Whether you're closing a facility, relocating, downsizing, or just clearing out years of accumulated packaging materials, a well-planned warehouse cleanout saves time, money, and headaches. Here's the complete checklist we use for every cleanout project.
Phase 1: Assessment (2–4 Weeks Before)
- Walk the entire facility and document all corrugated materials by type and approximate quantity
- Note location of materials (which aisles, bays, or zones)
- Identify any hazardous materials or contaminated packaging that requires special handling
- Count pallets, gaylords, loose boxes, and packaging supplies separately
- Determine access points for trucks (dock doors, grade-level doors, overhead clearance)
- Confirm equipment availability (forklifts, pallet jacks, loading ramps)
- Identify staging areas for sorted materials
- Check for any building permits or HOA requirements for commercial dumpsters or trucks
- Separate materials into "resaleable" and "recyclable" categories
- Get quotes from box buyback companies (like us) for resaleable inventory
- Calculate the value of recoverable materials vs. disposal costs
- Many businesses are surprised to learn that their "junk" has significant resale value
Phase 2: Preparation (1 Week Before)
- Notify all facility staff of the cleanout schedule
- Arrange for any items that should NOT be removed to be clearly marked
- Coordinate with building management for elevator access, loading dock scheduling, etc.
- Confirm the cleanout crew's arrival time and expected duration
- Clear pathways to all material storage areas
- Pre-sort obvious recyclables from resaleables where possible
- Remove any non-corrugated items from the cleanout zone
- Ensure utilities (lighting, ventilation) are operational in all areas
Phase 3: Execution (Day Of)
- Grade A boxes (like new): Stack flat on pallets, grouped by size
- Grade B boxes (good condition): Stack separately from Grade A
- Grade C boxes (fair/damaged): Separate pile for evaluation
- Grade D (recycling only): Bale or bundle for recycling pickup
- Non-corrugated materials: Separate entirely
- Load resaleable materials first (they have monetary value)
- Load recyclable bales next
- Non-recyclable waste (if any) loads last
- Photograph all materials before removal for records
- Count pallets, gaylords, and box quantities loaded
- Record weights if scale is available
- Get signed confirmation of materials removed
Phase 4: Completion
- Walk the entire facility to confirm all materials removed
- Sweep or broom-clean all areas per the agreement
- Document the clean state with photos
- Address any items that were missed or need special attention
- Review the material inventory report
- Confirm buyback credit or payment for resaleable materials
- Offset against cleanout service costs
- Request environmental impact report if needed for sustainability reporting
Pro Tips
- Don't wait until the last minute. Rushed cleanouts cost more and recover less value from resaleable materials.
- Consider the value first. Before paying for junk removal, have a box specialist assess what's worth selling. You might break even or come out ahead.
- Keep it dry. Wet cardboard is worthless for resale and more expensive to recycle. If your warehouse has roof leaks or moisture issues, address them before stockpiling materials.
- Think about ongoing management. If your facility generates a steady stream of used boxes, set up a regular pickup schedule rather than letting materials accumulate to cleanout-level volumes.
What We Handle
- All corrugated materials (boxes, gaylords, sheets, inserts)
- Wooden and plastic pallets
- Stretch wrap and shrink film
- Packing peanuts and void fill
- Paper-based packaging materials
We sort on-site, pay for resaleable materials, and guarantee a broom-clean finish. Nothing goes to a landfill — everything is either resold, recycled, or composted.