Property Cleanout Checklist
Whether you're turning over a rental, clearing an estate, or preparing a property for sale, a systematic approach ensures nothing gets missed. Use this checklist to make sure your property cleanout is thorough and complete.
This guide is designed for property managers, landlords, and anyone overseeing a property cleanout in the Boise area.
Before the Cleanout
Preparation steps before work begins:
Document the starting condition. Walk through and photograph every room. Note damage, items left behind, and overall condition. This documentation protects you if disputes arise.
Secure the property. Make sure you have legal access and proper authority to remove contents. For tenant situations, verify that abandonment procedures have been properly followed.
Check for valuables and documents. Look for items that may need special handling—cash, jewelry, important documents, medications, firearms. These shouldn't just be thrown away.
Identify hazardous materials. Note any paint, chemicals, propane tanks, or other materials requiring special disposal.
Verify utility status. Know whether electricity and water are on. This affects equipment options and cleaning capabilities.
Room-by-Room Checklist
What to address in each area:
Commonly Overlooked Areas
Don't forget these spots:
Attic or crawl space. Previous occupants often store items and forget about them. Check for boxes, holiday decorations, old furniture.
Behind appliances. Items fall behind refrigerators, washers, and dryers. Pull them out and check.
Utility room or water heater area. Stored items, cleaning supplies, pet items often accumulate here.
Built-in storage. Hall closets, linen closets, coat closets—every shelf and corner.
Mailbox. Check for accumulated mail, which may contain important documents or clues to forwarding addresses.
Outdoor structures. Sheds, detached garages, carports—anything on the property.
Sorting and Disposal
Items typically fall into categories:
Trash. Broken items, garbage, damaged goods—straight to disposal.
Donation. Usable furniture, clothing, household goods can often go to local charities. Idaho Youth Ranch, Goodwill, and Salvation Army all accept donations in the Treasure Valley.
Recycling. Metals, electronics, cardboard can be recycled rather than landfilled.
Hazardous materials. Paint, chemicals, batteries, medications need proper disposal through Ada County or Canyon County hazardous waste programs.
Items requiring storage or return. Depending on circumstances, some items may need to be held for the previous occupant per Idaho abandoned property laws.
Final Walkthrough Checklist
Before calling the cleanout complete:
Every room empty. Nothing left in any closet, cabinet, or storage area.
Broom-clean condition. Floors swept, major debris removed. (Deep cleaning is typically a separate service.)
Appliances addressed. Either removed, cleaned out, or noted as needing attention.
Exterior clear. No items remaining on porches, patios, in yard, or in outbuildings.
Windows and doors secure. Property can be properly locked.
Photo documentation. After photos showing completed cleanout condition.
The Bottom Line
A thorough property cleanout requires systematic attention to every area. Using a checklist prevents callbacks, disputes, and the embarrassment of showing a "cleaned" property that still has items in it.
Whether you're handling the cleanout yourself or hiring professionals, this checklist ensures nothing gets missed.
Need help with a property cleanout in the Treasure Valley? We follow this same systematic approach on every job—so you know the property will be truly ready when we're done.
Need Professional Cleanout Help?
We handle complete property cleanouts throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and the Treasure Valley. Thorough, documented, and efficient.
Call (208) 361-1982