Moving out of any home can be a stressful time. You are uprooting your whole life and leaving the place that you once called home, as well as your source of relief and comfort after a long day at work or university. It can be an especially stressful experience if you are moving out because you have come to the end of your tenancy. With renting, there are no certainties like those that come with buying a property, which can bring added strains to the moving process.
Before you officially move out after your tenancy, there are some important things you need to cover first.
Plan Ahead
You should know well in advance when your tenancy ends since it is usually agreed upon when signing the tenancy agreement prior to moving in. This gives you plenty of time to decide if you want to extend your tenancy or find another place to live. When you decide you want to move out, you need to find a new property to rent before your tenancy ends, or you could end up in a rather sticky situation. Ideally, before the moving day comes, you should have already signed a new tenancy agreement with a new landlord (if you wish to continue renting) or purchased your own home. This way, you can move straight into the new home without any hassle in between and make the process run a whole lot smoother.
Get Your Deposit Back
Don’t forget about the deposit your landlord owes you when you move out. The condition of the property when you leave it will determine whether the landlord returns it to you or not. To guarantee that you will get your full deposit back, consult an end of tenancy cleaning service to ensure the property is cleaned deeply and in top condition for its inspection.
Take Everything Out
When you move out, you will need to take everything with you, including things that you need to dispose of, or don’t want to take to your new home. Landlords can charge you for leaving belongings behind that they will have to dispose of themselves. To avoid this, take everything and start packing well ahead of time, so you don’t forget anything.
Ask for a Move-Out Inspection
A move-out inspection is the perfect opportunity to ask your landlord for your security deposit back, which you should have secured by having the property professionally cleaned. Make sure you are present at the inspection and answer any questions the landlord has about the condition of the property. Once you move out and no longer have a tenancy with a landlord, they can be tricky to get ahold of. It is better to settle any qualms you may have in person so that you can leave on the best terms, and with your deposit.
Moving out means a fresh start, so you must tie up any loose ends you have with your landlord, or the property before you officially leave!
