Office cleanout walkthrough checklist

Walk the suite in one direction and record desks, chairs, tables, cabinets, shelving, appliances, and boxed contents. A square-foot figure cannot show how much is actually leaving. Note items that are bolted together, built in, unusually heavy, or likely to need disassembly. Label furniture that stays so it cannot be confused with the removal list.

Trace the route to the truck

Start at the farthest item and follow the real path through doors, turns, corridors, elevators, ramps, and the loading area. Measure the tightest opening when a desk, conference table, or cabinet looks close. Record the floor level and the distance from the exit to the vehicle. If the building requires elevator padding or a reserved dock, those are schedule details, not last-minute surprises.

Protect records and equipment

Empty filing cabinets and desks before pickup. Remove keys, personnel records, financial documents, medication, and portable electronics. Business data should be erased or handled under the company's own information-security process. Do not treat a general hauling service as a certified data-destruction service unless that service is separately confirmed.

Questions for the building manager

Ask where the truck may park, whether a certificate of insurance is required, which elevator may be used, whether floor protection is mandatory, and what hours are permitted. Confirm who will unlock the suite and who can approve a change in scope. Put the answers in the request so the estimate reflects the actual job.

Walkthrough worksheet

Record these fields for each zone: item type, quantity, dimensions for large pieces, floor level, disassembly note, and keep/remove status. Add one building section for parking, dock or elevator reservation, access hours, stairs, and the on-site contact. That worksheet gives the estimator concrete details without exposing private business records.