Moving into a new apartment is so exciting! It’s the start of a new chapter in your life and a new home to make memories in. But this joy is soon smothered by stress as you think about the mountain of things you have to do before you move.
Don’t worry, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. To help you out, we’ve done the thinking for you!
We’ve come up with an easy guide to moving out of an apartment. Simply tick off these tasks for a stress-free, efficient moving experience.
Give Notice
Apartment buildings can ask for 30 days, 60 days, or even 90 days’ notice, so it is important to give notice as soon as possible. Check your apartment lease agreement to see how many days’ notice you need to give.
Failure to provide proper notice could result in the loss of your security deposit or the cost of an extra month’s rent.
Written notice is usually required. Check out this template if you are not sure how to write a notice-to-vacate letter.
Schedule Repairs
Take a walk through your apartment and make note of any items that need to be repaired. Calling in repair technicians may take a little time, so it is best to get this done sooner rather than later.
The cost of any damages that you don’t repair will be taken out of your security deposit.
Change Your Renter’s Insurance
Whether you are canceling your insurance or moving it to your new apartment, you should make your service provider aware of the change well ahead of time. Some insurance contracts specify that you must inform them of your move at least 30 days in advance.
Cancel Your Utilities
If you pay for your own utilities, be sure to inform your providers of your change in address. Have them turn off the utilities in your old apartment the day after you move. This buys you a little extra time to do last-minute washing and vacuuming.
If you have a “utilities included” lease, confirm with your landlord if utilities like cable packages and air-conditioning are included in the lease.
Change Your Address
Changing your address is easy to do, but we often put it off until the last minute- and then forget about it. You can change your address at your local post office, or you can do it online. Don’t forget to notify banks and other service providers too.
Meet With Your Building Manager
Have a chat with your building manager about moving protocols. If your moving truck will park in the street, your building manager may have to notify the city in advance.
Ask your building manager to book elevator time for your move. You’ll be hogging the elevator on moving day, so it is only fair to give other residents advance warning. Your building manager may even let you use the service elevator for large items of furniture.
Clean Your Apartment
Your goal when cleaning is to return your apartment to the same condition it was on the day you first moved in. Pay special attention to areas that you don’t normally clean, like blinds, fan blades, light fixtures, and baseboards.
Your security deposit is at stake here, so if you want to ensure your apartment is spotless, enlist the help of end of tenancy cleaning services. These professional apartment cleaning companies will have your apartment gleaming in no time!
Schedule a Walkthrough Inspection
Once you are happy with the condition of your apartment, schedule a walkthrough inspection with your landlord. Your landlord will take a close look around the apartment, making note of any damages or changes to original fixtures.
If the landlord is happy, your security deposit will be paid back to you.
Follow These Steps to Make Moving Out of an Apartment a Breeze
No one can argue that moving out of an apartment is a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience.
Our simple moving-out guide will save you valuable time and energy so that you can focus on the important things, like settling into your new home.
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