Moving out of a rental apartment, condo, or home? We understand that this process can be difficult, especially with everything you need to do before you turn in the keys. Planning to leave a rental space involves tasks that usually begin nearly 6 to 8 weeks before you officially move out. With all of the time spent from the first day you decide to move to the day you move into a new home, many responsibilities that should be taken care of can easily fall in-between the cracks. Here is our quick moving out checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything important:
- Give your landlord advance notice that you will be ending your lease and vacating at least one month prior to move-out day. Most of the time, landlords require you to write a signed letter with the notice. It’s also good to you read your lease for any other specific protocol your landlord requires for move-out notices.
- Look into moving companies if you plan on hiring professional movers as well as moving trucks. Now is also a good time to start collecting any boxes and packing tape you may need in addition to other moving supplies.
- Request any time off of work for the moving dates at least a month ahead of time. The last thing you’ll want to do is worry about your job.
- Make arrangements with the utility companies you plan on using at the new place to make sure you have power and water turned on by the first day you move in. In addition, see that your current utilities will be turned off after you have finished moving out.
- Transfer your old mailing address to the new address to make sure important mail doesn’t continue going to your old home after you have moved.
- Once you have moved everything out, go back through the space and see that everything is cleaned to the best of your ability and nothing has been left behind. In addition, check the condition of the rental you are about to leave and call in for any repairs necessary that need to be done before you move out. This will make your landlord happy, and if you paid a safety deposit with them, you’ll be able to get that money back.