When it’s time to move out of your office, a clear and structured cleanout process is essential. There will inevitably be a whole host of items that need to be cleared out, from old desks and workstations, to chairs, computers, and storage units. Getting on top of it all early is essential, and a detailed checklist makes life so much easier.
At Melbourne City Rubbish, we help office-based businesses with expert rubbish removal solutions, strip outs, and more. If you’re coming to the end of your lease and need to clear out a whole heap of waste, our team is here to help.
In the meantime, we’ve put together a list of actions that you can take at different stages, to ensure your office is as clean as can be, and all of your junk has been dealt with efficiently. This checklist ensures your team can confidently vacate the space while responsibly handling junk, unwanted furniture, and old equipment.
Why is an end of lease clearance so important for an office?
When your lease comes to an end, leaving the office in good condition is not just a courtesy. It is often a legal requirement. Most commercial leases include a make-good clause, which outlines the tenant’s responsibility to return the space to its original or agreed condition. If these terms are not met, it can lead to costly deductions from your bond or additional charges from the landlord.
A thorough office cleanout also helps maintain your company’s reputation. A tidy and well-cleared space reflects professionalism and responsibility, particularly if you are in a shared building or have worked with long-standing commercial partners. It reduces the risk of disputes and ensures a smooth handover, allowing your team to focus on the transition to your new premises.
Expert support is essential
Office clearances can be more complex than they appear, especially when dealing with large volumes of furniture, outdated technology, or sensitive waste. Partnering with a professional junk removal company ensures that everything is removed quickly, efficiently, and in line with relevant regulations. From e-waste disposal to responsible recycling and large-scale rubbish removal, the right team will manage all the logistics and heavy lifting.
Professional support is also important for safety and compliance. Trained crews understand how to dismantle furniture, remove items from high shelves, and handle bulk waste without disrupting neighbouring businesses or breaking building rules. With experts involved, your business can avoid delays, reduce downtime, and stay on track for a successful final inspection.
Our checklist for your end-of-lease office cleanout
We know how hard it can be to get on top of everything when vacating your office. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist for your end of office cleanout, making sure you don’t miss a thing.
Planning and preparation
Thorough planning and preparation is key to a smooth project.
- Create a timeline for the cleanout, starting 4–6 weeks before handover
- Assign responsibilities across departments (IT, operations, admin)
- Check lease conditions for end-of-lease cleaning or make-good obligations
- Contact a commercial rubbish removal service to book a cleanout
- Organise skip bins or dedicated removal days for bulky items
- Arrange for shredding or secure disposal of sensitive documents
Inventory and sorting
Sorting the items and equipment in your office is a must. At this point, you’ll be able to see what needs to be thrown out and what can go with you to your new building.
- Take stock of office furniture, fixtures, electronics, and supplies
- Label items to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or discard
- Photograph items to sell or donate for easy reference
- Tag all e-waste (old monitors, printers, phones) for correct disposal
- Sort through storage rooms and filing cabinets – remove anything no longer needed
Junk and rubbish removal
The junk and rubbish removal process is critical and should be handled by the experts. The good news is that the team at Melbourne City Rubbish is ready to help.
- Dispose of broken furniture that cannot be reused
- Clear out kitchen appliances and whitegoods – remove fridges, microwaves, etc.
- Remove outdated marketing material, posters, brochures, and signage
- Dispose of excess cabling, power boards, and outdated tech accessories
- Remove wall hooks, brackets, and cable conduits, if required
- Call a professional removal team for large or hazardous waste
Donate, recycle, or rehome
We’re dedicated to sustainable outcomes for your waste, so we can help you with your efforts to donate, recycle, or rehome certain items.
- Donate usable desks, chairs, and storage units to local charities or schools
- Offer employees first pick of useful surplus items
- Recycle old paper, cardboard, and plastics according to council rules
- Use an e-waste recycling provider for monitors, computers, and phones
- Engage a specialist for batteries, lightbulbs, and other restricted items
Final touches and cleaning
Once your waste has been removed, it’s important to leave the space in great condition (which we can do for you!).
- Patch and paint walls where shelves or signage were removed
- Vacuum and mop floors, including under desks and cabinets
- Wipe down surfaces, windows, and ledges
- Clean kitchen and bathroom areas thoroughly
- Remove all waste, boxes, and packaging from the premises
- Walk through the space with your property manager, if required
Before you leave
One last check before you hand over the keys is essential.
- Check all rooms, cupboards, and drawers for forgotten items
- Return any keys, passes, or access cards to the building manager
- Take photos of the clean, empty office for your records
- Ensure rubbish has been fully removed and skips collected
- Confirm bond return or end-of-lease sign-off
What other support do you need when vacating your office?
In addition to junk removal and cleaning services, working with a commercial tenant advisor can be invaluable. These professionals understand the legal and logistical aspects of ending a lease and can help you interpret make-good clauses, negotiate with landlords, and manage timelines. They act as a liaison between your business and the building management, ensuring nothing is missed in the exit process.
Depending on your lease terms and the nature of your office fitout, you may also need to engage tradespeople such as electricians, data cabling specialists, or painters to restore the space. Coordinating all of this can be time consuming. That is why having an experienced advisor and reliable service providers on your side can make a big difference.
Get a free quote for your end of lease office clearance today
Preparing to vacate your office space in Melbourne? Getting the right people to help out is critical. At Melbourne City Rubbish, we provide end of lease solutions for businesses in the CBD and surrounding areas. We also work in conjunction with an expert makegoods company and commercial tenant advisory.
