Cleanout guide
Move-Out Checklist
Move-outs can go sideways in the last 48 hours, when the truck is full but the garage still isn't empty. This checklist is built from the spots that get missed.
Two to three weeks out
- Walk every room, closet and outbuilding and decide: moving, selling, donating, or hauling.
- List bigger items for sale early. Furniture takes time to sell.
- Book help for anything you can't move yourself, including junk removal for the leftovers.
- Use up or give away cleaning products, paint and garden chemicals. They are hard to get rid of at the last minute.
The spots that get missed
- Attic, crawl space and the space under the basement stairs
- Sheds, detached garages and behind them
- Kitchen cabinets above the refrigerator, and under every sink
- Closet shelves and the floor of every closet
- Refrigerator, freezer, oven, dishwasher and washer drum
- Bathroom vanity, medicine cabinet and the shower caddy
- Curtain rods, wall hooks and anything mounted that is yours
- The yard: hoses, pots, firewood piles, kids' toys
Move-out day
- Empty the fridge completely and wipe it out.
- Sweep or vacuum every room once it is empty.
- Take dated photos of every room, inside closets and appliances. Photos help document the condition you left it in if questions come up later.
- Collect every key, garage remote and gate fob and hand them over the way your lease or contract says.
- Set up mail forwarding and close or transfer utilities.
What to do with what's left
Usable items can be sold or donated. For trash and bulky items, the bulk trash guide explains the city and county options and the landfill guide covers dropping it off yourself. For a full truck's worth, I haul it: furniture, appliances, mattresses, garage and basement contents. See what I take.
One thing I can't take: hazardous material, like liquid paint and solvents, chemicals and fuel. Deal with those early in the move, since county hazardous waste collection happens on set days.
For landlords after a tenant leaves
- Photograph everything before anything is removed or cleaned.
- Compare against the move-in photos or checklist.
- List what needs hauling, cleaning, repair and paint, so one visit can cover as much as possible.
If a tenant left belongings behind, or the unit is coming back after an eviction, those items may be subject to Maryland rules about abandoned property. Talk to an attorney about what you can remove and when. I don't give legal advice; once you are clear to proceed, I can clear the unit. The rental turnover page covers the full turn: haul-out, repairs and getting it ready to show.
Questions
How soon before move-out should I book junk removal?
As soon as you know your date. Booking early gives you more scheduling options. If the items change, tell me so I can confirm the scope and written price before the job.
Can you clear a unit a tenant left full of stuff?
Yes, once the owner is clear to proceed. If the unit is coming back after an eviction or the tenant left belongings, those items may be subject to Maryland rules, so talk to an attorney first.
Get a written price
Call or text 240-315-7030 with the address and a few photos, or use the quote form. The quote is free, usually the same day.
Jay's Property Management LLC, 5738 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, MD 21703. Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM. james.king7522@gmail.com