How to move out: Top 5 things to do before your walk-through

Moving out of an apartment can feel like a whirlwind, especially if it’s your first time. Between packing boxes and scheduling movers, it’s easy to forget that your final walk-through plays a big role in whether you get your full security deposit back. Knowing how to move out the right way can save you money, stress, and headaches.

This guide breaks down the top five things every renter should do before moving out, ensuring a smooth exit from your current apartment.

So, open your notes app and write down the top five things to do before moving out:

1. Deep clean every room.
2. Fix minor damage.
3. Document everything.
4. Review your lease and follow instructions.
5. Be present for the final walk-through.

Let’s take a closer look at each step you need to complete before finally turning in your keys and moving into your new place:

Deep clean every room (Yes, every room!)

Cleaning your apartment before moving out isn’t just courteous — it’s often required by your lease. In fact, every corner of your space should be cleaned more thoroughly than your usual routine.

If you’re looking for a methodical approach, here’s what we suggest. Start with the kitchen: Scrub the oven, stovetop, fridge (inside and out), sink, and cabinets. Next, in the bathroom, remove soap scum from tiles, clean the toilet, sink, tub, and polish mirrors. Don’t forget commonly missed spots like baseboards, ceiling fans, windowsills, and inside closets.

If you’re short on time or energy, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Keep the receipt as proof of service to show your landlord later.

Fix minor damage

Part of learning how to move out responsibly means addressing small wear and tear that goes beyond normal use. This could be nail holes from picture frames, scuff marks on walls, or broken blinds.

Use spackle to fill small holes and touch up the paint if necessary (check your lease before painting, though). Tighten loose cabinet handles, replace any burnt-out light bulbs, and make sure smoke detectors have working batteries.

These small fixes help ensure everything looks move-in ready for the next occupant.

Document everything

Before you start deep cleaning or making repairs, take photos and videos of your apartment. Walk through every room and document the condition, especially if there was pre-existing damage when you moved in.

This visual record can serve as a useful reference during your transition. Date-stamped photos taken before and after you move out are helpful for your records.

Don’t forget to save any receipts for professional cleanings or repairs you pay for. It shows you took responsible steps to leave the unit in good condition.

Check your lease and move-out guidelines

A big part of mastering how to move out is simply following instructions, and your lease is full of them. Many leases include specific move-out procedures, like:

• How much notice you must give.
• Whether carpets need to be professionally cleaned.
• How and when to return keys, garage remotes, or parking passes.

Some places may even provide a checklist of what’s expected during the move-out process. If so, use it as your step-by-step guide so you have a smooth and organized departure.

Schedule and attend the final walk-through

The final walk-through is your last chance to make sure everything checks out. If possible, be present during the inspection. This way, you can clarify anything and even fix small issues on the spot if needed.

This is the time to return all keys, fobs, remotes, and any other items outlined in your lease. Also, ask for a copy of the walk-through checklist and take additional photos if you’d like to keep a personal record. Being there in person helps wrap up the move-out process with confidence.

Learning how to move out the right way can turn a stressful process into a smooth transition. With some planning, a little elbow grease, and attention to detail, you can leave your apartment in great shape and wrap things up on a positive note. More importantly, it helps ensure you get your entire deposit back into your bank account.

Take these steps seriously, and you’ll avoid last-minute surprises and move forward with ease. You can call it the art of the walk-through or knowing how to move out like a pro.