Moving day doesn’t have to be chaos. Whether you're relocating to another neighborhood in Broward County or downsizing before retirement, one thing is certain: junk piles up fast. From broken furniture to outdated electronics, it's easy to underestimate how much clutter you’ve accumulated, until it's time to pack.

This guide will walk you through a step-by-step junk removal checklist tailored for Broward County residents planning a move. It’s designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help you avoid hidden fees on moving day.

Why Junk Removal Is Critical Before a Move

Hiring a junk removal service before you move does more than clear space. It helps in many ways:

  • Reduces your moving costs
  • Makes packing faster and easier
  • Helps you start fresh in your new space
  • Cuts down on what you need to store or donate
  • Keeps your home presentable if you're selling

And in Broward County, where HOAs and condo associations often have rules about bulk item disposal, this kind of cleanup is a smart move.

Step 1: Start With a Room-by-Room Junk Audit

A few weeks before your move, walk through every room and categorize items into:

  • Keep
  • Donate
  • Trash
  • Unsure

Don't skip the garage, attic, shed, or storage closets. These spots are magnets for things you forgot you even owned.

Pro tip: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it probably doesn’t need to move with you.

Step 2: Purge Bulky Furniture Early

Old patio sets, broken dressers, mattresses, and worn-out sofas don’t belong in your moving truck. And furniture is one of the biggest sources of stress for movers.

Schedule your patio furniture removal or junk hauling ahead of time to avoid scrambling last minute. At Jack’s Junk Removal, we offer full-service pickup that includes heavy lifting, hauling, and eco-friendly disposal.

If you're in Fort Lauderdale, we recommend booking early through our junk removal Fort Lauderdale page to secure a time slot that fits your move-out window.

Step 3: Safely Dispose of Appliances and Electronics

Moving large appliances or outdated electronics costs money and risks damage. Plus, many moving companies won't even take them. What to do:

  • Recycle or haul away old TVs, monitors, and microwaves
  • Properly dispose of refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers
  • Check Broward County's hazardous waste guidelines for batteries, paint, or chemicals

We handle electronics and appliance disposal responsibly, keeping them out of landfills whenever possible.

Step 4: Clear Out the Garage and Backyard

Don’t let the outdoor clutter sneak up on you. Junk to target:

  • Broken yard tools
  • Rusty bikes
  • Old planters or garden equipment
  • Unused lumber, tiles, or renovation debris

This is especially relevant for South Florida homeowners with garages that double as mini storage units. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let us do the dirty work with our garage cleanout services.

Step 5: Donate or Sell What You Can

If it’s still in good shape but not worth moving:

  • Donate to local organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore or Goodwill South Florida
  • Sell larger items on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp
  • Schedule a charity pickup (some organizations offer this in Broward County)

But if it doesn’t sell and no one wants it? Add it to your junk removal list.

Step 6: Set a Junk Pickup Day Before the Movers Arrive

The ideal junk removal appointment is 3 to 5 days before moving day. That gives you a final window to:

  • Toss last-minute items
  • Keep your home staging-ready if you're selling
  • Free up space for the movers to do their job efficiently

Schedule with a trusted local company who shows up on time, respects your property, and knows the disposal rules in Broward County neighborhoods.

Common Items We Haul Away Before a Move

Here’s a short list of what we regularly remove during move-outs:

  • Sectionals and recliners
  • Desks and bookshelves
  • Mattresses and Area rugs
  • Televisions and monitors
  • Exercise equipment
  • Patio furniture
  • Boxes of “mystery” items from the attic
  • Appliances that won’t be making the trip

Need to know if we’ll take it? Just snap a photo and text it to us, we’ll confirm right away and give you a quote.

How Much Does Pre-Move Junk Removal Cost?

At Jack’s Junk Removal, pricing is based on volume and type of items, not hourly labor. That means:

  • No hidden fees
  • Transparent pricing before we begin
  • Discounts for large cleanouts
  • Same-day service available in most parts of Broward

Typical pre-move junk removal in Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood ranges from $150 to $600 depending on volume and access.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

You’d be surprised how many people wait until the day before their move to start tossing junk, and end up stressed, sweaty, and over budget.

Let us help you make your move smoother by handling all the junk and furniture you don't want to bring with you. You’ll start fresh and avoid the chaos that clutters up what should be an exciting new chapter.