If you own a rental in South Florida, you've probably walked into a unit after move-out and found a couch, a broken TV stand, a mattress and a pile of bags the last tenant didn't take. And if you're the tenant, you may be out of time, out of room in the moving truck, or just done.
Either way, the stuff has to go before the next person moves in. We're SoFlo Junk And Go, a local junk removal crew based in Pompano Beach, and rental cleanouts are a big part of what we do. Here's how they work.
For landlords and property managers
Turnover time costs you money. Every day the unit sits full of junk is a day your painter, cleaner or new tenant can't get in. A few tips to keep it moving:
- Book us as soon as you know the move-out date. If we're lined up for the day after the keys come back, your cleaner and painter can go right behind us.
- Send photos of every room, plus the garage, patio, shed and side yard. Tenants leave stuff everywhere.
- Tell us about access. Gate codes, lockbox, condo elevator rules or a building that wants moves only on certain days.
- You don't have to be there. Plenty of landlords leave a lockbox and let us handle it. We'll text you when it's done.
- Make sure you're allowed to toss it. Follow your lease and Florida's rules on property left behind before you have anything hauled off. If you're not sure, check with your attorney or property manager first.
For tenants moving out
Getting your deposit back is easier when the place is empty. If you're moving out and can't take everything:
- Decide early what's not coming. Set it aside in one room or the garage so it's easy to grab.
- Book the pickup before your last day, not after. Once you hand over the keys, you may not be able to get back in.
- Check with your landlord or building about elevator reservations and move-out hours.
- Don't forget the outside. Old patio furniture, grills and planters count too.
What we take from rentals
The usual move-out leftovers:
- Couches, recliners and sectionals
- Mattresses, box springs and bed frames
- Dressers, desks, tables and chairs
- TVs and old electronics
- Bags of clothes, trash and boxes
- Appliances like washers, dryers and fridges
- Patio furniture, grills and yard stuff
- Garage and storage closet junk
There are a few things we can't take, like chemicals, paint and other hazardous materials. We have a full list in What Junk Removal Companies Can't Take.
What a rental cleanout costs
Junk removal is priced mostly by how much space your stuff takes up in the trailer, plus weight and dump fees. Jobs start at $150. A few leftover pieces usually run around $150 to $250. A full load in our 6x14 dump trailer has run about $650, and a fully furnished house can take more than one load.
You get an upfront price before we start. The quote is free, and there's no obligation. For more on pricing, read How Much Does Junk Removal Cost in South Florida?
Tips to keep the price down
- Get it all in one trip. One pickup for the whole unit is usually cheaper than two smaller ones.
- Bring everything to one spot if you can, like the garage or the living room.
- Mention heavy stuff, like tile, dirt or a pile of old books, so the quote is right the first time.
- Ask about anything unusual before the day, not on the day.
Where we work
We do rental and move-out cleanouts all over Broward and south Palm Beach, including Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. Not sure we cover your street? Just ask.
FAQ
Do I need to be there? No. Lots of landlords give us a lockbox code. We'll send you a text when the unit is cleared.
How fast can you come? Often within a day or two, sometimes the same day. The sooner you send photos, the better.
Do you clean the unit too? We haul the junk out. The move-out cleaning is still up to you or your cleaner, and they can go right in behind us.
How do I pay? Cash, check, credit card, Zelle, Cash App or PayPal. We're open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 8 PM.
Get the unit ready for the next tenant
Got a rental full of leftovers? Text photos of each room to 954-408-4024, or use the quote form on our site. We'll send you an upfront price and get it cleared out so you can turn the unit over.