Move-In Ready: Why West Des Moines Homebuyers Should Deep Clean Before Unpacking

You just closed on your West Des Moines home. Congratulations—you're now a homeowner in one of Iowa's most desirable communities. The keys are in your hand, the house is legally yours, and you're excited to start this new chapter.

Before you start hauling boxes and furniture through that front door, stop for a minute.

I know you're eager to move in. I know the movers are scheduled. I know you've been planning furniture placement and imagining your life in this space for weeks. But here's something most new homeowners don't realize until it's too late:

The condition your house is in right now is the dirtiest it will ever be while you own it.

That might sound dramatic, but think about what just happened in this house. The previous owners lived there for years, accumulating dust, grime, and wear in places you can't see yet. Then they moved out—a chaotic process involving furniture dragging, box shuffling, and general disorder. The house might have sat empty for weeks with dust settling and systems running minimally.

Maybe there was a final "cleaning" done by the sellers or their agent. But let's be honest—move-out cleaning is rarely the same as move-in ready cleaning. They did the minimum required to fulfill contract obligations. They didn't deep-clean the place like you would for your own family.

Now you're about to move your belongings into a house that looks clean on the surface but is actually carrying years of someone else's dirt, dust, and residue.

Or—and here's the smarter option—you could start fresh with a professional deep clean before you unpack a single box.

This is your comprehensive guide to why move-in cleaning matters, what it should include, and how West Des Moines homebuyers can set themselves up for success in their new home.

The Hidden Reality of "Clean" Houses

Let's talk about what "clean" actually means when you're buying a house.

What the Sellers Did (Probably)

Most purchase agreements require sellers to leave the house in "broom clean" condition. That's a legal term that basically means:

• Major debris removed
• Floors swept
• Surfaces wiped down
• No garbage left behind

Notice what it doesn't mean:

• Deep cleaned
• Sanitized
• Free of accumulated grime in hard-to-reach places
• Actually clean by your standards

The sellers did the minimum. They had their own move to deal with, they were probably stressed and exhausted, and "cleaning for the next owner" was somewhere around priority #47 on their list.

What You're Actually Inheriting

Even in houses that look reasonably clean, here's what you're dealing with:

Kitchen:

• Grease buildup inside cabinets and on cabinet fronts near the stove
• Appliances that haven't been deep cleaned (inside refrigerator, oven interior, dishwasher filter)
• Drawers with crumbs and residue
• Countertops that might look clean but weren't sanitized
• Floors that were swept but not scrubbed

Bathrooms:

• Soap scum in showers and tubs
• Toilet cleaning that was surface-level at best
• Grout that hasn't been properly cleaned in years
• Cabinets and drawers with previous owner's dust and debris
• Fixtures that might shine from a quick wipe but aren't truly clean

Throughout the House:

• Baseboards that haven't been wiped down
• Window sills and tracks full of dust and debris
• Light fixtures with accumulated dust
• Ceiling fans that are dust-coated
• Air vents and returns that are filthy
• Closets and storage areas that were emptied but not cleaned
• Carpets that might have been vacuumed but need deep extraction
• Hard floors that were mopped but not scrubbed

The Invisible Problems:

• Dust in HVAC system from move-out disruption
• Allergens from previous owner's pets
• Residue from their cleaning products
• Accumulated dust in places you won't notice until you've lived there a while

This isn't to say the previous owners were slobs. Most of this is normal accumulated living. But it's not the fresh, clean start you want for your new home.

Why Deep Cleaning Before Move-In Makes Strategic Sense

Cleaning an empty house is fundamentally easier, faster, and more thorough than cleaning around furniture and belongings. Here's why the timing matters:

Access to Everything

When the house is empty:

• Cleaners can reach every corner, edge, and surface
• No furniture blocking baseboards or floor edges
• Complete access to closets and storage areas
• Easy to clean under where appliances will go
• Can deep-clean carpets before furniture creates traffic patterns

After you've moved in:

• Large furniture blocks access to walls and floors
• Can't properly clean under couches, beds, and heavy items
• Closets are full of your stuff, making deep cleaning impossible
• Have to work around your belongings, limiting thoroughness

Think about it: will you ever again have the opportunity to deep-clean every single surface in your house with nothing in the way? This is a one-time window.

Starting Fresh Psychologically

There's something deeply satisfying about knowing your new home was professionally deep-cleaned before your belongings entered it. You're not living with the previous owner's dirt and grime. You're starting completely fresh.

This matters more than you might think. When you know the house is truly clean—not just "looks clean"—you feel more settled. It's yours in a way that goes beyond just owning the deed.

Protecting Your Belongings

When you move furniture and boxes into a house that hasn't been properly cleaned:

• Your furniture picks up dirt and dust from floors during placement
• Your belongings absorb residual odors
• Dust gets redistributed onto your clean items
• You're essentially mixing your clean stuff with their dirt

Clean first, then move in. Your belongings deserve a clean environment.

Health Considerations

This matters especially if anyone in your family has:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Sensitivities to dust or pet dander
• Young children who will be on floors

Professional deep cleaning removes allergens, pet dander, dust, and residue that could affect your family's health. It's particularly important if the previous owners had pets and you don't—you're inheriting all their pet dander and allergens.

The Efficiency Factor

Professional cleaners can deep-clean an empty 2,000 square foot house in 4-6 hours. That same level of cleaning after you've moved in would take:

• 15-20 hours of your time
• Multiple weekends of work
• Constant frustration working around furniture
• Still not achieving the same level of thoroughness

The efficiency gained by cleaning when the house is empty is enormous.

What Comprehensive Move-In Cleaning Should Include

If you're paying for move-in cleaning, here's what you should expect. This goes well beyond basic cleaning.

Kitchen Deep Clean

Appliances:

• Refrigerator completely cleaned inside and out (shelves removed and scrubbed)
• Oven deep-cleaned including racks and interior
• Dishwasher interior cleaned, filter cleaned or replaced if needed
• Microwave interior and exterior cleaned
• Range hood and filter cleaned
• Any other appliances (garbage disposal cleaned, etc.)

Surfaces and Storage:

• All cabinets cleaned inside and out
• All drawers cleaned inside (remove crumbs and residue)
• Countertops scrubbed and sanitized
• Backsplash cleaned thoroughly
• Sink scrubbed and disinfected, faucet polished
• Under-sink cabinet cleaned (common area of neglect)

Floors and Details:

• Floors scrubbed completely (not just mopped)
• Baseboards wiped down
• Light fixtures cleaned
• Window cleaned (inside)
• Door and cabinet hardware cleaned

Bathroom Deep Clean

Fixtures:

• Toilets cleaned completely (inside, outside, base, behind toilet)
• Showers and tubs scrubbed including grout
• Shower doors cleaned (remove soap scum and water stains)
• Sinks and counters scrubbed and sanitized
• Faucets and fixtures polished

Surfaces and Storage:

• All cabinets and drawers cleaned inside and out
• Mirrors cleaned streak-free
• Medicine cabinet cleaned if present
• Shelving cleaned

Floors and Details:

• Floors scrubbed thoroughly
• Baseboards cleaned
• Light fixtures and exhaust fan cleaned
• Windows cleaned (inside)
• Door and hardware cleaned

Bedrooms and Living Areas

Surfaces:

• All surfaces dusted thoroughly
• Window sills and tracks cleaned
• Baseboards wiped down throughout
• Closets vacuumed and wiped down
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans cleaned

Floors:

• Carpets deep-cleaned with extraction (not just vacuumed)
• Hard floors scrubbed completely
• Edges and corners addressed
• Under where furniture will go given special attention

Details:

• Windows cleaned (inside)
• Doors and hardware cleaned
• Vents and returns vacuumed or wiped
• Any built-in shelving or features cleaned

Often-Overlooked Areas That Matter

These are areas that sellers' cleaning almost always misses but professional move-in cleaning should include:

Laundry Room:

• Washer and dryer cleaned (including lint trap and vent)
• Behind and around appliances cleaned
• Cabinets and surfaces cleaned
• Floor scrubbed
• Utility sink cleaned if present

Garage (if attached):

• Swept thoroughly
• Shelving wiped down
• Door tracks cleaned
• Obvious stains or spills addressed

Basement:

• Swept and spot-cleaned as needed
• Shelving dusted
• Obvious issues addressed

Entryways and Hallways:

• Floors given special attention (high traffic areas)
• Coat closets cleaned
• Front door cleaned inside and out

Stairways:

• Carpeted stairs deep-cleaned
• Handrails cleaned and polished
• Baseboards along stairs cleaned

The Final Details

• All light switches and outlets wiped
• All door handles and hardware cleaned
• All baseboards throughout entire house
• All window treatments dusted or cleaned
• All vents and returns addressed
• Final inspection to catch anything missed

The West Des Moines Home Market Context

Understanding the West Des Moines real estate market helps explain why move-in cleaning matters here:

Home Values and Investment Protection

West Des Moines has some of the highest home values in Iowa. Whether you bought in:

• Jordan Creek area (newer developments)
• Valley Junction (historic charm)
• Ashworth area (established neighborhoods)
• West Glen (upscale living)

You've made a significant investment. Starting with proper deep cleaning protects that investment by establishing good maintenance from day one.

Competitive Market Realities

West Des Moines homes often sell quickly in competitive situations. That means:

• Sellers were focused on closing, not cleaning perfection
• The house might have been shown to dozens of people (lots of traffic and touching)
• Quick turnover between owner and your possession
• Minimal time for thorough cleaning between closing and your move-in

Professional move-in cleaning addresses what the fast-paced market doesn't allow for.

Quality of Life Expectations

West Des Moines attracts residents who value:

• Good schools (West Des Moines Community School District reputation)
• Quality amenities and services
• Well-maintained properties and neighborhoods
• High standards for living environment

Starting your time in West Des Moines with a professionally cleaned home aligns with the community's quality-of-life expectations.

The Financial Reality: Is Move-In Cleaning Worth the Cost?

Let's talk honestly about what move-in cleaning costs and whether it's worth it.

Typical Costs for West Des Moines Homes:

• 1,500-2,000 sq ft: $300-500
• 2,000-2,500 sq ft: $400-600
• 2,500-3,000 sq ft: $500-700
• 3,000+ sq ft: $600-900+

What influences cost:

• Square footage
• Number of bathrooms (most labor-intensive rooms)
• Carpet deep cleaning (if included)
• Condition of the house
• Special requests or problem areas

The Value Proposition:

You just spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a house. You're about to spend thousands moving and furnishing it. Is $400-600 for thorough professional cleaning a worthwhile investment?

Consider the alternatives:

Option 1: DIY Deep Clean

• Time investment: 20-30 hours for thorough job
• Your hourly rate: What's your time worth?
• Equipment rental: Carpet cleaner, specialized tools ($100-150)
• Cleaning supplies: $50-75
• Physical exhaustion: Significant
• Thoroughness: Good but not professional-level
• Total "cost": Time + money + exhaustion

Option 2: Basic Clean, Then Hope for Best

• Immediate cost: Your time for basic surface cleaning
• Long-term cost: Living with residual dirt and grime
• Ongoing issues: Harder to deep clean after you've moved in
• Satisfaction: Knowing you didn't start fresh

Option 3: Professional Move-In Cleaning

• Immediate cost: $400-600
• Time investment: 30 minutes to coordinate
• Thoroughness: Professional-level deep clean
• Satisfaction: Complete fresh start
• Long-term benefit: Easier to maintain already-clean house

For most West Des Moines homebuyers, Option 3 provides the best value when you factor in time, thoroughness, and peace of mind.

Timing Your Move-In Clean Strategically

When exactly should move-in cleaning happen? Here's the strategic timeline:

Ideal Timing: Between Closing and Move-In

Day of or immediately after closing: Schedule cleaning for as soon as you have keys. Ideally:

• Day after closing
• 2-3 days before movers arrive
• Enough time for cleaning to be complete before any belongings enter

Why this timing works:

• House is completely empty
• You have access but haven't moved in yet
• Gives cleaners full access to everything
• House is fresh and clean when movers arrive
• You can do final walkthrough of clean house before move-in

What if closing and move-in are the same day?

If you're moving in immediately after closing:

Option A: Schedule for closing day while you handle other logistics Cleaners work while you're at closing, doing paperwork, or handling other move logistics.

Option B: Delay move-in by one day if possible Close on Friday, clean on Saturday, move on Sunday. Worth the slight delay.

Option C: Clean critical areas first, rest later Have cleaners do kitchen and bathrooms before move-in, then schedule remainder for after furniture is placed (less ideal but better than nothing).

Coordinating with Other Services

If you're having other work done on the house:

Sequence of services:

1. Any construction/renovation work
2. Painting (if doing any)
3. Carpet installation or floor refinishing
4. Professional cleaning (happens last)
5. Move-in

Don't schedule cleaning before construction or painting—you'll just need it done again.

Special situation: Carpet cleaning

If house has carpet that needs deep cleaning:

• Schedule this as part of move-in cleaning or right before
• Do it after all other work but before move-in
• Allows carpets to dry completely before furniture placement

Choosing the Right Cleaning Service for Move-In

Not all cleaning companies are equally suited for move-in cleaning. Here's what to look for:

Essential Qualities

Move-In Cleaning Experience Generic house cleaning and move-in deep cleaning are different. Choose a service that specifically understands move-in needs and has done this many times.

Flexibility and Availability Real estate closings don't always happen on schedule. You need a cleaning service that can:

• Schedule on short notice if closing date changes
• Work on weekends if needed
• Accommodate timing shifts without penalties

Comprehensive Service Move-in cleaning should be thorough, not just surface-level. Make sure they include:

• All areas of the house
• Deep cleaning, not just basic cleaning
• Detailed checklist of what's included

Trustworthiness You're giving them access to your new (empty) house. You need:

• Background-checked employees
• Insured and bonded company
• Established local reputation
• References available

Local Knowledge Companies familiar with West Des Moines understand:

• Typical home layouts in the area
• Common issues in local housing stock
• Local expectations and standards
• Quick response to your area

Questions to Ask Potential Cleaning Services

1. "Do you specifically offer move-in deep cleaning?" This should be a standard service they're very familiar with.

2. "What exactly is included in your move-in cleaning package?" Get specifics. "We clean everything" is too vague.

3. "How long does move-in cleaning typically take for a [size] square foot house?" This helps you plan timing.

4. "Can you work with flexible scheduling if my closing date changes?" Real estate timelines shift—your cleaners need to accommodate this.

5. "Do you do carpet deep cleaning, or should I schedule that separately?" Some services include this, others don't.

6. "Can you provide references from other recent homebuyers?" Talk to people who've used their move-in service specifically.

7. "What if I notice something missed after you're done?" Good companies will return to address legitimate concerns.

What to Do Before Cleaners Arrive

Even though the house is empty, some preparation helps:

Utilities On:

• Water running
• Electricity on
• HVAC system functioning (helps with drying after cleaning)

Access Arranged:

• Cleaners have keys or lockbox code
• You've confirmed arrival time
• Someone available by phone if issues arise

Special Requests Communicated:

• Areas of particular concern
• Any known problem spots
• Specific rooms to prioritize
• Products to use or avoid

Walkthrough Done: Before cleaners arrive, walk the house and note anything that needs special attention.

After Cleaning: The Pre-Move-In Inspection

Once cleaning is complete, do a thorough walkthrough before movers arrive:

Check Critical Areas:

• Open all cabinets and drawers—look inside
• Check all bathroom fixtures
• Look at baseboards throughout
• Check window sills and tracks
• Inspect floors in corners and edges
• Look at light fixtures and fans

Address Any Concerns Immediately: If something was missed or not done to standard, contact the cleaning company right away. Good companies will return to address issues.

Document the Clean House: Take photos of the clean, empty house. This serves as:

• Your "baseline" for the house condition
• Documentation for your own reference
• Satisfaction that the job was done right

Now You're Ready: With the house professionally cleaned and inspected, you're ready to move in with confidence that you're starting fresh.

Why West Des Moines Homebuyers Choose Rodan Cleaning

Rodan Cleaning has been serving West Des Moines and the greater Des Moines area since 1998, including move-in/move-out cleaning for countless homebuyers.

What makes them the choice for West Des Moines move-ins:

Local Knowledge and Experience They know West Des Moines neighborhoods, typical home layouts in the area, and what local homebuyers expect. They've cleaned homes throughout Jordan Creek, Valley Junction, Ashworth, and every other West Des Moines area.

Flexible Scheduling Real estate closings shift constantly. Rodan understands this and works with you to accommodate timing changes without creating stress or penalties.

Comprehensive Deep Cleaning This isn't surface cleaning. Every Rodan cleaner goes through Cleaning University training on proper deep-cleaning protocols. They understand the difference between "looks clean" and "is actually clean."

Detail-Oriented Standards Monthly quality audits (scoring consistently around 95-96%) ensure the same high standards for move-in cleaning that they maintain for all services.

Owner Accessibility When you work with Rodan, you have owner Zach Vander Ploeg's direct contact. Questions about scheduling or specific requests? You're talking to someone who can make decisions immediately.

26+ Years of Reputation Since 1998, Rodan has built a reputation in Des Moines for reliability and quality. That matters when you're trusting someone with access to your new home.

Making the Decision: When to Schedule Your Move-In Clean

If you're buying a home in West Des Moines, here's your action plan:

As Soon as Your Offer Is Accepted: Start thinking about move-in cleaning. Don't wait until closing to consider this.

Two Weeks Before Closing: Contact Rodan Cleaning at (515) 276-1618 to discuss your move-in cleaning needs and get on their schedule.

One Week Before Closing: Confirm the cleaning date (typically day after closing or 2-3 days before move-in).

Day After Closing: Professional cleaning happens while you handle other move logistics.

Day Before Move-In: Do your walkthrough of the clean house. Address any concerns.

Move-In Day: Movers arrive at a house that's been professionally deep-cleaned and is truly ready for your belongings.

The Fresh Start You Deserve

Buying a home in West Des Moines is a significant achievement. You've worked hard, saved diligently, and made one of the biggest investments of your life.

You deserve to start this new chapter in a home that's truly clean—not just surface-clean, but deep-cleaned to a standard that gives you a genuine fresh start.

The window of opportunity to deep-clean an empty house is brief. Once you move in, you'll never again have this level of access to every surface, corner, and space. Take advantage of it.

Professional move-in cleaning isn't an unnecessary luxury. It's a strategic investment in starting your homeownership journey right—with a clean, healthy, fresh environment that's truly yours.

Ready to schedule your West Des Moines move-in cleaning? Call Rodan Cleaning at (515) 276-1618 or book your service online.

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