The invitations have been ordered, family notified and a celebration dinner reserved at one of the best restaurants downtown. Graduation season is upon us, and while most students have their thoughts focused on life after they walk across the stage, it’s important to not neglect that one last task before you leave: moving out.
No one likes to clean, especially not when you’re worried about getting everything together for your new job, but in this case it’s a necessary evil if you ever want to see your deposit check back and not rack up fees from the landlord for any damages.
Here’s a checklist of things you should do before you turn in your key.
Before you get started
• Check landlord/tenant laws in your city to save time and effort figuring out what you must do before moving out.
• Pull out your pictures from move-in day. You did take pictures when you moved in, right? Have photo evidence of how the space looked when you moved in to avoid the blame for any damage when it’s your turn to move out.
Everywhere
• Remove any nails or screws from the walls. If a gaping hole is left in its place, smooth over it with putty and paint it if necessary.
• Dust window fixtures, ledges and baseboards.
• Clean the door knobs and doors. A homemade multi-purpose cleaner made of baking soda, liquid soap and hot water should do the trick.
• Vacuum floors and remove any stains on carpet. For tough stains, professional-grade carpet steamers are available to rent from home repair stores.
Bathrooms
• Clean out the bathroom drawers and vanity, making sure to remove any hair, debris and drawer liners.
• Clean the toilet, sink, tub, any countertops and finally the floor.
• Scrub any soap scum off the tiles and bleach the grout if needed.
Kitchens
• Wipe down the oven, refrigerator and countertops to remove any grease, grime or debris. For tough oven debris, steel wool can be your best friend.
• Run a cup of white vinegar through a dishwasher cycle to loosen any buildup and remove odors.
• Wash the front of drawers and cabinets with the multi-purpose cleaner solution.
Miscellaneous
• Contact the post office to have mail forwarded to your new address.
• Cancel any utilities or have them transferred over to the new tenants.
• Get started on your next apartment hunt with the help of an apartment finder or real estate site.
