Moving Out

The end of the year is often a stressful and busy time, with finals, preparing for summer jobs or other plans, spending time with friends and wrapping up the year. Moving often becomes a last thought, adding additional stress. By being proactive and starting early and doing these things, you can save a lot of stress (and money!).

· Turn-off utilities – CALL IN ADVANCE

· It is important to call utility companies in advance of your move, and telling them the day you plan to move out and the day you want your utilities shut off. This is important to do ahead of time because you want to avoid paying for utilities you did not use.

· Change your mailing address. This is a simple process, which you can do at: https://moversguide.usps.com

· Get boxes and start packing early. You can frequently get free boxes from restaurants, grocery stores or by putting an ad on Craigslist.

· Clean your rental. As a renter, you are expected to leave the rental in the same condition as when you moved in. This is important to help avoid additional cleaning fees being taken out of your deposit. This also leaves a better impression with your landlord, who you may need as a reference for future rental applications.

o Ask your landlord beforehand what tasks need to be done. This allows you to focus your attention on the things that need to be cleaned most.

· Make any simple repairs yourself. Has a light bulb gone out since you started renting? Or has the toilet paper dispenser gotten loose? By fixing simple tings yourself you can avoid possible charges.

· Request a walk-through inspection. Once you have cleaned, find a time that you and your landlord can do a walk-through inspection to discuss any additional cleaning or repairs that are needed, and to negotiate them if needed. It is helpful to bring photos that document the condition of the rental at move-in to avoid being charged for damages you did not inflict (e.g. stains or marks that were already present, etc).