Post-move cleaning in Western Switzerland: move into a spotless home
A move is always a pivotal moment. Between boxes, logistics, address changes and organisational stress, the question of cleaning is often pushed to the background. Yet in Western Switzerland, the cleanliness of the property — both the one you are leaving and the one you are moving into — is of paramount importance due to the strict inspection requirements applied by property management agencies and landlords.
At SOS Nettoyage, we are the post-move cleaning specialist in Western Switzerland. Our mission is to allow you to move into a perfectly clean and healthy home, without having to lift a finger. We operate in the cantons of Genève, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais and Jura. Request your free, no-obligation quote now.
Post-move cleaning vs. end-of-lease cleaning: an essential distinction
These two services are frequently confused, but they address radically different needs. Understanding this distinction will help you order the right service for your situation.
End-of-lease cleaning (moving out)
End-of-lease cleaning applies exclusively to the property you are leaving. It must be completed before the move-out inspection organised by the agency or landlord. The aim is to return the apartment or house to a state of cleanliness that meets Swiss criteria, as defined notably by the ASLOCA (Swiss Tenants’ Association) recommendations and cantonal practices. This cleaning is extremely meticulous and follows a precise checklist that property managers verify point by point. Inadequate cleaning can result in deductions from the rental deposit.
Post-move cleaning (moving into the new home)
Post-move cleaning applies to the property you are moving into. Even if the previous tenant had the place cleaned before leaving and the property was accepted during the move-out inspection, it is common for the property not to meet your personal cleanliness standards. Renovation work may have been carried out between tenancies, leaving construction dust, paint residues and marks on floors and windows.
What our post-move cleaning specifically covers
Post-move cleaning by SOS Nettoyage can include:
- Complete cleaning of the empty property before your furniture and boxes are installed.
- Full disinfection of sanitary facilities (WC, washbasins, bathtub, shower) for obvious hygiene reasons.
- Full kitchen cleaning: inside cupboards, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, worktop, splashback, extractor hood.
- Washing of all floors: parquet, tiles, vinyl, natural stone, polished concrete, with the method suited to each surface.
- Window cleaning: interior and accessible exterior windows, frames, sills, shutters and blinds.
- Thorough dusting: skirting boards, sockets, switches, radiators, ventilation grilles, door frames.
- Cleaning of cupboards and storage: interior and exterior of all fixed storage units.
- Anti-limescale treatment: taps, shower screens, washbasins, toilet bowls.
- Carpet and rug cleaning if the property has them (see our carpet and rug cleaning service).
- Deodorising if needed: elimination of lingering tobacco, pet, cooking or fresh paint odours.
Why have your new home cleaned before moving in?
Hygiene first
Even if the property appears clean to the naked eye, bacteria, chemical residues from cleaning products and allergens (dust mites, pet hair from the previous tenant, mould spores) can remain on surfaces, in joints and in hard-to-reach corners. Professional cleaning before installing your belongings guarantees a healthy and hygienic environment from day one.
This is particularly important if you have young children, allergy sufferers or immunocompromised people in your household. Babies who crawl on the floor are directly exposed to contaminants on the surface.
Making the most of an empty property: a unique opportunity
The ideal time to deep-clean a property is when it is completely empty. No furniture to move around, no objects to navigate, no boxes to step over: our teams can access every corner, every blind spot, every surface normally hidden by furniture. Behind a refrigerator, under a washing machine, at the back of a cupboard — everything is accessible and cleanable. This is an opportunity you will not have once you are settled in.
Detecting potential problems
During cleaning, our technicians may spot issues you would not have noticed during the viewing:
- Damp marks behind a cupboard or in a corner.
- Mould hidden in a bathroom or kitchen corner.
- Blackened silicone joints that need replacing.
- Hidden cracks in a wall or ceiling.
- Persistent stains on a floor or worktop.
- Insect traces (cockroaches, silverfish) in damp areas.
Reporting these elements before moving in and noting them in the move-in inspection report protects you during the next move-out inspection. This is an essential step to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage.
A fresh start in the best conditions
Psychologically, moving into a spotlessly clean home eases the transition. You can focus on furnishing, decorating and organising your new life without having to spend hours cleaning. It represents a significant time and peace of mind saving during an already stressful period.
Our post-move cleaning service step by step
1. Initial contact and free quote
Contact SOS Nettoyage by phone, email or via our online form. We will ask you a few questions to assess your needs:
- Address and property type (apartment, house, villa, duplex, penthouse).
- Number of rooms and approximate floor area in m².
- Condition of the property: empty, recently renovated, general condition observed during the viewing.
- Services required: standard cleaning, deep cleaning, with windows, with carpets, with deodorising.
- Preferred date for the intervention.
We provide a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
2. Scheduling the intervention
We agree on a date and time slot that fits into your moving schedule. Important tip: schedule the cleaning after receiving the keys from the agency and before the actual moving day. Ideally, allow 1 to 2 days’ buffer between the cleaning and the arrival of the moving truck.
3. Our team’s intervention
Our team arrives at the agreed time with all necessary equipment and products. Cleaning is carried out methodically, room by room, following a proven protocol:
Kitchen:
- Interior and exterior of all units (shelves, drawers, fronts).
- Oven: interior, grilles, trays, door (inside and outside).
- Refrigerator and freezer: interior, seals, vegetable drawer, shelves.
- Dishwasher: interior, filter, seals, front panel.
- Worktop and splashback: degreasing and disinfection.
- Sink and taps: complete descaling and polishing.
- Extractor hood: filters, exterior surface, accessible duct.
Sanitary facilities (bathroom, WC):
- WC: bowl, seat, lid, exterior, floor around, brush holder.
- Washbasin: basin, taps, visible siphon, vanity unit.
- Bathtub / shower: tray, screens, taps, joints, shower head, sliding door rail.
- Mirror and bathroom cabinet: interior and exterior.
- Wall and floor tiles: cleaning and joint descaling.
- Complete descaling of all chrome surfaces.
Living areas and bedrooms:
- Floors: vacuuming and washing with the method suited to the surface.
- Skirting boards, door frames and architraves.
- Windows: interior and accessible exterior glass, frames, sills, tracks.
- Blinds and shutters: dusting and slat cleaning.
- Radiators: vacuuming and cleaning between fins.
- Sockets and switches: cleaning of marks.
- Cupboards and built-in wardrobes: interior, shelves, rails, doors.
Entrance, hallway, corridors:
- Floor, skirting boards, doors (both sides), coat hooks, entrance mirror.
- Entrance cupboard if present.
- Electrical panel: dusting.
- Interior letterbox.
Laundry room / cellar / attic (if included):
- Floor and surface cleaning.
- Washing machine/tumble dryer cleaning if part of the property.
- Dusting of shelves.
Balcony / terrace (if included):
- Sweeping and washing the floor.
- Cleaning railings and balustrades.
- Cleaning fixed furniture if present.
4. Quality control and sign-off
Before leaving, our team leader carries out a complete inspection using an internal checklist. If you are present, we walk through together to validate each point. If you are unavailable, we send you a detailed report with photos.
Combined packages: save by bundling your needs
At SOS Nettoyage, we offer advantageous combined packages for people who are moving.
”Complete Move” Package
This package combines end-of-lease cleaning (old property) and post-move cleaning (new property) in a single coordinated service. You benefit from a preferential rate of 10 to 15% discount compared to the two services ordered separately, and simplified organisation: one point of contact, one quote, two spotless properties.
”Move + Carpet” Package
If your new property has carpets or rugs, add professional cleaning to your package. Move into perfectly clean and sanitised textile floors, free of dust mites, stains and odours from the previous occupant.
”Move + Windows” Package
For properties with large glazed surfaces (picture windows, conservatories, bay windows, high windows), this package includes complete cleaning of all windows, interior and exterior, including frames and sills.
Post-move cleaning rates in Western Switzerland
Rates depend on the property size, number of rooms, initial state of cleanliness and services chosen. Here are our indicative ranges for 2026:
Price by property type
| Property type | Standard cleaning | Deep cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room (25-35 m²) | 200 – 350 CHF | 350 – 500 CHF |
| 2 rooms (40-55 m²) | 300 – 450 CHF | 450 – 650 CHF |
| 3 rooms (60-80 m²) | 350 – 550 CHF | 550 – 800 CHF |
| 4 rooms (80-110 m²) | 500 – 750 CHF | 750 – 1’100 CHF |
| 5 rooms and more (110+ m²) | 600 – 900 CHF | 900 – 1’500 CHF |
| Detached villa | 1’000 – 2’000 CHF | 2’000 – 3’500 CHF |
Possible supplements
| Additional service | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Window cleaning (extra) | 5 – 10 CHF/m² of glazing |
| Carpet / rug cleaning | 25 – 40 CHF/m² |
| Balcony / terrace cleaning | 50 – 150 CHF |
| Cellar / attic cleaning | 80 – 200 CHF |
| Garage cleaning | 100 – 250 CHF |
| Full deodorising | 100 – 300 CHF |
”Complete Move” Package (old + new property)
The combined package offers a 10 to 15% discount compared to the two services ordered separately. Request your free, no-obligation quote for a precise price adapted to both your properties.
Combining end-of-lease and post-move cleaning: the optimal schedule
Managing both cleans (old and new property) requires rigorous planning, especially during peak moving periods in Switzerland.
The ideal timeline
Here is the optimal schedule for a typical move:
- D-30 to D-21: contact SOS Nettoyage to request your free quote. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have with dates.
- D-7 to D-3: receive the keys to the new property (if handover is early).
- D-3 to D-2: post-move cleaning of your new property (while it is empty).
- D-1 to Moving Day: the actual move. Your belongings arrive in a spotless home.
- D+1 to D+2: end-of-lease cleaning of your old property (now empty).
- D+3 to D+5: move-out inspection of the old property.
Peak periods in Switzerland
In Switzerland, moves are traditionally concentrated around four fixed dates: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December. These dates correspond to the most common lease termination deadlines under Swiss law.
During these periods, demand for cleaning literally surges. Our advice: book your post-move cleaning at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance during these peak periods. Outside peak periods, 1 to 2 weeks is generally sufficient.
The specifics of moving in Switzerland
The property inspection: a codified process
The property inspection in Switzerland is a formalised and rigorous process. The manager or landlord inspects the property room by room using a standardised form. Each element is assessed: floors, walls, ceilings, windows, kitchen, sanitary facilities, electrical installations, cupboards, cellars and outbuildings. Cleanliness defects are systematically noted and can result in charges to the outgoing tenant.
At SOS Nettoyage, we are thoroughly familiar with the assessment criteria of the main property management agencies in Western Switzerland: Régie du Rhône, Naef Immobilier, SPG Intercity, Bernard Nicod, Gérance immobilière, PRIVERA, Wincasa, Livit, and many others.
The rental deposit at stake
In Switzerland, the landlord can withhold all or part of the rental deposit (typically 1 to 3 months’ rent depending on the canton) to cover restoration costs, including cleaning. Professional cleaning ordered by you costs significantly less than a deposit deduction, which often includes management fees from the agency on top of the cleaning itself, sometimes billed at double the market rate.
Cantonal practices
Requirements vary from one canton to another:
- Genève: particularly rigorous inspection protocol, very demanding agencies.
- Vaud: the concordat de bail romand sets the framework, with well-established practices.
- Fribourg: local agencies have their own standards, often detailed.
- Neuchâtel: requirements similar to Canton de Vaud, with some specific features.
- Valais: practices may vary between upper Valais and French-speaking Valais.
- Jura: standards in line with Western Swiss practices.
Our teams are familiar with the specifics of each canton and adapt their service accordingly.
Our tips for a stress-free move
Before cleaning
- Completely empty the property: our team works on a fully empty property for optimal results.
- Read the meters (electricity, water, gas) and take dated photos.
- Check the condition of joints in the kitchen and bathroom. Let us know about any blackened or mouldy joints so we can treat them appropriately.
- Document the property’s condition on entry: take photos of every room and every defect noted. These photos will be invaluable for the move-in inspection.
After cleaning
- Do a walk-through before starting to install your furniture.
- Complete the move-in inspection with the property manager and note every defect, even minor ones (scratch, stain, worn joint, ceiling mark).
- Keep our invoice: it serves as evidence of the property’s condition upon your arrival.
- Install protections from day one: doormats, felt pads under furniture, floor protectors under office chairs.
Service area
SOS Nettoyage carries out post-move cleaning throughout Western Switzerland:
- Genève and the entire canton: Carouge, Lancy, Meyrin, Vernier, Onex, Thônex, Chêne-Bougeries.
- Lausanne, Morges, Nyon, Montreux, Vevey, Yverdon-les-Bains, Renens, Ecublens and the entire Canton de Vaud.
- Fribourg, Bulle, Villars-sur-Glâne and the Fribourg agglomeration.
- Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle and the Neuchâtel lakeside.
- Sion, Sierre, Martigny, Monthey and French-speaking Valais.
- Delémont, Porrentruy and the Jura.
Also discover our apartment and house cleaning service for regular maintenance, and our housekeeper service for one-off or recurring help.
Why choose SOS Nettoyage for your move?
- Cleaning specialist in Western Switzerland: we know the local requirements and agency criteria inside out.
- Cost-effective combined packages: combine old and new property with 10-15% discount.
- Flexibility: interventions 7 days a week, including during peak periods.
- Satisfaction guarantee: free follow-up if any point is not to your liking.
- Professional equipment and products: results incomparable with amateur cleaning.
- Eco-friendly products: biodegradable, non-toxic, safe for children and pets.
- Free, no-obligation quote: contact us for a price tailored to your situation.
FAQ — Post-move cleaning
What is the difference between post-move cleaning and end-of-lease cleaning?
End-of-lease cleaning is carried out in the property you are leaving, following a checklist compliant with agency criteria for the move-out inspection. Post-move cleaning concerns the property you are moving into, with a focus on hygiene and comfort for your family. Both services can be combined in our “Complete Move” package with a 10 to 15% discount.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance during moving periods (end of March, June, September, December). Outside peak periods, 1 to 2 weeks is generally sufficient. In an emergency, we do our best to find you a slot within 48 to 72 hours.
Does the property need to be completely empty?
Yes, ideally the property should be completely empty for optimal results. If you have already started installing furniture, we can still work, but the result will be less thorough in cluttered areas and the intervention time will be longer, which may affect the price.
Are your products safe for children and pets?
Yes. We use biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products, compliant with Swiss and European regulations. After surfaces have dried (a few hours), the property is perfectly safe for children, babies and pets. We also offer a hypoallergenic range on request.
Do you provide a cleaning certificate?
Yes, we provide a professional cleaning certificate on request. This document can be useful in the event of a dispute with the agency or landlord regarding the property’s condition upon your arrival. Our detailed invoice also serves as proof of the cleaning carried out and its scope.
What if the property is not clean when I move in?
If the property you are moving into is not in an acceptable state of cleanliness, document the defects with dated photos and report them during the move-in inspection. Then contact SOS Nettoyage for professional cleaning: the invoice may, in certain cases, be charged to the previous tenant or the agency depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
Do you also handle office and commercial moves?
Yes. We clean offices, commercial premises, medical practices and all types of professional premises during a move. Cleanliness requirements for professional premises are often even stricter than for residential properties. We adapt our service and products accordingly.
Can I be present during the cleaning?
Yes, you can be present if you wish, but it is absolutely not necessary. You simply need to hand over the keys or let us into the property. Our teams are trustworthy, declared, insured and accustomed to working independently. We contact you at the end of the intervention for a debrief and key return.