8 Tips For Moving Out of an Apartment
Living in an apartment is a lot of fun. There are many benefits to living in an apartment, but there are also some drawbacks.
The pros of being in an apartment include the convenience and affordability. It’s easier to find apartments with amenities that you want since they have more variety than homes do. They’re also often cheaper than homes because they don’t have as many maintenance costs or homeowners’ association fees.
But with all these great things about apartments come some downsides too, like less privacy and decreased safety for your stuff when it comes time to move out! And most tenants move out of their apartments at some point.
Here are the things you need to do when it’s time to move out of your apartment:
1. Give your Landlord at least 30 Days Notice
If you want to leave your apartment, the best thing to do is give at least 30 days notice. This gives them time to find a new tenant and helps you avoid any penalties. If you give less than 30 days notice, your landlord may keep some or all of your security deposit.
If you’re in the military and need to move out before your lease has expired, because of a transfer, be sure to give your landlord at least 60 days notice. This is required by law.
If you have a pet, be sure to check with your landlord first to see if there are any pet-related rules regarding moving out.
2. Plan your Move
To make moving out a lot easier, you should plan your move well in advance. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly on Moving Day.
How much time do you have? If it’s less than two weeks before you’re supposed to leave, then just start packing up and get ready for the movers!
When planning ahead for your move, make sure you have enough boxes and packing supplies.
Try to get your hands on some large wardrobe boxes, since they are the best for moving clothes.
If you’re packing up all of your stuff yourself, try using a rotation system where you pack one box at a time and label it with either tape or stickers. That way you’ll know where everything goes when you get to the other end.
Before you put anything in a box, write how full it is on the outside with a permanent marker. This way if your movers are packing up for you they know when everything has been loaded into their truck!
Try to get rid of as much stuff as possible before moving out. If there’s something that you haven’t used in over two months, you probably don’t need it.
This will make your move much easier and also save you money! Selling or donating your stuff can be a great way to raise some extra cash for moving expenses, like movers’ fees.
When the time comes to actually pack up everything that’s left in your apartment, try not to forget anything! Some items may require special packing, such as:
– your toiletries
– your clothes
– any important documents like your driver’s license or passport
– your kitchen items, including plates, silverware, and pots and pans
– your electronics
– any valuables like jewelry or heirlooms
If you’re hiring movers, be sure to book them well in advance! Popular moving companies can often get booked up months in advance.
3. Take Care of Your Utilities
Before you move out of your apartment, be sure to take care of all of your utilities. This includes turning off your water, electricity, and cable/internet service.
If you have any final bills that need to be paid, make sure you take care of them before you leave. Otherwise they may end up getting sent to collections.
You’ll also need to give your apartment complex a forwarding address before you leave. This way, they can send any leftover mail or packages that may arrive after you’ve moved out.
Be sure to return all keys and remotes as well!
If there’s anything left in the common areas of your building like the hallway bathroom or the laundry room, be sure to clean it up before you leave. Don’t forget about the trash!
Be sure to take photos or video footage of anything that’s left in your apartment so you have proof of its condition when you moved out. This can come in handy if there are any disputes about damage when you move out.
Leaving your old place clean and tidy is the best way to ensure that you get your security deposit back in full!
4. Clean
When you’re moving out of your apartment, one of the most important things to keep in mind is how clean you need to leave it. Your landlord will likely do a walkthrough when you move out, and if there is any damage or cleaning required, you’ll be responsible for paying for it.
So, to avoid any surprises, make sure to clean your apartment thoroughly before you move out. This includes sweeping, mopping, and wiping down all surfaces. Make sure to remove all of your belongings from the premises, too – including trash!
If you’re having trouble getting everything cleaned up on your own, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to take care of it for you. This will ensure that everything is spotless and there are no damages left behind.
Try using a special cleaner like Mr. Clean or Windex on any high-traffic areas such as doorways and baseboards. You can also use vinegar to get rid of any unpleasant smells or soap scum.
If your landlord does find any damage, you should be prepared to pay for it out of pocket – even if you didn’t cause it! While it can feel like everything will work itself out in the end, remember that it’s better to play it safe and keep your apartment as clean as possible before moving out.
5. Schedule Movers
If you’re hiring movers to help you with your move, it’s important to schedule them well in advance. Popular moving companies can often get booked up months in advance!
Be sure to ask the movers about their insurance policy and what is covered. You’ll also want to be clear on how much they expect upfront – usually a deposit plus the cost of the move itself.
Be sure to get estimates from multiple moving companies before you decide on one. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
When Moving Day arrives, make sure to have a plan in place for where everything is going to go. This will help keep things running smoothly and avoid any delays.
If you’re moving into a new place, be sure to have all of your utilities turned on and ready to go before you move in. This will avoid any headaches on Moving Day!
Finally, make sure to pack everything up properly so that nothing gets damaged in transit. Label each box with what room it goes in and what it contains. This will make unpacking a breeze!
6. Book Elevator Time
If your new apartment is on a higher floor of the building, you’ll need to schedule an elevator for when you move. This will prevent any unnecessary delays or accidents!
Be sure to book plenty of time so there are no issues getting everything moved out before the day is over.
7. Get Your Security Deposit Back
Once you’ve moved out of your apartment and all the paperwork is filed, it’s time to wait for your security deposit to come back in the mail. This can take a few weeks, so be patient!
If there is any damage or cleaning required, your landlord will notify you and send you an invoice. You’ll then need to pay for any damage or cleaning before you get your security deposit back.
8. Change Your Address
One of the most important things to do when you move is to change your address with all of the necessary institutions. This includes your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and more.
It’s also a good idea to update your voter registration and driver’s license information. You can find all of the necessary forms on the government website.
Moving out of an apartment can be a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation it’s much simpler than you might think. Follow the steps in this post to help avoid any surprises or problems on Moving Day!
Here we present more tips and advice for those planning their move: Most Common Moving Mistakes
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