Checklists
Moving Out in South Florida: The Cleanout Checklist That Protects Your Deposit
Updated August 2026 · By the All Out Rubbish crew
Most deposit disputes in Palm Beach and Broward come down to two things: items left behind and a unit that was not cleared before the walkthrough. Landlords bill removal at their contractor's rate, which is almost always higher than what a haul-away costs you.
Two weeks out: decide what does not travel
Anything bulky, worn, or cheaper to replace than to move: old mattresses, particle-board furniture, the grill, the treadmill nobody used. Moving companies charge by weight or volume, so hauling a dead couch to your new place is paying twice.
One week out: donations and sales
Book donation pickup early — Faith Farm and Habitat ReStore need lead time and will refuse stained or broken items on arrival. List anything genuinely valuable now; on moving week you will accept any price.
Move-out day: the leave-behind sweep
Check the attic hatch, the water heater closet, above kitchen cabinets, the patio, and the storage cage. Florida units routinely hide hurricane shutters, pool noodles, and paint cans in exactly those places, and every one of them becomes a deduction.
Before the walkthrough: get it empty
Same-day removal the morning of the walkthrough is the highest-leverage $175–$295 in the whole move. An empty unit photographs clean and gives the landlord nothing to itemize.
Timing tip for South Florida
The last three days of the month are the busiest in this market — elevator windows in Fort Lauderdale and Boca condos book solid. Reserve both your freight elevator and your haul-away at least three days ahead.
Need help with this in Palm Beach or Broward?
All Out Rubbish does same-day pickups across South Florida. Flat-rate quotes by text in under 5 minutes.
FAQs
What does a typical apartment cleanout cost?
A one-bedroom with leftover furniture is usually a quarter to half load — about $175–$295 flat, labor and disposal included.
Can you come the same morning as my walkthrough?
Usually yes if you book a day ahead. We run 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM Sunday through Friday.
Do you handle condo freight elevators and COIs?
Yes. Tell us the building and we send a Certificate of Insurance to management ahead of time so we are cleared through the gate and elevator.