When moving out of your first apartment, you might be tempted to throw everything into boxes and hope for the best. However, many property managers have specific requirements regarding how they would like tenants to move out. Failure to comply with these regulations can cost you your deposit.
Additionally, having a thorough plan before the move can be an excellent way to avoid unnecessary stress. It can also help you avoid overspending on your relocation, thus saving you money.
If you are preparing to move out of your first apartment, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Notify the Property Manager in Advance
Your lease will likely stipulate a schedule by which you should notify your property manager if you intend to leave before the end of the lease term. Many leases state that you provide this notice at least thirty or sixty days in advance of vacating the apartment.
The reason you must notify the property manager about your move early is to allow them enough time to find a suitable replacement tenant. If you do not comply with this condition, you may be required to reimburse your landlord for any unpaid rent that falls within the notice period.
- Give the Apartment a Thorough Cleaning
The property manager will probably require you to leave the apartment in the same condition you found when you moved in. Therefore, cleaning your former residence thoroughly before leaving is a good idea.
Ideally, the most suitable time to schedule this cleaning is after you have removed all your belongings from the property. When cleaning, pay attention to the windows, kitchen, bathrooms, walls, light fixtures, floors, and carpets. Also, check the refrigerator and oven to ensure they are not contaminated with food debris.
Sometimes, cleaning can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, you can speed up the process by enlisting the help of a professional cleaning company.
- Find a Suitable a Suitable Way to Move All the Furniture You’ve Accumulated
If you have several pieces of furniture to move, finding a suitable way to relocate it can be difficult. The good news is that you can save yourself the stress and hassle with help from reputable furniture moving apps. These apps provide you with estimates and help you hire a professional moving company to transport your items to your new home.
When choosing an app, ensure it is easy to use and offers affordable rates. Moreover, it would help to read user reviews to get a feel for their services.
To help make your search easier, Agoyu listed up to 13 apps that can assist you with your relocation. You can check them out to find a suitable option for your needs.
- Fix Any Damage That You May Have Caused
You are responsible for any damage you may have caused to the property during your tenancy. This can include everything from carpet stains to broken tiles and cracks in the walls.
Therefore, inspect every area of the apartment while checking for any issues. If you find any problems, make the necessary repairs before you vacate the property. You can also report the damages to the property manager so that they can have them repaired and bill you for the costs.
- Schedule a Move-Out Inspection
Organize an inspection with the property manager before your move-out date. This will enable the management to comprehensively scrutinize the property and ensure everything is in working order.
Ideally, you should schedule a move-out inspection about two weeks before you leave to allow the management to address any urgent issues. This procedure can be completed within an hour, depending on the size of the property.
- Return All the Keys
Before vacating the apartment, you must return all keys and access cards to the landlord. The best time to do this is on the move-out day.
Also, contact the property manager for assistance if you have difficulty locating your key or access card. Finally, to be safer, ask the management to give you a receipt or statement certifying that you have returned the items.
