Work backward from key return.
Use this sample schedule as a planning aid and adjust it to your confirmed move, building rules and available pickup dates. It is not a promised booking lead time or completion schedule.
Example move-out removal schedule| When | What to do | What should be settled |
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| 7–14 days before the move | Walk every room and storage area. Mark keep, sell, donate and remove groups. Ask about building access and any fixed deadline. | A complete first inventory and a list of access restrictions. |
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| 3–7 days before | Confirm buyer or donation collections and set a cutoff. Arrange junk pickup around movers and cleaners, with room for a changed scope. | Confirmed handoffs and a backup for items nobody collects. |
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| 1–2 days before pickup | Send updated photos if the pile changes. Label belongings that stay and confirm who provides access and approves the onsite price. | An accurate removal list and a clear carry route. |
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| Pickup day | Walk the scope with the crew, confirm retained items and approve the final price before loading. Review any added items first. | Only the agreed items are released for removal. |
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| After movers, before keys | Check cupboards, closets, garage, patio and storage spaces. If new junk remains, arrange separate pickup before cleaners and key return. | A final walkthrough; any extra visit is confirmed separately. |
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One pickup or two?
One pickup can fit when the discard list is complete before the movers arrive. Removing that confirmed junk first keeps it out of the moving load.
Two separately arranged pickups may fit when you need an initial declutter but will still be using furniture until moving day. Plan the second scope after the move and before cleaning. Each visit needs its own availability and price review; do not assume a return trip is included.
Keep donation and buyer items separate until collection is confirmed. If a collection falls through, tell the crew before adding those items to the junk pile. For belongings you are keeping, moving labor is a separate service; you provide and drive the vehicle.