Getting Ready to Move Out of Your Rental

In our last post, we talked about moving at a moment’s notice and how a self-storage unit can help you stay organized while relocating. At EZ Storage® in Pittsburgh, we can help you find the ideal storage space whenever you need one, whether that’s when you’re moving, getting settled in, or just trying to keep the house neat and tidy.

If you are getting ready to move in the near future, meaning you have some time to plan, then there are a few things you should do before moving day arrives. In this post, we’ll look at a few of those things, and if you need to rent storage for any period of time, you can find the right unit at one of our three metro-area locations.

1. Review Your Lease

For those who are currently renting a house or an apartment, it’s imperative that you review your lease before you move out. You’ll need to know the details surrounding how and when you can move out, such as how much notice you need to give to your landlord or property management company.

You’ll also want to review any fees or deposits you have paid, such as a security deposit or pet deposit. In most cases, a deposit will be refunded to you after you’ve moved out, as long as you’ve fulfilled the requirements of your lease. Any fees will likely not be refundable, and it’s good to ask your landlord about these items. The last thing you want is to assume that you’re going to be getting some money back, when that turns out not to be the case.

2. Clean and Organize

In order to get your security deposit back, you’re going to have to make sure that the house or apartment is clean, organized, and in as good of a condition as it was when you moved in. You’re going to be packing for your move anyway, so as you take things out the closets, kitchen drawers, and more, take time to clean everything thoroughly. You may also need to patch the walls wherever you’ve hung pictures or posters, and perhaps even paint once the spackle is dry.

As you’re cleaning and organizing, it can be a great time to decide what you can put into storage. Perhaps there’s a box or two of personal mementos in the back of the closet that’s simply taking up space, and instead of moving it into the back of the closet in your new place, you can store it and keep it safe elsewhere.

3. Schedule a Walkthrough

You’ve hopefully already talked to or emailed your landlord about your security deposit and other things, but it can also be beneficial to schedule a walkthrough with them to go over any small details, such as what you’re responsible for in terms of cleaning once everything is moved out of the rental property. You may have completed a checklist with your landlord when you moved in, and you and they can review that checklist, making sure there’s no damage or anything outside of the normal wear and tear. You can also take images or video with your phone before you move out, so in case anything comes up, you can show what the rental looked like before you left.

4. Find Affordable Storage

If you’re interested in renting a self-storage unit, it can be a good idea to find an affordable space before you move out. You don’t want to have to search for one on moving day, and once you get everything to your new place, you likely don’t want to move it again to a storage unit. By renting a space a few days or a week before your move, you can drop things off on the way to your new house or apartment, or even bring boxes and tubs to store before your official move. This will leave you with less to transport on moving day, giving you more time to settle in and start unpacking.

At EZ Storage®, we’re always happy to help you find the right storage spot. Visit one of our Pittsburgh locations today and let us know how we can keep your belongings safe and sound.