The answer to 'DIY move-out cleaning' is that it is possible to perform a thorough move-out cleaning yourself, but it requires significant time and effort. The key steps are to clean each room top-to-bottom, focus on high-traffic areas, and pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Safety precautions include using appropriate personal protective equipment and ventilation, and properly storing and disposing of cleaning chemicals.
For most homeowners, it's recommended to have a professional cleaning service handle the move-out clean. They have the expertise, equipment, and products to ensure a deep, comprehensive clean in a timely manner. This can save you time and hassle, especially if you're juggling other move-out tasks.