Apartment
Move-Out Success Guide
Welcome to your move-out guide from Leaders Moving & Storage Co.! This checklist will help ensure a smooth move and maximize your security deposit return. Follow these steps for a successful transition to your new home.
30 Days Before Move-Out
- Give written notice to your landlord.
- Schedule your move with Leaders Moving & Storage Co. Begin sorting belongings (keep, donate, discard).
- Start collecting packing materials.
- Contact utility companies to schedule service transfers. Review your lease for specific move-out requirements. Schedule carpet cleaning (if required).
- Begin using up frozen foods and pantry items.
14 Days Before Move-Out
- Start packing non-essential items.
- Document existing apartment damage with photos.
- Schedule property inspection with landlord.
- Begin filling holes from wall hangings.
- Donate unwanted items.
- Organize important documents (medical records, insurance, etc).
- Create a floor plan for your new space to help visualize furniture placement.
7 Days Before Move-Out: Packing Tasks
- Pack room by room, starting with least-used areas first
- Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
- Set aside essential items for move day, such as toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes.
- Prepare a "first day" box with immediate necessities for your new home, such as bedding, kitchen supplies, and basic toiletries.
Utility Notifications
Inform the following providers of your change of address and upcoming service transfer dates:
- Electric company
- Gas company
- Water/Sewer
- Internet/Cable
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
2-3 Days Before Move-Out: Deep Cleaning Checklist
- Clean inside and outside of appliances (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher). Degrease stovetop and hood.
- Clean cabinet interiors and exteriors, removing any food debris. Disinfect countertops.
- Clean sink and disposal.
Sweep and mop floors thoroughly.
- Clean toilet thoroughly, including under the rim and behind the seat.
- Scrub shower/tub including doors/curtain, removing any soap scum and mildew. Clean mirror and vanity, removing any toothpaste splatter.
- Wipe down cabinets, removing any dust and grime.
- Clean floor and baseboards, paying attention to any corners or crevices.
- Check for mold/mildew in any damp areas, such as the shower stall or bathtub.
- Dust all surfaces, including shelves, picture frames, and furniture. Clean windows and tracks, removing any dirt or debris.
- Wipe down baseboards, removing any dust or grime.
- Clean light fixtures, replacing burnt-out bulbs.
- Vacuum carpets, paying attention to any high-traffic areas.
- Clean all floors, including hard-surface floors like tile or hardwood.
Move-Out Day Final Checklist
- Remove all personal belongings from the apartment, including any items in storage units or closets.
- Clean any remaining areas you may have missed during the deep cleaning.
- Check all closets and cabinets, ensuring they are empty and clean.
- Take final photos of the clean apartment to document your efforts and protect yourself in case of any disputes. Document utility meter readings for gas, water, and electricity.
- Complete the walk-through with the property manager, pointing out any existing damage or repairs that were not addressed during your tenancy.
- Turn in all keys, garage openers, and any other property belonging to the landlord. Provide a forwarding address for your security deposit to be returned.
Security Deposit Protection Tips Document Everything
- Take dated photos of every room to document the condition of the apartment upon move-in and move-out. Record videos of working appliances to prove they were in good working order.
- Save copies of cleaning receipts and maintenance request records to demonstrate your efforts to maintain the property.
Property Protection
- Use felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches on the floors.
- Clean spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to carpets or furniture.
- Report maintenance issues promptly to the landlord to avoid potential deductions from your security deposit.
- Follow lease guidelines for hanging pictures or other wall decorations to avoid damage to the walls.
Take the Worry Out of Your Move
With Leaders Moving & Storage Co., you can have total confidence that your valuables are safeguarded every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our valuation coverage options.
