Offboarding Equipment Return Checklist (Small IT Teams)

Scope: laptops + peripherals (not consumables/reordering).

Before the last day
1) Export the employee’s assigned items list (laptop + peripherals).
2) Confirm return path: in-office handoff OR shipping label + deadline.
3) Set return deadline and escalation owner.

Day-of return (verify physically)
4) Confirm identity: serial numbers match records.
5) Check condition: working? damage? missing parts?
6) Verify accessories: charger, dock, adapters, case, keyboard/mouse (if issued).
7) Update records immediately: assignment removed, new location set, notes added.

Security + closure
8) Confirm device wipe / account removal policy (as required).
9) Close the return: “all items recovered” OR create a missing-items follow-up ticket.

If something is missing
10) Check assignment history and last verification date.
11) Contact the employee + manager with the exact missing list + deadline.
12) If unrecovered: record as missing/disposed per policy (don’t leave it ambiguous).