How to Move Out of an Apartment: Your Move Out Checklist

Leaving your apartment can be exciting — new beginnings, a fresh space to call home — but moving can also be stressful. Between packing up, checking off to-dos, and making sure you leave on good terms with your landlord, there's a lot to juggle. That’s why having a clear plan can make all the difference. With this moving out checklist, you’ll know exactly what steps to take, and when, so you can confidently transition to your next home.

Step 1: Review your lease agreement 

Before you start packing, revisit your lease agreement. Look for key details such as the notice period (typically 30-60 days), cleaning requirements, and any fees or penalties for breaking the lease early, if applicable — in some cases, you may be able to break a lease without a penalty, but make sure you do your research! Knowing exactly what's expected of you will prevent unwelcome surprises and potential lease termination fees down the road. 

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to your landlord or property manager.

Step 2: Give proper notice 

Once you've reviewed your lease, it’s time to notify your landlord. Write a formal written notice to vacate, including:

• Your name and address 
• The date you plan to move out 
• Forwarding address 
• A request for your security deposit return (if applicable) 

Be sure to follow your lease requirements for notice timelines — getting this step right is essential for a smooth exit. 

Step 3: Start decluttering 

Moving is the perfect opportunity to lighten your load. Before you pack, sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Decluttering your space before a move will make packing easier and ensure you have a fresh start in your new home.

Tips on decluttering before you move out:

• Don’t take clutter with you: If you haven’t used it in a year, consider parting ways. 
• Host a yard sale or sell online: It’s a win-win. You earn extra cash and have fewer boxes to move. 

Step 4: Gather packing supplies and hire help

Now that you’ve pared down, it’s time to get packing. We’ve got a week-to-week schedule to get you prepped and ready for the move-out date. Stock up on cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Oh, and don’t forget labels — trust us, future you will thank you when unpacking if you’ve labeled what’s in each box. Moving day is always more strenuous and stressful than anticipated. We suggest booking movers or a Pod ahead of time, or even recruit a few friends to help get your things organized and out the door. 

Step 5: Update your forwarding address

Changing addresses comes with its own set of logistical challenges, but tackling this part early will save you time and headaches later. Notify each company of your new address, so you don’t miss a bill or piece of mail:

• Utility companies: When you’re responsible for electricity, gas, water, or internet, the service provider may need a forwarding address in case there are any balances outstanding when you move. 
• Mail: Update your address with U.S. Postal Services (USPS) to ensure you don’t miss important bills or mail. 
• Subscriptions: Update your address for any subscriptions like streaming services, meal kits, or magazines. 
• Renter’s insurance: Be sure to either cancel your policy or roll it over to your new place. You can get renter’s insurance coverage in less than five minutes through Zillow.
• Credit and banking accounts: If your credit cards and bank accounts are tied to your old address, you may run into billing or payment processing issues
• Employer: Your employer may mail you important items, like W2s, that you don’t want lost in the mail.

Step 6: Deep clean the apartment 

To help ensure your full security deposit gets returned, leave your apartment spotless — it's the tenant’s responsibility to repair any broken items, fill any holes, and address any damage to ensure the space is returned to its original condition. Oftentimes, your landlord will specify the circumstances under which a security deposit will be returned to the tenant. Many leases require apartments to be left in "broom-clean" condition, which means that the tenant must leave the property in a clean state, but not as detailed as the professional cleaning standards. However, going the extra mile with a deep clean can make a big difference. 

Areas to clean before moving out:

• Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and appliances. 
• Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors. 
• Patch any small holes in walls from nails or screws. 
• Remove any personal decorations like sticky hooks, tape, or decals. 

If cleaning feels overwhelming alongside all your other move-out tasks, consider hiring professional cleaners to do a move-out clean.

Step 7: Document the condition 

Before handing over the keys, take photos or videos of the apartment to document its condition. This is especially important if you’ve made all necessary repairs and cleaned thoroughly. These records can help protect you if there are any disputes over your security deposit. 

Take photos or videos of the condition of:

• Floors, walls, doors, and windows 
• Appliances and fixtures 
• Bathroom and kitchen areas 

Step 8: Transfer or set up utility services

Transferring utilities to a new apartment involves contacting service providers—like electricity, gas, water, and internet—a few weeks before your move to schedule shutoff at your old place and activation at your new one. It’s best to overlap services by a day or two to avoid any gaps during your move-in.

Step 9: Return keys and collect security deposit 

Finally, schedule a walk-through with your landlord or property manager. This is your chance to confirm the apartment meets their move-out standards and leave on good terms. Be sure to return all keys, including any spare sets. 

Ask about the timeline for your security deposit return. Many states require landlords to return the deposit, along with an itemized list of any deductions, within a specific timeframe, usually between 14 and 30 days after move-out. Be sure to check your state’s laws, as deadlines can vary. 

If you haven’t received your   security deposit back or an itemized statement explaining any deductions within your state’s required timeframe, send a formal request via email or letter to your landlord. If you do receive your deposit but believe your landlord made deductions for things you don’t agree with, you have the right to  dispute them. You can try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord, and if that does not work, you may consider taking legal action, such as pursuing the matter in small claims court. 

Step 10: Celebrate your new chapter 

You’ve done it — the packing, cleaning, coordinating, and communicating are all complete. Take a moment to celebrate this milestone and get excited about what’s next, whether you’re moving across the street or around the world. Moving to a new place is never easy, but with preparation and perseverance, you’ll handle it like a pro. If you’re still looking for a new place to rent, check out Zillow’s search center for available apartments and houses for rent. 

Moving out of an apartment checklist

• Review your lease for move-out notice periods, fees, cleaning information and security deposit return dates.
• Notify your landlord that you will be moving out of your apartment at least 30 to 60 days in advance.
• Declutter your apartment by selling or donating items you no longer need or want.
• Gather packing supplies and start packing for your move.
• Hire movers or recruit friends and family to help you move out of your apartment.
• Update your forwarding address for mail, subscriptions, billing and accounts.
• Deep clean your apartment to return it to its original move-in condition.
• Document the condition of the apartment before you move out with notes, photos and videos.
• Transfer or set up any utility services.
• Return your keys and await your security deposit return (usually takes up to 30 days).
• Move out and celebrate the start of your next chapter.