Moving Out Checklist
At a Glance
Moving out involves much more than packing your belongings. Taking a few simple steps before handing back the keys can help ensure a smooth end to your tenancy and reduce the risk of disputes over your deposit.
This guide walks you through everything you should do before leaving, from giving notice and taking final meter readings to cleaning the property and returning your keys.
Before You Start
- Given the correct notice to your landlord.
- Confirmed your moving-out date.
- Read your tenancy agreement.
- Checked your inventory or check-in report.
- Arranged a final inspection, if applicable.
Four Weeks Before Moving
As your moving date approaches, start preparing the property.
Begin Packing
Start boxing up items you don’t use every day and label boxes clearly.
Compare the Property to the Inventory
Read through your original inventory and check-in report.
Look for:
- Missing items
- Damage
- Areas that may need cleaning
- Furniture that needs returning to its original position
Report Any Outstanding Repairs
If something has broken during your tenancy, tell your landlord before moving out.
Being honest early often leads to a smoother check-out process.
Book Your Removals
Arrange your removals company or ask friends and family for help well in advance.
One Week Before Moving
The final week is when most of the important jobs should be completed.
Deep Clean the Property
Clean:
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Appliances
- Windows (where accessible)
- Floors
- Carpets (if necessary)
- Cupboards
- Skirting boards
Remember, you’re expected to return the property in a similar state of cleanliness to when your tenancy began, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Remove All Personal Belongings
Don’t forget:
- Loft spaces
- Sheds
- Garages
- Gardens
- Cupboards
- Fridge and freezer
Redirect Your Post
Update your address with:
- Your bank
- Employer
- GP
- DVLA
- HMRC
- Insurance providers
- Mobile phone provider
You may also wish to arrange a Royal Mail Redirection service.
Confirm Your Check-Out Appointment
If your landlord or letting agent is carrying out a check-out inspection, confirm the date and time.
On Moving Day
Before locking the door for the final time, make sure you:
Take Final Meter Readings
Photograph:
- Electricity meter
- Gas meter
- Water meter (if applicable)
Send the readings to your utility suppliers.
Photograph Every Room
Take dated photographs showing:
- Walls
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Kitchen
- Bathrooms
- Garden
- Furniture (if furnished)
These photographs can be valuable evidence if there’s a later dispute about your deposit.
Check Every Cupboard
It’s surprisingly easy to leave something behind.
Check:
- Kitchen cupboards
- Wardrobes
- Loft
- Shed
- Garage
- Under sinks
Return All Keys
Return every key you’ve been given, including:
- Front door keys
- Back door keys
- Window keys
- Garage keys
- Fobs
- Parking permits (if applicable)
Ask for written confirmation that the keys have been received.
After You've Left
Once you’ve moved out, there are still a few things to keep an eye on.
Keep Your Documents
Don’t throw away:
- Tenancy agreement
- Inventory
- Deposit protection information
- Emails
- Check-out report
- Photographs
Keep them until your tenancy deposit has been returned.
Monitor Your Deposit Return
Your landlord should contact you regarding your tenancy deposit after the tenancy ends.
If deductions are proposed:
- Ask for a breakdown.
- Request supporting evidence.
- Compare it against your inventory and photographs.
If you don’t agree, you may be able to use your tenancy deposit scheme’s free dispute resolution service.
Your Moving Out Checklist
- Give the correct notice
- Read your inventory
- Pack all belongings
- Deep clean the property
- Remove rubbish
- Empty cupboards and appliances
- Redirect your post
- Take final meter readings
- Photograph every room
- Return every key
- Keep copies of all documents
- Leave a forwarding address
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to professionally clean the property?
Not necessarily.
You should usually return the property in a similar state of cleanliness to when you moved in, unless your tenancy agreement contains a lawful requirement or you’ve genuinely left it in a worse condition. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot require tenants to pay for a professional clean simply because it’s written into the tenancy agreement. They can, however, seek the reasonable cost of cleaning if the property is left dirtier than it was at the start of the tenancy.
Should I attend the check-out inspection?
If possible, yes.
Being present allows you to discuss any concerns immediately and ask questions if damage or cleaning issues are identified.
What happens if I accidentally leave something behind?
Contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
They may allow you to collect your belongings, although they aren’t always obliged to store them indefinitely.
Should I keep photographs after moving out?
Absolutely.
Keep them until your tenancy deposit has been returned and any disputes have been resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Plan your move well in advance.
- Compare the property against your original inventory.
- Clean the property thoroughly and remove all belongings.
- Take dated photographs before leaving.
- Record your final meter readings.
- Return all keys and obtain proof of return.
- Keep all tenancy documents until your deposit has been returned.
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