Tips for Summer Cleaning.
July 26 2023 / by
blog
15 November 2025
When you’re preparing to move out of your rental home in Melbourne (or anywhere in Australia), the timing of your end-of-lease clean (also called “bond cleaning” or “vacate cleaning”) is just as important as the cleaning itself. Getting the schedule right means less stress, better chances of getting your bond back, and a smoother inspection. Here’s a guide based on Australian renting-market norms and industry best practice.
Why timing matters
Under legislation (for example the various state Residential Tenancies Acts) you’re typically required to return the property in substantially the same condition as when you moved in, apart from fair wear and tear. If your cleaning falls short, you may face deductions from your bond. A professional end-of-lease clean even states that the service revamps the whole property—from walls, floors, windows, fixtures, garden and more—to meet the condition required at hand-over.
Booking too late makes it harder to respond to inspection queries, and booking too early risks having the space cleaned but then used/dirty again before inspection.
Best-practice timing guide (Melbourne and Australia)
| When | What to do | Why it matters |
| 2-3 weeks before lease end | Contact a professional cleaning service, obtain a quote and schedule a date. | Ensures you secure a good slot (end-of-lease cleans are high demand) and gives buffer for any extra work. Industry guides suggest booking early rather than leaving it to last minute. |
| 1 week before your move-out date / when furniture is gone | Ensure all heavy items and furniture are removed first (or scheduled for removal), then the clean is done. | The property must be in “empty” state for the cleaner to reach all surfaces. One Australian guide recommends removing furniture before the clean. |
| 1-2 days before final inspection / key hand-over | Conduct a walkthrough with the cleaner, ensure checklist tasks completed, take photos and prepare for inspection. | Leaves time to fix any small issues (e.g., a missed window, mark on skirting board) before key return. |
| Inspection day | Return the keys, provide cleaning receipts (if required), and be present if possible for the inspection. | Helps you respond to any last-minute queries from your property manager and supports full bond return. |
What to check when choosing and scheduling your clean
- Confirm that the cleaning company covers all areasrequired on your lease condition report (walls, cupboards, skirting boards, windows inside/out, oven, rangehood, etc.).
- Ask if they provide a bond-back guaranteeor reclean if the property manager is unsatisfied. Some guide articles highlight this as a key factor.
- Check when they can attend: end-of-lease cleans often need after normal business hours or at weekends (because you may be moving out during weekdays).
- Ask what you need to have done before their team arrives (e.g., removal of large items, emptying cupboards, returning furniture to original positions).
- Get your moving schedule aligned: your removalist, utility disconnections, and inspection all tie in around the same time.
Common timing pitfalls to avoid
- Waiting until the last day: If a cleaner arrives and the property is still full of furniture or items, you’ll pay more and may not finish in time.
- Cleaning too early with major activity afterwards: If you clean and then your movers bring in boxes or you have tradespeople in, you’ll risk creating mess again.
- Not allowing for inspection rounds/agent delays: Sometimes the agent may inspect a day or two later than you expect; make sure you’re covered.
- Ignoring outdoor/garden work: Often overlooked, but many lease agreements require gardens/patios to be cleaned/weeded—which adds time if booked last minute.
For a stress-free handover and best chance of full bond return in Melbourne, aim to book your end-of-lease clean about 10–14 days before your lease finishes, once furniture is out, and conduct a final walkthrough 1–2 days before inspection. That way you’ve locked in professional help, left a buffer for tweaks, and ensured your property is ready for key return.