Before you head out with your Cleveland movers, clean up your home and your wallet
Congratulations are in order: you’re finally moving into a new home. But before you can load up with your Cleveland movers, you have to leave your old home the way you found it (yes, you need to putty that hole in the wall) in order to get your full deposit back.
There’s more that goes into getting that few hundred dollars back than a quick Windex and run of the Dirt Devil. Follow these 10 steps to check off your final to-do list.
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The first step to getting your deposit back actually has less to do with the state of your home and more with legalities. You’ll want to read your lease carefully long before you intend to move and make sure you’re complying with all terms of your agreement. For example, your lease may require you to notify your landlord by a specific date that you do not intend to renew your lease. Or, if you’ll be moving out before the end of your lease, he or she could have grounds to keep your deposit to recoup losses on your rent. Read all the fine print and keep written communication with your landlord. Don’t forget to include your new address so your landlord knows where to send your refund.
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Next, get a move-out checklist from the landlord before you begin cleaning up. This written list should spell out any cleaning, painting and repairing you’re expected to accomplish before leaving for your next home.
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Now comes the big stuff. Empty every cupboard, drawer and closet, and remove every item that belongs to you. You could be charged a fee if your landlord has to move leftover items and furniture following your departure. (To reduce the amount you’re packing, it’s helpful to sort through each room in your house to determine which items you regularly use, which need replaced and which you don’t need before moving day.)
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Once all of your items, big and small, are out of the home, you’ll need to check the walls for damage and make any minor repairs. Fill any cracks or holes with spackling paste then paint over the spackled areas with matching paint once they’re dry. Speaking of painting, now’s the time to grab a can of paint and undo any artwork you’ve added to the walls over the past months.
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Consider mixing your own green home cleaners for your scrub fest. Making DIY cleaners from ingredients such as white vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, rubbing alcohol, water and essential oils can be safer and more cost-effective than store-bought cleaners.
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Everyone’s favorite cleaning job: the bathroom. Scrub soap scum off the bathroom tiles, tub and shower. Vacuum out the drawers and vanity, making sure you get all the hair and remove any liners. Clean the toilet, sink, mirror and countertop. If the toilet seat is dingy, replace it. Vacuum out the surface of the exhaust fan if it’s overly dusty.
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In each bedroom, don’t forget to use your cleaning solution to wipe down the baseboards, windows and fans where sneaky dust can accumulate.
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The kitchen: Wipe down the refrigerator inside and out, soak any shelves or drawers that have stubborn food remains, and scrub off stickers. Scrub the oven inside and out (steel wool and baking soda are your best friends). Remove shelving, drip pans and burners. There’s a good chance you’ll be required to defrost the freezer (check the list from your landlord)—don’t overlook this step. Finally, clean out cabinets and liners, move all appliances to sweep behind them and wipe down every surface.
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Finally, do a last sweep throughout the house, mopping the floors and vacuuming the carpets. After you vacuum, treat any stains and repair damage if possible. If the entire carpet is dingy or soiled, rent a carpet cleaner.
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Once you’ve closed up shop, take pictures of the condition of the house or apartment. You might even want to include the day’s newspaper in the photos to prove the date of the photos. When you drop off your keys, it’s wise to get the landlord or an office assistant to sign a copy of the letter as a receipt, and, of course, double check that you’ve included the address to which your hard-earned deposit can be mailed.
Your time is your money—invest in Cleveland movers
Not all Cleveland moving companies are made the same. Employ movers that treat your belongings as they would treat their own. To get your guaranteed quote, call Leaders Moving & Storage toll free at (800) 481-6843 or get an online quote today.
