Moving will always be a bit stressful, but this comprehensive moving checklist for renters is designed to make the process as seamless as possible. Find out exactly what moving tasks you need to complete as a renter at every incremental step. Starting at six to eight weeks and leading up to moving day, this checklist covers everything you need to think about.
Moving is stressful, and moving as a renter has its own unique set of challenges and stressors. Packing and physically moving your belongings is tiring, and adding the stress of lease agreements and new rentals can make the move even more taxing. Thankfully, pre-planning can make it more manageable. The helpful tips in this ultimate moving checklist for renters are key to making your next move as stress-free as possible.
Moving Checklist for Renters Timeline:
A simple moving checklist for renters is helpful, but knowing when to complete each task is key. While your timeline can change based on your specific needs and your state’s landlord-tenant laws regarding lease agreements, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure you’re on the right track when it comes to timing your move and moving tasks.
Renter Moving Checklist for Six to Eight Weeks Out:
Complete these tasks 6-8 weeks before moving. Your timeline may need to be adjusted to appropriately accommodate your rental search if you live in a hot rental market or your lease agreement notice requirements.
Review Your Lease:
Now is the time to complete your essential paperwork and planning. Your lease is also vital to review. It will detail whether you must commit to renew, or if your lease auto-renews or transforms into a new agreement. In many cases, the end of your lease term begins a month-to-month agreement; in some situations, your lease may auto-renew if you have not given notice to vacate at the lease term. If you have your next rental property lined up, it’s time to give notice to your landlord.
For fixed-term and month-to-month agreements alike, your lease will specify the required notice timeline (generally 30 or 60 days). Be sure to give your notice via certified mail with a return receipt to document that it was received.
Research and Budget Your Move:
If you plan to use a moving company or moving trucks, now is the time to book movers, rental trucks, or moving pods. Get quotes from respective companies and create a moving budget that includes your next rental’s security deposit. Keep in mind that you may be able to use your returned security deposit to help offset some of these expenses.
Learn more: When Can a Landlord Deduct From My Security Deposit?
Moving Budget Considerations:
- Security deposit for your new rental
- First/last month’s rent
- Utility setup fees
- Pet deposits (if applicable)
Begin Decluttering and Cleaning:
To get your security deposit back and make your moving process as stress-free as possible, begin downsizing your clutter to make room for future deep cleaning and packing. Donate, sell, or recycle any items you don’t want to bring with you to your new home.
Learn more: How to Downsize and Declutter for a Move
Renter Moving Checklist for Three to Four Weeks Out:
Complete these tasks 3-4 weeks before moving. Some tasks can be completed earlier if time allows. This is always helpful and can give you a buffer in case of an unexpected obstacle or delay.
Gather Moving Supplies:
Moving supplies are a vital part of the moving process, and gathering them early—and gathering extra—means you won’t be scrambling on moving day to get last-minute packing tape or forgotten supplies.
Renter Moving Supply List:
- Sturdy boxes (medium sizes preferred for easy carrying)
- Packing tape + dispenser
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Sharpie markers for labeling
- Furniture blankets or pads
- Box cutter or scissors
- Masking tape for removable labeling
- Ziploc bags for dismantled furniture hardware or electronic cords (abel them)
- Trash bags
- Deep cleaning supplies
- First-night essentials suitcase
- Moving binder for essential paperwork (keep this with you in case movers lose any items)
Schedule Your Walkthrough and Notify Address Changes:
Schedule your final walkthrough with your property manager or landlord if applicable, and notify your landlord of your forwarding address. Now is also a good time to set up mail forwarding services and schedule a move-out cleaning service if you don’t plan to DIY the job. Check with your landlord or property manager before scheduling a cleaning service to ensure they don’t work with a company at a discounted rate.
Final Two Weeks Renter Moving Checklist:
Finish packing all items except daily items. Consider packing all clothes except those you will need in the final week.
- Final Packing: Keep all essential day-use items in a small suitcase for easy transportation on moving day. Pack all important documents in your moving binder or a special box for moving day—it’s essential to keep this box and you overnight bag with you. If your moving truck gets lost or delayed, you don’t want to be without these key items.
- Store or Move Boxes: Remove any boxes and furniture you can from the rental. If you don’t have access to a rental vehicle, storage pod, or storage unit until moving day, consolidate your items to one area so the rest of the rental can be cleaned.
- Begin the deep cleaning process and take move-out photos for your records. Now is the time to take care of any paint touch-ups, carpet cleaning, or other extensive cleaning items on your to-do list.
Moving Day Renter Checklist:
When moving day finally arrives, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for all that you’ve accomplished so far. You’re in the home stretch, and there are a few key items you’ll need to tackle.
- Final Walkthrough: Do a final walkthrough on your own to assess any missed areas or belongings. Take care of any final touch-ups or cleaning tasks that were missed. Do a final wipe down of all surfaces after everything has been removed from the rental.
- Deliver Keys: Return all relevant keys, remotes, and fobs as directed by your landlord or property manager.
- Confirmation Documentation: Check in with your landlord or manager to confirm that the unit has been vacated. Take final photos of the unit as you left it for your documentation.
Final Thoughts:
Moving can be an arduous process, and there’s no doubt that it can come with its share of stressors and challenges, but having a great landlord-tenant relationship and going into the moving process prepared makes all the difference.
Related Reading for You:
- Renter Tips for Getting Involved in Your Residential Community
- Tips for Moving in with Your Significant Other
- 8 Ways to Make Moving Easier for Kids: Infographic