Inventory every room and storage area
Walk through the apartment in a fixed order and photograph each room, closet, balcony, storage cage, and utility area. A cleanout estimate should not depend on one photo taken from the front door.
Mark anything that stays before taking the final photos.
- Living room and bedrooms
- Kitchen and appliances
- Closets and cabinets
- Balcony or outdoor area
- Basement cage or building storage
Confirm building access
Ask management about service hours, elevator reservations, loading rules, and required paperwork. For a walk-up, count the flights and photograph the narrowest landing.
Give the same information to everyone involved so the cleanout date does not conflict with the building.
- Freight-elevator time
- Doorman or key instructions
- Legal loading location
- Move-out deadline
Create a final-day plan
Remove documents, medication, keys, jewelry, cash, and personal keepsakes before the crew arrives. Keep the approved removal items visually separate.
If the apartment must be broom-clean or ready for inspection, say so in advance and confirm what condition is required after the items leave.