Moving is stressful, whether you’re switching to the other side of town or relocating somewhere far away. Besides being physically exhausting, it can be mentally draining and financially burdensome as well. If you’re moving out of an apartment, note that it follows a process quite different than moving out of a house.
Nonetheless, you still have to prepare just as with any move. Here are some steps to take when moving out of an apartment.
Notify Your Landlord a Month Prior to Your Move
Landlords don’t like unoccupied apartments. That’s why you should inform yours in advance so he can scout for new tenants. The customary notice is typically 30 days, but you should check your lease for the specifics. Some apartments may require notification 90 days before moving out.
Failing to notify your landlord may result in not getting your security deposit back, or worse, having to pay a hefty fine to break your lease.
Clear Everything Up
You don’t want liabilities chasing you to your new home. To the extent possible, settle everything before you go. One common slip-up among tenants is mistaking the security deposit for a month’s worth of rent. No, that’s not how it works.
- A security deposit is an amount you pay to the landlord to cover damages, fix wear and tear, and it acts as an incentive for you to keep your apartment in good shape.
- On the other hand, rent is a fixed payment stated on the lease in exchange for the rights to use the apartment for personal purposes.
You expect to get your security deposit back if you’ve taken care of your apartment. However, if some things need fixing, your landlord will deduct the expense of repairing items from your security deposit. Remember that it’s your landlord’s responsibility to return your deposit after you move out. Here are some tips for ensuring you get your security deposit back in full.
Transfer Utilities in Advance
Utilities are of primary concern when relocating. You’ll want to make sure your lights are on when you move into your new place. Note that it’s easier to transfer utilities when moving locally. You just have to tell the providers your new address. However, if you’re moving to another state, you’ll likely have to arrange for new service providers.
That being said, inform all utility providers two weeks ahead to schedule turning on/off the utilities. Plan it in a way that you’ll have water and electricity running on moving day. Then ask utility providers to turn on services a day before you arrive at your new place.
Make Repairs and Rework
Once done with the steps above, it’s time to work on getting that entire security deposit back. The goal here is to return the apartment to its original state (like how it looked before you moved in). After months years of living there, expect some wear and tear and things that need fixing.
Here are some repairs you can work on:
- Repair and repaint the drywall. Use quick dabs of spackle for small dents and scratches. Let it dry for 24 hours, then smooth it out with sandpaper. Repaint patches and walls as necessary.
- Deep clean the carpet. There are many DIY guides out there, but if the dirt’s tougher than you can handle, it’ll be best to hire a professional carpet cleaning service.
- Fix minor plumbing issues. For a leaky faucet, inspect the sections, break it down, get new parts from the local hardware store, and reassemble.
- Check your moving company if they offer relevant services. Some movers go a long way to provide convenience for their customers. Don’t be shy to ask your moving company if they offer cleaning and repair services to help streamline your move.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Now that you’ve patched up whatever you can, all that’s left to do is make the apartment sparkle. This way, your landlord won’t have anything to complain about. So pull out the mop, grab the broom, and start cleaning. Do this thrice for the best results. Get those muscles to work!
Tell Your Landlord When You’re Ready
Once you’ve made sure the apartment’s as perfect as it can get, request a walkthrough with your landlord. He will then inspect for damage and things that need fixing. If an issue arises, don’t hesitate to bring it up for discussion but remember to be polite and placid.
Inform the Community
It’s not only the landlord that needs to know you’re leaving for good. If you reside in a gated property, notify the gate manager so he can arrange to open the gates onthe big day and secure a parking spot for your movers. You should also reserve the elevator for them if you live on a higher floor. Speak with your property manager to ensure you’re following moving day regulations.
Wrap It Up
Apartment moving logistics can be more complex than home relocation. This holds true, especially if you’re moving out of major cities like Dallas, Austin, New York, San Francisco, etc. To make it less complicated, it’s a good idea to hire professional movers. They might sound expensive at first, but they actually save you a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run.
