Whether it is the first time you’re moving out of a private rental property or you’re a seasoned mover, the process of packing and leaving one property for another is often stressful and overwhelming. With so much to do, think about and check, the key is to have a tried and tested list which you can refer to at each stage of the process.
When just knowing where to start seems like an insurmountable problem, online estate agents I Am The Agent have the answer in the form of a moving out guide for tenants guaranteed to make the day run a whole lot smoother.
Organize the Packing
We know it sounds boring but in order to be organised on the day, you’ll need to start planning well in advance. Boxes should be clearly labelled with their contents from the minute you start packing. It’s also a good idea to add the room they are moving from or going to. Doing this will make it a lot easier to unpack and get quickly settled in your new place. Where possible, stack all boxes from a particular room together so they can be loaded systematically into the removal van. This will make the process of unloading quicker and more efficient.
Labels
Don’t assume the removal men will automatically know where to put everything. Clearly label any furniture that is to stay in the house or apartment. Even a simple post-it note will do the trick. Be certain to have on hand a printed inventory of what is going with you and what is to be left behind. Also include on this the room, which certain items of furniture are going to and give a copy to the removal men Not only will this help you when it comes to placing furniture in its final resting place but will clear up any possible misunderstandings and keep communication clear on the day.
Establish a Method
There has to be method in the madness and the removal men are not there to organize your life for you. Instead, ensure that there is a systematic loading and unloading of the removal van. Start by suggesting they load the removal van with items that will be going to the rooms upstairs first, then the back rooms on the ground floor and so on. Following such a system will mean easier pathways through the new house so no one is falling over or walking in to furniture with arms full of boxes for other rooms. This will also assist you in the job of unpacking as all heavy furniture pieces and boxes will already be in the right rooms.
Be careful to leave all the essentials items such as cleaning items, candles (in case there are teething problems with the electrics), sheets, medicines, pet food, overnight clothes and bathroom essentials until last. You do not want these getting mixed up in the medley of boxes so you have to rummage through one after another to find the essentials last thing at night!
Household Checklist
We know that you’ll be excited when moving day finally arrives! But to avoid stress later on, have a checklist to work from on the day of the move so you don’t forget anything. Including tasks that need to be completed prior to the removal men arriving or once they have finished. There is much more to a house move than the loading and unloading of your furniture and personal items.
Ensure that meter readings have been written down and signed off so you won’t be charged for the next tenant’s usage.
Check that all facilities are in proper working order such as taps, lights, telephone and any other electrical items such as kitchen appliances, TV and satellite systems that may have been included for your use. Garage doors and/or electrical gates to parking areas also need to be checked out. Keep a written note of any damage or missing items on the inventory taken when you moved in to avoid uncertainty when it comes to paying for replacements or repairs out of your original deposit.
Make sure that the property surfaces, bathrooms, fridge and oven are clean when you leave the property. If they are not as clean as when you moved into the property the Landlord might charge you for professional cleaning costs which he may deduct from the deposit. Don’t have time to get out the mop, hoover and sprays? Enlist a friend to help in return for a pizza at the end of the day or check local paper listings for cost-effective cleaning services!
Remember to switch off lights and leave keys, remote controls and anything else you need to hand over in a designated place or with either the letting agent or Landlord.
If you’re moving out of a place but are still looking to rent a private property as your next home, search thousands of listings on our website. You can also find a complete guide to moving in day on our blog.