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Moving Out? Follow These Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transition

Moving out of your space can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning, you can make the process smooth. Here’s a checklist to help you leave your space in good condition: 

 

1. Read and Review Emails from Your Management Company Carefully 

Before starting to pack, carefully read any emails or letters from your management company. These communications often contain important information about move-out procedures, cleaning requirements, and key return instructions. Missing these details can lead to deductions from your security deposit.

2. Coordinate with Your Roommates

Communicate with your roommates about when they plan to move out of the space. Your timelines might be vastly different, but you don’t want the burden of cleaning to fall on the last person that moves out. Make a plan for who is going to clean what spaces and make sure to do your share or consider contributing money as a group to have the space professionally cleaned. 

3. Clean Thoroughly to Maximize Your Security Deposit

Focus on these areas:

  • Floors: Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop hard floors.
  • Kitchen: Clean the oven, stovetop, microwave and refrigerator. Wipe down countertops and cabinets.
  • Bathrooms: Scrub the toilet, shower, sink, and mirrors.
  • Living Areas: Dust all surfaces, clean windows, and wipe down walls if needed.

4. Document the Condition of Your Space with Photos or Videos to Maximize Your Security Deposit Being Returned to You

Before you hand over the keys, take detailed photos or videos of the entire space. Capture areas you’ve cleaned and existing damages in case of disputes about the condition of the property.

5. Return Your Keys to Your Management Company 

Find out the specific procedure for returning your keys, which is often outlined in your lease agreement or in communications from your management company. Make sure to return all keys, including those for the front door, mailbox, and any other areas. Also, remember to return any access cards you may have to amenity or parking spaces.

6. Check Every Nook and Cranny of Your Space 

As you pack up, double-check every cabinet, drawer, closet, and storage space to ensure you haven’t left anything behind. Leave spaces open once they are emptied as a visual reminder of where you have and have not checked.

7. Plan Ahead for Donations

If you have items you no longer need, consider donating them to local reuse organizations. Organizations like UT Outpost on campus can put your nonperishable food to good use or check out MoveOutATX for your one stop spot for most items you want to donate. Check out their website to see what days and what locations the event is operating. 

8. Don’t Forget About Your Deposit

Keep an eye out for communication from your property management team about your deposit and any other communication for that manner. Ignoring an email could result in more charges in the case of lost keys or steps you may have missed in the check out process. Be prompt in communicating. Your landlord or property manager should be issuing you your security deposit within thirty days of you move out. Check in with them if you don’t receive it and reach out to Legal Services for Students if you have questions about your rights as a tenant.