Whether you’re transferring leases, upgrading to a bigger apartment or moving out of your rental house and into an urban apartment, there are quite a lot of steps to moving out. The entire moving process can be stressful. Follow this moving out checklist so you don’t miss anything!

Prior to your move-out date:

• Notice to vacate documentation: Most rentals require a 30 or 60-day notice when you decide to move. Make sure you’re aware of the policy from your management company. Make sure all parties on the lease sign the required paperwork. If you decide to cancel your notice to vacate, let your renter know right away.

• Forwarding Address: Usually your management company will ask for your forwarding address, but if they don’t ask for it, it’s a good idea to provide it. Most likely you’ll get a Financial Account Statement in the mail to the forwarding address provided by you, as well as refund checks for deposits, if applicable. Plus, it’s handy for sending on subsequent mail, if applicable.

• Change Address: Log on to USPS.com and schedule your mail to be forwarded to your new apartment home up to one week before you move in. In most cases, once your mailbox key is relinquished, mail that has not been forwarded is returned to sender. By that time, access to your former mailbox is no longer possible! Remember to also change your address with banking institutions, credit card companies, and magazine subscriptions.

• Insurance. Don’t forget to cancel or transfer your renters’ or homeowners’ insurance policy. Keep in mind, though, with most rental situations, you must have an active renters’ insurance policy through the very last day of your residency.

• Utilities. Contact your electricity, gas, and cable & internet providers to inform them of your move out date. Be sure to give them a few days’ notice so they can either stop or transfer your service. You might also need to schedule a pick-up of cable boxes and other equipment, if necessary.

• Cleaning. This is a big one. It’s standard for property management companies to charge a basic cleaning fee, stated on the master lease. It’s a good idea to address any major cleanliness concerns before you hand in your keys to avoid additional fees. Also, make sure you get all of your belongings out and leave no trash behind because you will most likely be charged.

• Condition. With a rental situation, if you have made any alterations (such as accent walls, holes in the wall, TV mounts, replaced doors, etc.) it’s a good idea to take the time to fix those prior to turning in your keys. Any alterations left for the property manager to fix (paint back accent walls, replace doors, etc.) will be charged on your Final Account Statement.

• Disposing of Unwanted Items. Usually, a property management company will charge you for disposal of any items or furniture left behind. It’s important you make arrangements to remove these ahead of time so you aren’t charged.

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Day of and after move-out:

• Turning in your keys. Check with your property manager or landlord for the process of dropping off keys and make appropriate arrangements on your move-out date. Some places require the keys during office hours, or some have drop boxes. In most situations, if you turn in your keys after your scheduled move-out date, you will be responsible for paying the rent for those days (in some cases at an increased rent amount- yikes!)

• Final utility bill. Sometimes you’ll have final bills that will be sent to your forwarding address or on your Final Account Statement. Another reason it’s important to provide your forwarding address and change your address with USPS.

• Final Account Statement. In most cases, you will receive your Final Account Statement from the property management office approximately 1-2 weeks after you turn in your keys. Any rent, water bills, early termination fees, damage charges, etc. that have not been paid will be charged to you at this time. Once you receive your Final Account Statement, the balance is generally due within 30 days.

Photo courtesy of Camden

Whether you’re moving across town or moving long distance it’s important to stay organized. Utilize these move-out tips and other moving tips from Simply Camden. If you’re thinking of moving soon, start your apartment search with Camden!