When moving out of an apartment, there is more to do than just packing. To move out the right way, give your landlord proper written notice, transfer or cancel your utilities, clean the place thoroughly, take photos of the empty apartment, and do a final walk-through. Getting these right is how you leave on good terms and get your full deposit back. Here is the complete move-out checklist so nothing gets missed.
Moving out is where a lot of people lose part of their deposit, not because they did anything wrong, but because they skipped a few steps. A little planning at the end of a lease protects your money and your rental history. Here is exactly what to do.
What to Do When Moving Out (Quick Answer)
- Your move-out checklist:
- Give written notice to your landlord on time.
- Confirm your move-out date and any rules.
- Transfer or cancel utilities.
- Change your address.
- Clean the apartment thoroughly.
- Take photos of the empty, clean place.
- Do a final walk-through and return the keys.
- Do these in order and your move-out goes smoothly.
Step 1: Give Proper Notice
Almost every lease requires written notice before you leave, often 30 or 60 days. Check your lease for the exact amount.
Give notice in writing, not just a phone call, so there is a record. Include your move-out date. Giving proper notice on time protects your deposit and keeps your rental history clean. Missing it can cost you extra rent or fees.
Step 2: Sort Out the Admin
- Handle these tasks a few weeks before you leave so nothing is missed on the day.
- Transfer or cancel your utilities, like power, gas, water, and internet
- Change your address with the post office
- Update your bank, employer, and subscriptions
- Ask your landlord how and when you will get your deposit back
- Return anything that belongs to the building, like parking passes or extra keys
A quick tip: schedule utilities to end the day after you leave, not before, so you have power and water for the final clean.
Step 3: Clean the Apartment Thoroughly
- This is the step that protects your deposit the most. Landlords check the condition closely.
- Give the whole place a deep clean:
- Clean the kitchen, including the oven, stovetop, and inside the fridge
- Scrub the bathroom, including the toilet, tub, and sink
- Wipe down all surfaces, cabinets, and baseboards
- Clean the windows and window sills
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
- Remove any marks on the walls
- Take out all trash and clear the whole place
If the apartment was professionally cleaned when you moved in, it should be just as clean when you leave. Some people hire a cleaner for move-out day to be sure.
Step 4: Take Photos of Everything
Before you hand over the keys, take clear photos of the empty, clean apartment. This is your proof of its condition.
Photograph every room, the appliances, the floors, and any spots that were already damaged when you arrived. If there is ever a dispute about your deposit, these photos are your evidence. It takes five minutes and can save you a lot of money.
Step 5: Do a Final Walk-Through
Walk through the whole apartment one last time before you leave. It is easy to miss something in the rush.
- Check every closet, cabinet, and drawer
- Look in the oven, fridge, and dishwasher
- Check the balcony, storage, and any shared areas
- Take final meter readings
- Make sure nothing is left behind
- Then lock up, return all the keys, and confirm the handover with your landlord.
Small Repairs Worth Doing Before You Leave
A few quick fixes can save you from deposit deductions. Handle these small jobs before your final walk-through.
- Fill small nail holes in the walls with filler
- Touch up scuffs and marks where you can
- Replace any burnt-out light bulbs
- Fix anything minor you broke during your stay
- Remove all hooks, mounts, and sticky strips
None of these take long or cost much, but landlords often charge far more than the fix is worth to do it themselves. A little effort here keeps more of your deposit in your pocket.
What to Do on Your Last Day
- The final day has its own short list. Save these for the very end.
- Do the final clean once the place is empty
- Take your meter readings and photos
- Check every room, closet, and cabinet one last time
- Turn off lights and lock all windows and doors
- Return every key and any building items
- Confirm the handover with your landlord
Leave yourself enough time on the last day for the clean and walk-through. Rushing this is how things get missed and deposits get docked.
Move-Out Checklist at a Glance
Here is the whole thing in one view.
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 30 to 60 days before | Give written notice |
| 2 to 3 weeks before | Sort utilities and address |
| Moving day | Clean, photograph, walk-through |
| Before you leave | Take meter readings, return keys |
How to Get Your Full Deposit Back
- Your deposit is your money, and a few habits help you keep all of it.
- Give proper notice on time
- Clean the place thoroughly, or hire a cleaner
- Fix small damage you caused, like nail holes
- Take photos as proof of the condition
- Return all keys and building items
Most deposit losses come from a dirty apartment or missed notice. Handle those two well and you are in good shape to get your full deposit back. It also helps to know your rights, since landlords usually have to return your deposit within a set time and explain any deductions in writing. If yours does not, your photos and records are your proof.
Do Not Forget Your Forwarding Details
One easy thing to miss is making sure mail and deliveries still reach you after you leave. Set up mail forwarding with the post office so nothing important goes to your old address.
Also give your new address to anyone who sends you regular mail or packages, like your bank, your workplace, and any subscriptions. A missed bill or lost package is a needless headache, and it is simple to avoid with a quick list of everyone to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do before moving out of an apartment? Give written notice on time, transfer or cancel utilities, change your address, clean the apartment thoroughly, take photos of the empty place, and do a final walk-through before returning the keys.
How do I get my full deposit back? Give proper notice, clean the apartment thoroughly, fix small damage you caused, and take photos as proof of the condition. A clean apartment and on-time notice are the biggest factors.
How much notice do I need to give when moving out? Check your lease, but it is often 30 or 60 days. Give notice in writing so there is a record. Missing the notice period can cost you extra rent or part of your deposit.
Should I clean my apartment before moving out? Yes, a thorough clean is one of the biggest factors in getting your deposit back. Clean the kitchen, bathroom, floors, and all surfaces, and take photos of the clean, empty place.
Start Your Move-Out Checklist Now
The move-out steps are simple, but they take time, so start early. Check your lease for the notice period today and put your move-out date on the calendar. From there, work through the checklist above. Handle the notice and the final clean well, and you will leave on good terms with your full deposit in hand. A clean handover also means a good reference from your landlord, which helps with your next rental.
For more practical guidance, see official change-of-address guidance.
Related: how to prepare for moving
