Move-out
Get Your Deposit Back
Download your Move-Out Checklist to be sure you do everything you need to get your full deposit back.
You never has as much time as you think before you need to move out, so start early; some of these things can be done months in advance, so plan and follow property directives.
- 10-12 Weeks Before Move
Check the Lease - the lease will indicate the date by which you need to inform your landlord of your intent to move-out or renew the lease (if they haven't asked you earlier). It will also specify any other conditions that must be met.
Written Notice - it is important to document in writing your intentions, even if you have a good relationship with the landlord/property manager and talk often. This simply creates the paper trail in case anything goes awry.
Set-Inspection Date/Time - while this won't happen until you are actually moving out, this requires coordination with the landlord and will directly affect your moving plans/timing. And the earlier you can get on the calendar, the better chance you have to get the date/time you wish, especially if the landlord has many other renters/properties.
- 8-10 Weeks Before Move
Apartment Conditions List - you completed this when you moved in, so you should be able to see the recorded move-in condition of everything. This will help determine how much wear and tear or damage has been done and what repairs/cleaning needs to be done to get the place back to move-in condition. Don't forget to consider any repairs made during your time there and who paid for them. You are trying to not give your landlord any reason to hold back any money. While taking care of the property throughout your time helps the most, you can give extra attention and care at the end to help mitigate the potential for charges.
Repairs - the lease should be very specific regarding which repairs you are responsible to make, which the landlord will handle (cover), and which are just part of the normal wear and tear. Be sure to review this carefully and be sure you are taking care of what you need, as specified. This can save you a lot of money and headache too.
Cleaning - again, the lease should spell out exactly how clean you need to leave the place. It should have been something you noted when you signed the lease, but at the least, you should make a note of it now. If it is in the lease, be sure to comply.
- 6-8 Weeks Before Move
Moving Supplies - get boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and anything else you need to move. Look online as it is a great way to get some cheap moving supplies. The earlier you get them, the sooner you can start packing and make the move-out process less overwhelming. And don't forget other supplies like tie-downs, straps, and bungies.
Organize Moving Truck - as with moving in, you should ideally have rented/borrowed a vehicle that can haul all of your stuff. No matter what vehicle you have, you should have a plan for how you will get all of your things out of your place on time.
Declutter/Donate - if you don't really want to "pay to move it," then ditch it or donate it. And even if you don't hire movers, you are paying the time and supplies and energy to pack it, load it, and then unload it.
- 4-6 Weeks Before Move
Change of Address - as before, you need to change your address with the United States Postal Service. You should also change your address with your financial institutions, UTC, and any other memberships/subscriptions.
Cancel Services - from utilities to gym memberships, you have probably signed up for a lot of services. Be sure to reach out to all of them and either cancel the service or transfer it to your new place. They may ask for forwarding information for any potential refunds, so be sure to give them accurate information.
- 2-4 Weeks Before Move
Confirm Moving Help - this includes the people, the truck, and any other services you plan to have. You don't want to be left scrambling at the last minute.
Pack - while you should have been doing a little bit already, this is time to really pack everything so you are not rushing at the end.
Last Minute...there are many things that may get overlooked, so it is good to have a "team" to help. Beside move boxes and partner lifting, helpers can patch nail holes, empty the fridge, or help clean...there is a lot to do.
- Week of Move
Final Pack - this is the time to be sure you have everything. And just keep out a last duffle of items you need to move out (clothes, important documents, cleaning items, etc.)
Conditions Checklist - this is a good time to review the checklist and have it handy for your walk-thru
Walkthrough - while it is best on the actually day you are leaving, you can do this anytime during your last week. This is when you review the conditions of the apartment with the landlord. The final review by the landlord won't happen unless you are fully out of the apartment, so if you are doing the walk-thru before you officially move out, be sure to document/video the condition of the apartment when you are moved out so you are not charged unnecessarily.
Forwarding Address - again, be sure your landlord, utilities, USPS, and financial institutions have your forwarding address so you don't miss any important notices...or your deposit refund.