Quick answer: Prepare in five steps: take out documents, valuables and keepsakes; mark what stays; group hazardous materials apart; clear the route and book parking or the elevator; have whatever needs disconnecting disconnected, such as the washer, with any gas connection left to a technician. On the day, an authorized person confirms decisions with the crew.
A full cleanout empties a property in a day or two. Anything not set aside beforehand risks leaving with the rest. A few hours of preparation, spread over two weeks, make the day predictable.
Direct answer: five steps before the day
Take out documents, valuables and keepsakes; clearly mark what stays; group hazardous materials in a safe spot; clear the route and book parking or the elevator; have the washer disconnected and the refrigerator emptied, and leave any gas connection to a technician. On the day, an authorized person walks through with the crew lead.
Key terms
- Full cleanout: removing almost all of a property's contents.
- Keep-list: the items that stay, marked on site.
- Authorized person: the person entitled to decide what goes.
The timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Two weeks before | Sort documents, valuables and keepsakes; confirm donations |
| One week before | Mark what stays; group hazardous materials; book access |
| The day before | Clear the route; disconnect the washer; empty the refrigerator |
| On the day | Walk through with the crew lead; stay reachable |
| After | Check the premises; take photos |
Documents and valuables
Look in drawers, coat pockets, shoe boxes and books. A sealed box marked "do not remove" prevents mistakes.
Hazardous materials
Paint, solvents, propane tanks and batteries do not leave with the rest. Residents can take them to an ecocentre, following the City's instructions.
Access
Clear hallways, stairs and the entrance. Book the elevator or parking if the building requires it. To go further, see the practical guide, planning before a move or sale and coordinating a cleanout remotely.
Next step
Fill in the clearout preparation sheet, then request a clearout quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to sort everything myself?
No; at least separate what stays and the hazardous materials.
Should drawers in outgoing furniture be emptied?
Yes, check them; that is where papers and valuables hide.
Who should be there on the day?
An authorized person, on site or reachable.
What if something valuable turns up during the work?
The crew stops and checks with the authorized person.
Sources
Sources checked on November 12, 2026.