1. Get Organized
Whether you’ve been living in your current rental for a few months or a few years, take some time to get organize your moving out requirements. When coordinating packing days, truck rentals, and more, there are a lot of details to keep track of.
2. Review Your Lease
Each rental agency or property manager has different policies and requirements regarding the vacate notice, checkout, required repairs, utility transfers, etc. After you know you are relocating, pull out your lease and seriously evaluate it. If you must give notice, be sure you do so by the time period (it’s usually thirty days out and often in writing). The lease will also outline what is expected of you upon relocating in and may include anything from professional carpet cleaning services to final trash pickup and security deposit policies. Be sure to note all of your duties and add those tasks/deadlines to your calendar.
3. Repair and/or Repaint Your Walls
If you do not have the time or interest in performing these labor-intensive chores, many rental companies have an option to pay instead. Most commonly, agencies will charge a flat fee per wall that isn’t painted back to its original color. Be sure to weigh the time commitment and price of all options before deciding to do it yourself or paying the fees.
4. Clean, Clean, Clean
If you plan to clean your unit or carpets yourself, make sure you have the supplies and equipment to get the job done. If you plan to hire it out, budget for the cost and book the companies early. Agencies often require a professional carpet cleaning; and if you have any major stains, they will need to be addressed before you can expect to get your security deposit back. If you plan to clean your unit or carpets yourself, be sure to leave the necessary supplies and equipment to get the job done. If you plan to hire it out, budget for the cost and book the companies early. It’s common for rental property owners to require professional carpet cleaning, and if you have any major stains, they will need to be addressed before you can expect to get your security deposit back. If you’re planning to clean your home yourself, be sure to leave the necessary supplies and equipment to get the job done. If you plan to hire it out, budget for the cost and book the companies early.
5. Move Everything Out
Most rental properties will require that absolutely everything be moved out prior to checkout. While you may be tempted to leave behind cleaning supplies, trash cans, laundry supplies, built-in shelving units or other items specific to the unit, it will likely all have to go. When preparing to move out, think beyond just your clothes, items and furniture. Make preparations to deal with hazardous supplies and chemicals (paint, cleaning supplies, propane tanks), plants, trash, lumber and other items you may not move.
