Before an REO cleanout, document the starting condition and the approved removal scope. The goal is a record another person can understand without visiting the property.
Build a usable photo set
Photograph the street number, each exterior side, every room from the doorway, closets, cabinets, garage bays, sheds, and debris piles. Keep photos in a stable order and avoid relying on close-ups alone. If a room is inaccessible, record that instead of guessing what is inside.
Create a keep-and-remove list
Mark fixtures, appliances, documents, keys, and personal property that must remain. A written exception list is more reliable than verbal instructions passed between several contacts. If authority over an item is unclear, stop and get a decision before removal.
Track access and constraints
Note gate codes, parking limits, elevator windows, soft ground, low branches, and the distance from the door to the loading area. Also flag sharp, leaking, chemical, or unlabeled materials for separate review.
Close the loop
After removal, repeat the room sequence. Final photos should show cleared floor areas, remaining approved items, and any space that was outside the scope. Keep the scope, approvals, and before-and-after files together with the property address and completion date.
For a property-specific plan, review the bank-owned and REO cleanout service before calling.