Moving out of a rented property can be a daunting task. In fact, some studies in the UK have shown that some people find moving home more stressful than a divorce. Whatever you may personally feel there’s no denying that moving, especially from a rented property, can feel like a mammoth task.
Utilising a checklist can prepare and assist you while moving, especially if you get that nagging feeling that you’re just forgetting something.
We’ve put together the following guide to help ensure you have the important things covered when moving out of your rented property.
Arranging Self-Storage
Moving home can be a stressful time, especially when everything is packed up into boxes and you’re running out of space to sort everything that you have left. This is where self-storage can help with the process. If you’re unsure how long you need to store your items for, PadStore offer a Flexible Package that allows you to securely store your possessions, with the flexibility to vacate any time after the first seven days and any unused pro-rata hire days are refunded back to you.
This is especially beneficial if your new home is not going to be ready in time or if you haven’t found somewhere to permanently settle down. Utilising self-storage will also provide you with the time to sort through all your possessions, deciding what you would like to keep, sell, donate to charity, or throw away. It also helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing into new tenancy agreements, just for the sake of having somewhere to keep your possessions.
Ending Your Tenancy
Ensure you thoroughly read your tenancy agreement so that you’re aware of the requirements to bring your rental agreement to an end. Your main goal will be to leave the property in the condition it was before you moved in.
Be sure to notify your landlord of your intention to move out as early as possible.
Schedule an Inspection
Arrange for a move-out inspection with your landlord to assess any damage or repairs that need to be made before you move out.
Remove All Your Belongings
Remove all of your belongings from the rental property, including any furniture, decorations, and personal items. Don’t forget to check cupboards and sheds, and the walls for any pictures or paintings you may have missed.
Any unwanted items should be disposed of appropriately. Some items that are still in good condition could be donated to charity.
Cleaning and Repairs
Be sure to thoroughly clean the entire rental property, including the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and walls. Don't forget to clean any appliances that came included your rental agreement.
Repair any damage that you or your guests may have caused during your tenancy. This may include repairing marks on walls or fixing any broken fixtures or appliances. It will be a good idea to take photos of each room / area once it’s cleared / repaired to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Council Tax and Utilities
You need to get in touch with your local authorities and inform them of your move. Additionally, it also helps to communicate with your utility providers so that you can officially close these accounts, such as internet, electricity, gas, water etc. Note down and photograph all meter readings on your final day,
Be sure to keep your landlord updated because you don’t want the utility providers to cut off all their services, unless that’s what the landlord wants as well.
It may also be a good idea to arrange a redirection with Royal Mail to ensure that any mail and correspondence are forwarded to your new or temporary address after you move.
Updating Your Details
Ensure all services, that have the address, are informed of your new contact details.
These may include:
- your bank
- insurance providers
- your workplace
- mobile phone provider
- doctors
- dentists
- opticians
- The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
- child / children’s schools
- vets and any pet micro-chips / ID tags
- online platforms that require your shipping information (eBay, Amazon etc)
Also, be sure to provide your landlord with your forwarding address, so they can send you any remaining bills or correspondence.
Return Keys
Return all keys for the rental property, including any copies you may have made.
Follow Up
If the property is not in the condition as it was when you first moved in, i.e. damage to the property or items broken, you may lose part or all of your deposit.
However, if everything is fine, and you and your landlord agrees, you should be reimbursed the full amount of your deposit.
Follow up with your landlord after you've moved out to ensure that everything has been taken care of and any security deposit has been returned.
