Before you set out on your next adventure and start calling somewhere else home, you’ll need to move out of your current place of residence. If your end goal in the move-out process is to get your full security deposit back, it’s your lucky day. This guide will help you do just that.
We created this ultimate move-out checklist with renters and apartment tenants like you in mind. If you apply the tips and tricks we have up our sleeves, not only will your landlord be impressed with the state of your unit when all is said and done, but you won’t feel nearly as stressed out leading up to your official move-out day.
What more could you want from a move-out checklist?
The Two-Month Countdown: Your Move-Out Timeline
It’s no secret that moving can be quite a headache, so let’s break things down. We’ll start with what you should do eight weeks in advance of your official move-out day!
8 Weeks Before Moving Out
#1: Notify Your Landlord of Your Intent To Move
One of the first things you must do when preparing to move out is notify your landlord of your intent to vacate. According to Forbes, most landlords request that you tell them about your intent to move at least 30 days in advance.
Meanwhile, RentRedi explains that you might have to submit your notice at least 60 days in advance instead. Ultimately, your landlord’s expectations will be stated in your lease agreement.
To determine whether you’re required to give 30 days or 60 days of notice, you can either reference your lease or reach out to your landlord for clarification. In some instances, your landlord might contact you first to see if you plan to sign a new lease or move out at the end of your current one.
#2: Research Moving Companies
Once you get the ball rolling by contacting your landlord, it’s time to think about how you’ll move all your belongings. Is this something you can do by yourself or with the help of a few friends? If so, renting a moving truck through U-Haul, Penske, or Budget is an option.
However, if you have more belongings than you can handle, why not hire professional movers instead? Just know that moving companies need advance notice of your need for their services. Gentle Giant Moving Company recommends scheduling your move at least two months in advance, so don’t put off this decision until the last minute.
#3: Ask for Quotes From Movers
If you decide that you want to hire professional movers, start messaging moving companies in your area. However, before you can contact a moving service provider, you need to determine if your move is local or long-distance.
Some moving companies only service local moves, while others can help you with cross-country relocations. If you’re moving a short distance, the easiest way to figure out your local mover options is by typing moving companies near me into Google.
If you’re moving between states or across the country, here are examples of the best long-distance movers:
- North American Van Lines
- United Van Lines
- U-Pack Moving
- Mayflower Transit
- Atlas Van Lines
- Colonial Van Lines
- Bekins Van Lines
Once you explore your options, narrow down your options and visit the websites of the moving companies you might want to hire. Check out the companies’ Contact Us pages to send them a message.
Alternatively, you can pick up the phone and dial their number for a more direct point of contact. Either way, let the movers know when you need to move, how much inventory you’re taking with you, and what you can expect to pay. The movers will get back to you with a quote, which is essentially an estimate of how much your move will cost.
#4: Establish a Budget
As quotes from moving companies start rolling in, you should establish a moving budget. According to Architectural Digest, the best place to start is with an assessment of your finances.
Ask yourself how much you’re comfortable spending on your move. Regardless of your budget, finding ways to cut moving expenses is always good news.
#5: Schedule Movers To Help You Move
After comparing quotes and deciding on which movers to hire, contact them as soon as possible to schedule your move. You should have received an email from all the moving companies you initially reached out to, so check the contents of that email for instructions on how to book movers for your preferred move-out date.
#7: Declutter Your Space
Now that you have notified your landlord, established a budget, and decided on a moving company to hire, you can spend the rest of these two weeks decluttering your space. If you need tips and tricks on how to declutter, who better to ask than Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist?
One of his best pieces of advice is to create a decluttering move-out checklist. This will keep you focused and on-task, which is helpful because decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning.
You can check out Becoming Minimalist’s Decluttering and Cleaning Checklist or look for templates on Pinterest for inspiration. The Organizing Moms’ “Declutter” Pinterest board is a great place to start.
6 Weeks Before Moving Out
Now is a better time than ever to donate or dispose of belongings that you don’t want to own anymore.
#8: Take Donations To Places That Accept Them
If you want to donate items in your possession, check out these donation centers:
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- Value Village
- Habitat for Humanity
#9: Call a Junk Removal Company For Pick-Up
If you have items that aren’t in good condition anymore, call a junk removal company instead:
- 1-800-Got-Junk
- Junk King
- College Hunks Hauling Junk
- Junkluggers
- Discount Dumper
#10: Start Sorting Your Belongings Based on Category
By now, you have hopefully finished decluttering your home and checking off your move-out cleaning checklist. If that’s the case, you can start separating everything you own based on categories.
Here are some examples of categories to spark your creativity:
- Jewelry
- Makeup
- Books
- Electronics
- CDs and records
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Pots and pans
- Utensils
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry products
#11: Ask For Time Off Work
If you are worried that you won’t have enough time to complete the pre-move-out process, we recommend requesting paid time off from work. While this is a perk that not all employers offer, it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Refer to the company’s time-off policy and speak to your manager. You can also go the extra mile and offer solutions, like finding someone to cover your shifts or finishing work in advance.
4 Weeks Before Moving Out
Now that you’re a month out from your official moving day, it’s time to purchase packing supplies. You can find reliable, durable, and affordable packing materials at just about every home improvement store, but our favorite is Home Depot!
These are some packing materials you might need:
- Packing tape
- Moving boxes
- Bubble cushion
- Packing paper
- Moving boxes
- Moving labels
- Permanent markers
Once you buy all the packing supplies you need, start putting your belongings in boxes. Just make sure you leave out enough clothes to wear for the next four months. If possible, limit yourself to a few outfits that you can wash and re-wear until you settle into your new home.
Also, have you thought about how you will get from your current place of residence to your next one? This is important to figure out! Take a moment to set up your travel arrangements.
If you’re relocating locally, you can either drive your own car, ask friends and family to give you a lift, take public transportation, or schedule a pick-up from rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft.
Now, if you’re moving across state lines — or even across the country — your plans will be a bit more complex. Decide if you’ll drive your car, hop on a plane, take a train, or rent a vehicle to get you from Point A to Point B. If need be, utilize trip-planning platforms like Expedia, Travelocity, or Priceline for assistance.
2 Weeks Before Moving Out
You made it to the two-week mark! Here’s what you should do two weeks in advance of moving:
- Place all your essentials in a small container
- Book the service elevator for the movers if necessary
- Pay outstanding bills and close accounts
- Schedule an internet set-up appointment for your new place
- Focus on eating perishable items that you can’t take with you
- Pack non-perishable food items in boxes
1 Week Before Moving Out
Carry out these three tasks one week before your move-out date:
- Deep-clean your unit
- Let UPS know about your upcoming change in address
- Gather any remaining packages from your local post office
- Schedule a final move-out inspection with your landlord if needed
1 Day Before Moving Out
Twenty-four hours to go… Here’s what you should tackle in that timeframe:
- Unplug your appliances
- Defrost your freezer
- Wipe the floors
- Dust your light fixtures
- Double-check your appointment time with the movers
- Withdraw cash to tip the movers
Move-Out Day
Congratulations! You officially made it to move-out day. By now, there’s not much to do logistically aside from meeting up with the movers at your scheduled time. Take inventory as movers transport your boxes from your old home to the moving truck, but at the same time, try not to get in their way.
After the movers finish up, do a final walkthrough and make sure nothing is left behind. Moving is a big deal, so if emotions arise or you want to take a moment to reflect on all the memories you had in your home, give yourself some time to say goodbye.
When you’re ready to leave, don’t forget to turn in your keys to your landlord. And just like that, you’re off on your next adventure!
In Summary
Moving has a bad reputation, and many people view it as one of the most draining experiences. But with our move-out checklist in your back pocket, there’s no need to stress! But before we go, we have one more recommendation for those of you moving from one place to another.
If you find that you need somewhere to store your boxes while you’re in between housing or settling into your new rental, why not keep your belongings in a storage unit? But instead of hitting up a nearby big-name storage company, check out peer-to-peer marketplaces like Neighbor! It’s where you can find the most accessible, secure, safe, and affordable storage spaces in your area.
