Clean Apartment

Most people have moved into a place that wasn't really clean. You unpack your kitchen stuff and realize the cabinets smell weird. You use the shower for a week before you notice what's on the grout. You never quite feel settled.

Book This Week — Get $50 Off Your Move In Cleaning

Moving is expensive. We get it. That's why we're offering $50 off for new clients who book a move in cleaning in New York this week. Just mention code MOVEIN50 when you call or book online. New clients only. Offer good through end of the month. Spots fill up fast around the 1st and 15th — the most popular move-in days in NYC.

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Maid First House Cleaning Service

Maid First is a New York City house cleaning service that's been cleaning apartments across all five boroughs for years. We work in studios, 1-bedrooms, 3-bedrooms, prewar walk-ups, and new construction high-rises. Whatever your apartment looks like, we've probably cleaned one just like it.

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Flexible Cleaning Options

Our house cleaning service is available as a one-time clean or on a recurring schedule. We bring all supplies, we're background-checked, and we're fully insured.

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Standard House Cleaning

Our standard house cleaning covers the regular stuff — vacuuming, mopping, dusting, bathroom cleaning, kitchen wipe-down, and tidying common areas. It's great for maintaining a clean home week to week.

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Deep Cleaning Service

A deep cleaning service goes places a standard clean doesn't. Inside appliances. Behind furniture. Grout lines. Cabinet interiors. The tops of door frames.

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Move In/Out Cleaning

Move in/out cleaning is one of the most requested services in New York City. People moving within the five boroughs often need a move out clean for their old apartment and a move in clean for their new one — sometimes on the same day.

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Spring Cleaning

Even if you've lived in your New York apartment for years, a good spring cleaning can reset the whole place. We go deep — baseboards, ceiling fans, window tracks, inside appliances, behind furniture. The full treatment.

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Maid Service

Our maid service is for New Yorkers who want a reliably clean home without having to think about it. You set your schedule — weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly — and we show up every time.

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Recurring Cleaning

Recurring cleaning is the smart move if you want to stay on top of your home without a big effort. We offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly options for apartments across New York City.

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How Much Does Move In Cleaning Cost in New York?

Here's what most move in cleanings cost based on apartment size:

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Studio / 1BR

Starting at $199. This price covers our full move in cleaning checklist with optional add-ons available.

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2BR Apartment

Starting at $269. Includes comprehensive cleaning with options for inside windows, balcony, and more.

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We give you a firm price before we start — no surprises.

Call (212) 920-7872 or visit maidfirst.com to get your quote.

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Note on Deep Cleaning

Apartments with heavy buildup or that haven't been cleaned in a long time may require a deep cleaning service. We'll flag this during booking so you know upfront.

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Keep Your New Apartment Clean — And Save

Once your move in cleaning is done, keep your new place in great shape with our recurring service.
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Weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly options available. No contracts. Cancel anytime.

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New clients who book a move in cleaning and sign up for recurring cleaning get:

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Starting clean is great. Staying clean is better.

More From Our Clients

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My new place in Long Island City had the previous tenant's grime everywhere. The Maid First team found stuff I never would have found on my own. The oven was a whole situation.
Brian K., Long Island City
★★★★★
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I moved from Park Slope to Crown Heights and used Maid First for both a move out and move in clean. Seamless, professional, and both apartments looked amazing.
Nadia C., Crown Heights
★★★★★
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Booked a move in cleaning in New York for my new studio in the East Village. Small place but they didn't rush. Everything was spotless.
Amara J., East Village
★★★★★
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Used them for a deep cleaning before I moved into a Bed-Stuy brownstone. The bathroom tiles went from gray to white. Not kidding.
Leo W., Bed-Stuy
★★★★★
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Maid First did my move in cleaning in a Harlem apartment that clearly hadn't been touched in months. They spent six hours and it was worth every minute. I've told everyone I know.
Derek S., Harlem
★★★★★
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What Clients Tell Us After Their Move In Clean

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I can't believe how different the apartment smells.
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I didn't realize how dirty it was until I saw it clean.
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I unpacked everything the same day and it was so easy.
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My kids touched the floor without me worrying about it.
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I feel like I'm actually home now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Move In Cleaning in New York

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  • Do you do move in and move out cleaning on the same day for people moving within NYC?

    Yes, and this is actually pretty common in New York. A lot of people are leaving one apartment and moving into another on the same day — or within a day or two. We coordinate both cleanings and try to schedule them back to back when the locations are close. It makes the whole moving day a lot smoother.
  • What if I find something that wasn't cleaned properly after the team leaves?

    Just let us know within 24 hours and we'll come back to fix it at no charge. We stand behind our work. Whether it's a cabinet shelf we missed or a bathroom detail you want redone, we'll make it right. That's something we've done for clients in buildings from Tribeca to Throgs Neck.
  • Does the season affect move in cleaning availability in New York?

    A little, yes. The end of September and end of May are our busiest times — that's when a lot of NYC leases turn over and everyone is moving at once. If you're moving at the end of the month, especially September 1st or October 1st, book as early as possible. We also tend to get busy before major holidays when people want their new places ready for guests.
  • Are your cleaning products safe for kids and pets?

    Yes. We use products that are safe for children and pets. If you have specific sensitivities or preferences — fragrance-free, for example — just mention it when you book. We accommodate requests like this all the time, especially for clients in family-friendly neighborhoods like Park Slope and Riverdale.
  • How do I book a move in cleaning in New York City with Maid First?

    The easiest ways are to call or text us at (212) 920-7872, email support@maidfirst.com, or book directly at maidfirst.com. We'll ask for your address, apartment size, and preferred date and time. We'll confirm availability and give you a price right away. No lengthy intake forms, no waiting days for a quote.
  • When should I schedule a move in cleaning in New York — before or after I bring my stuff in?

    Always before. The whole point of a move in cleaning is to get the apartment clean before your furniture and boxes come in. That way every surface, cabinet, and corner gets cleaned without anything in the way. We recommend booking your move in clean for the day you get the keys, or the day before your movers arrive.
  • Do you do move in cleaning for apartments all over New York City, or just Manhattan?

    We cover all five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. We've done move in cleanings in neighborhoods from Riverdale in the north to Tottenville in the south. If you're not sure whether we reach your building, call us at (212) 920-7872 and we'll confirm right away.
  • How is a move in cleaning different from a regular apartment cleaning?

    A move in cleaning is a full deep clean done when the apartment is empty. Because there's no furniture in the way, we can get to everything — inside cabinets, behind appliances, under radiators, full baseboards. A regular apartment cleaning is a maintenance clean done while you're living there. The move in version is more thorough and takes longer because we start from scratch.
  • I'm moving into a new construction building in New York — do I still need a move in cleaning?

    Yes. New construction apartments in NYC — even in buildings going up right now in Hudson Yards, Greenpoint, or Long Island City — often have construction dust, adhesive residue, paint drips, and drywall particles that a standard builder's clean doesn't fully remove. A professional move in cleaning takes care of all of that before you move your things in.
  • How long does a move in cleaning take for a typical New York City apartment?

    A 1-bedroom usually takes 3–4 hours. A 2-bedroom with a kitchen that needs extra work can take 5–6 hours. We don't rush — we stay until the job is done. When you book, we'll give you a time estimate based on your apartment size and any specific areas you want us to focus on.

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Book Your Move In Cleaning in New York Today

Your new apartment deserves a clean start. Let Maid First handle it so you can focus on the fun part — actually moving in.

We're available 7 days a week across all five boroughs. Same-day and next-day appointments often available in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Call or Text: (212) 920-7872. Email: support@maidfirst.com. Book Online: maidfirst.com. Use code MOVEIN50 to save $50 on your first booking.