Apartment move-outs come with their fair share of to-dos. Between packing, cleaning, and making sure everything looks perfect for that final inspection, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re wondering how to make it all manageable, you’re in the right place. Follow our step-by-step guide to nail your move-out, keep your landlord happy, and get your security deposit back.

Tips for a Smooth Apartment Move-Out

A little planning and attention to detail can go a long way. Here’s how to make your move easier and leave your apartment spotless, so you’ve got the best shot at getting your deposit back.

1. Start Your Packing Early

Packing always takes longer than you think, so start early—at least a month ahead. Even small spaces can hide a surprising amount of stuff! Begin with spaces and items you rarely use (like extra closets and specialty kitchen appliances), pack room by room, and label boxes to make unpacking easy. The sooner you wrap up the packing phase, the more time you'll have to clean your apartment.

Pro Tip: Have a lot of ground to cover? Check our step-by-step home packing guide for everything you need to take your apartment from cluttered to move-ready!

2. Declutter as You Go

Not everything needs to move with you, and this is especially true for apartment living. Packing is a great opportunity to donate clothes you never wear, recycle old papers, and toss out that random collection of takeout soy sauce packets. Create boxes for "keep," "donate," "sell," or "trash." Be honest about what you really need. The less you have to pack, the easier your move will be and the less cluttered your new space will be!

3. Tackle the Deep Cleaning

If you want your deposit back, cleaning is non-negotiable. Once your belongings are packed, roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here’s how to handle the key areas step by step so nothing gets missed:

Kitchen

Cabinets and Drawers

Start by emptying out all your cabinets and drawers. Grab a damp cloth with some warm, soapy water and wipe down the shelves, walls, and corners. Be sure to clean up any crumbs, spills, or residue you find. And don’t forget to wipe the handles to take care of grime buildup.

Appliances

Refrigerator: Take out all the shelves and drawers and give them a good wash in the sink with some dish soap. Then, wipe down the inside using a baking soda and water mix (or an all-purpose cleaner) to get rid of any odors.
Oven: If there’s built-up grease, try using an oven cleaner or a baking soda and water paste. Let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing it off. And don’t forget to clean the stovetop burners and under the range hood—grease loves to hide there!
Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a couple of minutes to loosen grime, then wipe it clean.
Dishwasher: Run it empty with a cup of cleaning vinegar on the top rack to get rid of any leftover smells or gunk.

Bathroom

Shower and Tub: Grab a scrub brush or sponge and your favorite bathroom cleaner to tackle soap scum and mildew. Don’t forget to focus on those grout lines and corners!
Toilet: Scrub thoroughly inside and out, including the sides and base where dust tends to collect.
Sink and Countertops: Wipe down every surface, paying attention to the faucet. Polish it for extra shine.
Mirror and Glass: Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a simple vinegar solution for a crystal-clear finish.

Living Areas

Baseboards & Corners: Vacuum or dust baseboards first, then wipe them with a damp cloth. Move furniture to reach hidden corners where cobwebs and dust may be hiding.
Walls & Scuffs: Use a magic eraser or a damp cloth with mild soap to tackle scuff marks. For stubborn stains, touch-up paint may be your best option.

Floors

Hard Floors

Give the floors a good sweep and mop, making sure to get under appliances and furniture. If you’ve got wood floors, use a cleaner that’s safe for them.

Carpets

Give the whole carpet a good vacuum, including those tricky edges along the walls. Got stains? Try a carpet cleaner or a spot treatment. For a deeper clean, think about renting a steam cleaner.
If your lease requires professional cleaning (like carpet cleaning), book it after you’ve done your own deep clean to save yourself extra work or costs.

Pro Tip: The simplest way to deal with your move-out clean is to keep things tidy while you’re living in the apartment. Check out our deep cleaning tips to make cleaning manageable.

4. Document the Condition

Before you hand over the keys, take a few minutes to document the apartment’s condition. This will protect you if there’s any debate over damages later.

Note Any Existing Damage: When you moved in, your landlord should’ve given you a chance to document any damage already there. Take a look at your move-in notes and double-check if the damage matches what was there when you first arrived.
Take Photos and Videos: Capture wide shots of each room and close-ups of areas like floors, walls, and appliances. Make sure the images are clear and well-lit.
Ask for a Walkthrough: Ask your landlord or property manager to do a final walkthrough with you. It’s a great way to check the apartment’s condition together and talk through any issues.
Collect Necessary Documents: Before you head out, don’t forget to grab all the important documents—like your lease agreement, info on your security deposit, and contact details for your landlord or property manager. Keep everything in a safe spot where you can easily find it later.
Be Ready to Follow Up: If your security deposit hasn’t arrived within the time frame outlined in your lease, it’s time to follow up with your landlord. Send them a polite email or letter asking for an update on your deposit. Make sure to include any relevant documentation (like photos or your original agreement).

Managing an Apartment Move the Smart Way

If you’re moving out of a smaller space like an apartment (or dorm!), traditional moving trucks might feel like overkill. That’s where Go Mini’s portable storage containers come in handy. Here’s why they work so well for small-scale moves:

Compact but Spacious

Go Mini’s 12-foot container is perfect for studios, dorms, and smaller apartments. If you have a bit more to move, their 16-foot container has you covered. Either way, you’re only paying for the space you actually need—not a massive truck meant for a four-bedroom house. Plus, we do all the driving for you, so you don’t have to worry about handling a big truck on unfamiliar roads.

Fits Easily in Apartment Parking Lots

One of the biggest headaches of moving out of an apartment is figuring out logistics for parking. Go Mini’s containers take up just one parking space and only need 6 inches of clearance, unlike some of the bulkier alternatives. Just check with your complex to see if you need a permit to place it there.

Flexible Storage Solutions

Sometimes, your timeline doesn’t line up perfectly. Maybe your new place isn’t ready yet, or you’re in between leases. With Go Mini’s, you can store your container temporarily and access it when you need it. It’s a stress-free way to bridge the gap without stuffing a friend’s garage with your furniture.

Make Your Apartment Move Simple with Go Mini’s

Moving doesn’t have to be a hassle! With a bit of planning, some elbow grease, and a hand from Go Mini’s, you can make your move smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re leaving a downtown apartment, settling into your dream home, or finishing up college, Go Mini’s portable storage containers are here to make things easier.

Need help with your next move? Go Mini’s has the perfect container for your needs, plus flexible storage options to fit your schedule. Get an instant quote from your local Go Mini's today and start planning your hassle-free move!