Moving & Relocation Cleanout Guide for Evansville Residents

Moving is one of life's most stressful events, but with the right plan, you can streamline the process and save time, money, and energy. This comprehensive guide covers everything from decluttering weeks before your move to final walkthrough checklist—specifically tailored for Evansville and Tri-State area residents.

8 Weeks Before Moving: Start Decluttering

The earlier you start, the less overwhelming the process becomes. Begin with areas you use least frequently.

The 3-Box Rule

For each room, use three boxes labeled: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash/Recycle. Be honest about what you actually use—if you haven't used it in a year, you probably don't need it.

Start with Storage Areas

• Attic: Sort through holiday decorations, old toys, stored furniture
• Basement: Old appliances, exercise equipment, stored items
• Garage: Tools, lawn equipment, automotive supplies, sports gear
• Closets: Clothes you haven't worn, shoes, accessories

6 Weeks Before: Major Furniture & Large Items

Furniture Assessment

Consider the cost of moving vs. replacing:

• Old sofas and recliners (especially if damaged)
• Worn mattresses and box springs
• Outdated entertainment centers
• Damaged or mismatched pieces
• Items that won't fit new space

Large Item Disposal Options

• Professional junk removal: Quick, convenient, handles everything (from $89-649)
• Donation: Goodwill, Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army (free pickup often available)
• Sell: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, garage sale
• Curbside pickup: Check Evansville bulk trash schedule

4 Weeks Before: Room-by-Room Decluttering

Kitchen

• Duplicate utensils, dishes, and cookware
• Small appliances you never use
• Expired pantry items and spices
• Plastic containers without lids
• Old refrigerator magnets and junk drawer items

Bathrooms

• Expired medications and toiletries
• Old towels and linens
• Excess cleaning products
• Unused hair tools and accessories

Bedrooms

• Clothes that don't fit or aren't worn
• Old bedding and pillows
• Books you won't re-read
• Unused electronics and chargers

Living Areas

• Decorative items you don't love
• Old electronics and media
• Magazines, papers, and outdated documents
• Kid's toys and outgrown items

2 Weeks Before: Deep Cleaning Begins

Why Clean Before Moving?

• Protect your security deposit (renters)
• Help sell your home faster (sellers)
• Show respect to new occupants
• Avoid last-minute stress

Deep Cleaning Checklist

• Walls & ceilings: Remove marks, dust corners, clean light fixtures
• Windows: Inside and out, tracks, and screens
• Floors: Deep clean carpets, mop hard surfaces, clean baseboards
• Kitchen: Deep clean appliances (inside ovens, refrigerators), cabinets, counters
• Bathrooms: Scrub tiles, clean grout, sanitize all surfaces

1 Week Before: Final Preparations

Utility & Service Transfers

• Schedule utility disconnection/connection dates
• Arrange mail forwarding with USPS
• Update address with banks, subscriptions, etc.
• Schedule final meter readings

Last-Minute Decluttering

• Food pantry and refrigerator contents
• Cleaning supplies (keep essentials only)
• Outdoor items (hoses, planters, decorations)
• Anything that won't fit in the moving truck

Moving Day: Final Walkthrough

Before You Leave Checklist

• Check all rooms, closets, cabinets
• Look in attic, basement, garage
• Check outdoor areas (shed, patio, yard)
• Test all lights and appliances one final time
• Ensure all windows and doors are locked
• Take final photos for your records

Property Condition Documentation

• Photograph every room from multiple angles
• Document appliance conditions
• Note any existing damage
• Keep copies of cleaning receipts if applicable

Professional Services That Make Moving Easier

Junk Removal Services

Cost: $89-649 depending on volume

Benefits: Quick removal of unwanted items, no truck rental needed, proper disposal guaranteed

Best For: Large furniture, appliances, bulk items, last-minute cleanouts

Move-Out Cleaning Services

Cost: $200-500 for standard home

Benefits: Professional-level clean, protects security deposit, saves time and energy

Best For: Renters, sellers, anyone pressed for time

Full-Service Moving & Cleanout

Cost: Custom quotes based on scope

Benefits: One-stop solution, coordinated services, stress-free experience

Best For: Major relocations, downsizing, estate situations

Evansville-Specific Moving Tips

Best Times to Move

• Spring & Fall: Mild weather, better availability
• Mid-month: Lower demand = better rates
• Weekdays: Often 15-20% cheaper than weekends

Local Resources

• Donation Centers: Goodwill (multiple locations), Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army
• Recycling: Evansville Solid Waste District (electronics, hazardous materials)
• Storage: If needed between moves, compare local facilities

Common Moving Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting too late: Begin decluttering 8+ weeks before move date
• Underestimating junk volume: Most people have 30-40% more than estimated
• Waiting until moving day: Professional cleanout before moving day reduces stress
• Not getting quotes: Compare costs of moving vs. replacing items
• Forgetting outdoor areas: Sheds, garages, and yards often hold forgotten items

Final Tips for a Smooth Move

• Create a detailed timeline and stick to it
• Declutter progressively—don't wait until the end
• Use professional services strategically to save time
• Document everything for security deposits/records
• Plan for unexpected items and last-minute disposal needs