Moving Out Checklist

Moving out is often rushed. Exams end, friends leave, flights are booked and you are surrounded by boxes and half-finished cleaning. That is exactly when mistakes happen: a missed notice date, a forgotten key, a dirty oven that costs part of your deposit. A checklist, started early, keeps the end of your tenancy smooth and protects your money.

Rules and deadlines vary by residence, lease and place, so follow your own contract first. This checklist is general information.

About a month before

Notices and rules

• [ ] Read your lease or housing contract for move-out requirements.
• [ ] Check the notice period, and give notice in writing, if needed.
• [ ] Note your final move-out date and time.
• [ ] Find out about check-out appointments, and book one.
• [ ] Check cleaning standards and any fees for failing them.
• [ ] Ask about storage, summer stays or extensions, if you need them.

Deposit

• [ ] Find your move-in condition report and photos.
• [ ] Note where the deposit is held and how it will be returned.
• [ ] Check the deadline for the landlord to return it.
• [ ] Prepare your forwarding address and bank details.

Our guide to getting your security deposit back explains how deposits work.

Money and bills

• [ ] List all bills and accounts in your name.
• [ ] Plan final payments, and read meters.
• [ ] Arrange to cancel or transfer utilities and internet, giving notice.
• [ ] Settle shared costs with housemates.

Two to three weeks before

Plan the move

• [ ] Decide what to keep, store, sell, donate or discard.
• [ ] Book transport or a van, or plan how to carry things.
• [ ] Arrange storage, if needed, and check costs and access.
• [ ] Gather boxes, tape and bags.
• [ ] Arrange help from friends or family.
• [ ] Check airline luggage limits, if flying.

Sell and donate

• [ ] List furniture and items you want to sell.
• [ ] Contact charities or college donation drives.
• [ ] Recycle electronics and batteries properly.
• [ ] Take unwanted food to a food pantry, if possible.

Housemates

• [ ] Agree on who is responsible for which cleaning tasks.
• [ ] Decide how to handle shared items.
• [ ] Agree how to divide the deposit, if shared.
• [ ] Share contact details for future follow-up.

One week before

Packing

• [ ] Start packing non-essentials.
• [ ] Label boxes by room and contents.
• [ ] Pack fragile items carefully.
• [ ] Keep an essentials bag with documents, valuables, medicines, chargers and a change of clothes.
• [ ] Take photos of valuable items, if shipping.

Admin

• [ ] Update your address with your bank, college, employers and subscriptions.
• [ ] Set up mail forwarding.
• [ ] Return library books and borrowed items.
• [ ] Return equipment, such as parking passes or access cards.
• [ ] Cancel memberships or services you will not use.
• [ ] Confirm your travel plans.

Repairs and condition

• [ ] Compare each room with your move-in record.
• [ ] Repair minor damage if allowed, such as filling small holes.
• [ ] Report anything broken that you cannot fix, in writing.
• [ ] Replace light bulbs or batteries as required.

Cleaning, room by room

Cleaning is the most common reason for deductions, so do it carefully.

Kitchen

• [ ] Empty and clean the fridge and freezer, and leave doors ajar if advised.
• [ ] Clean the oven, hob and extractor.
• [ ] Clean the microwave.
• [ ] Wipe cupboards and drawers, inside and out.
• [ ] Clean the sink and taps.
• [ ] Clean surfaces and the floor.
• [ ] Remove all food and rubbish.

Bathroom

• [ ] Clean the toilet, shower, bath and sink.
• [ ] Remove limescale and mold, as best you can.
• [ ] Clean mirrors, tiles and grout.
• [ ] Empty bins.
• [ ] Clean the floor.

Bedrooms and living areas

• [ ] Remove all belongings.
• [ ] Wipe surfaces, shelves and furniture.
• [ ] Clean windows, window sills and blinds.
• [ ] Vacuum and mop floors, including under beds.
• [ ] Clean skirting boards and light switches.
• [ ] Dust ceiling corners.
• [ ] Remove marks from walls, if possible.

Throughout

• [ ] Check cupboards, wardrobes and drawers.
• [ ] Clean doors and handles.
• [ ] Empty all bins, and take out the rubbish.
• [ ] Clean balconies or outdoor areas.

Take dated photos and video when you finish. If you hire cleaners, keep the receipt.

Meters and utilities

• [ ] Read gas, electricity and water meters, and photograph them.
• [ ] Give final readings to providers.
• [ ] Arrange final bills.
• [ ] Cancel internet, or arrange a transfer.
• [ ] Turn off lights and heating, as advised.
• [ ] Close windows and doors.

Check-out day

• [ ] Do a final walk-through, with your photos.
• [ ] Take dated photos and videos of every room.
• [ ] Attend the check-out inspection, if possible.
• [ ] Point out pre-existing damage, with your records.
• [ ] Ask for a written check-out report.
• [ ] Return all keys, and note how many.
• [ ] Get a receipt for the keys.
• [ ] Give your forwarding address and bank details.
• [ ] Check that nothing is left behind.
• [ ] Lock up, as instructed.

If you cannot attend, ask a friend or send a detailed message with photos. Do not leave keys with no record.

After you leave

• [ ] Confirm that final bills are paid.
• [ ] Check that mail is forwarding.
• [ ] Follow up on the deposit within the time allowed.
• [ ] Ask for an itemized list of any deductions.
• [ ] Challenge unfair deductions in writing, with evidence.
• [ ] Keep all records until the deposit is settled.
• [ ] Update your address on official documents.
• [ ] Thank anyone who helped, and keep in touch with housemates.

For students in residence halls

• [ ] Follow the residence's check-out procedure.
• [ ] Check dates for closing and any holiday storage.
• [ ] Complete a room condition form, if required.
• [ ] Return keys and cards to the correct office.
• [ ] Remove all belongings, and clean as instructed.
• [ ] Settle any fines or fees.
• [ ] Ask about summer storage or stays.
• [ ] Confirm your next term's assignment, if you are returning.

For private rentals

• [ ] Follow your lease notice rules.
• [ ] Arrange the check-out inspection with the landlord or agent.
• [ ] Agree how the deposit will be returned.
• [ ] Compare the condition with the inventory.
• [ ] Return all keys.
• [ ] Close accounts and utilities.

For international students

• [ ] Plan your departure date, and check your visa conditions.
• [ ] Ship or store items, and check customs rules.
• [ ] Give a forwarding address that will work abroad.
• [ ] Provide bank details for the deposit, including international transfer information.
• [ ] Close your bank account, if needed, after the deposit arrives.
• [ ] Cancel your phone plan and subscriptions.
• [ ] Keep digital copies of all documents.
• [ ] Ask your international office about the end of stay.

If something goes wrong

• [ ] If you cannot finish cleaning, ask for an extension or hire cleaners.
• [ ] If a housemate does not do their part, talk to them, and keep records.
• [ ] If you are charged unfairly, respond in writing with evidence.
• [ ] If you lose a key, tell the landlord, and ask about costs.
• [ ] If the landlord is unresponsive, seek advice. Our guide to dealing with a bad landlord explains what to do.

Final thoughts

A calm, organized move-out protects your deposit and your peace of mind. Start early, clean thoroughly, document everything and follow up. Then you can leave with confidence.