Sometimes, tenants can leave behind a mess when they move out. The mess might include everything from garbage to furniture, and you'll need to move these items out before a new tenant can move in. Here are a few cleanup steps you can take when tenants leave your apartment a mess.

Hire A Junk Removal Company

Junk removal companies can provide you with assistance in getting the large items out of the home. The services range from bringing a dumpster to your property to removing heavy items for you. Ask about the different options available as well as the prices, and then determine which one works best for you. In some cases, you may just need the dumpster and haul-away services, but for big cleanup jobs, you may want to consider hiring help to move items out of the apartment. Your junk removal service may also be able to help with removing damaged carpeting or flooring from the apartment to help with large-scale cleanup jobs.

Invest In Cleanup Supplies

You'll need a host of different cleanup supplies to get the job done. Purchase heavy-duty trash bags in bulk so you always have plenty available whenever a tenant moves out. Protective gloves are ideal for apartments littered with garbage and broken glass, while cleaning solutions help you to sanitize surfaces in the kitchen or bathroom where messes are at their worst. Consider investing in a janitorial cleaning cart to store all of these items, as the cart can be easily rolled into the apartment for access to essential cleaning supplies. These carts sometimes come with integrated trash bag holders, making it easy to throw items away as you clean.

Contact A Donation Site

For items that are still in usable condition, consider donating them to a local charity. You can work with your junk removal company to determine which items will be donated and which should be sent to the trash heap. Dressers, tables, and baby furniture are all good options for donation, while old mattresses and worn upholstered furniture may be better off in the trash. Be sure to attempt to contact your former tenants to see if they want these items before they are donated, as some renters may have intended to come back but forgot about essential items during the confusion of moving day.

Remember that you may be able to recover some of the costs of hiring a junk rental service by withholding part of a tenant's security deposit or visiting them in small claims court.