Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Move Out Checklist
The key to a smooth move isn't doing everything at once, but starting early and spreading tasks out over a few weeks.
This guide breaks down exactly what to do and when, from a month before you leave right through to move out day, so you can stay organised, protect your deposit, and avoid last-minute stress. Whether you're heading home, into new accommodation, or into storage, this timeline will help you move out with confidence!
One Month until Move Out
Think: start planning and reduce last-minute stress!
📦 Admin and logistics
Check your tenancy agreement for:
- Move-out date/time
- Cleaning expectations
- Key return process
🔧 Maintenance and reporting
- Report any damages or issues now - don't leave until the end!
- Take photos/videos for your records
📦 Planning your move
Decide:
- Going home to parents?
- Moving into new accommodation?
- Temporary storage?
Start thinking about:
What you'll take, store, sell, or donate
💬 Flatmate conversations
Discuss who owns what (kettle, toaster, pans, plates)
Start planning:
- What's moving where
- What's going home/getting split/being replaced
Two Weeks until Move Out
Think: start packing, with a little light cleaning
📦 Packing
Pack non-essential items first
- Seasonal clothes
- Books/decor
Label boxes/bags clearly (psst - laundry bags are GREAT for moving!):
- Room and contents
- Destination (home/storage/new house)
🧹 Start cleaning (light tasks)
Begin areas you won't use much:
- Cupboards and drawers
- Windowsills
- Under beds
🏠 New place prep
Confirm what the new property includes and then agree with housemates:
- Who brings what (e.g. kettle, bins, toaster)
- Who will be responsible for bills
- Who will set up the new bills/contracts for utilities
One Week until Move Out
Think: getting serious about moving and cleaning!
📦 Packing intensifies
- Pack most items apart from essentials
- Prepare a 'last week' bag (clothes, toiletries)
🧹 Deep cleaning begins
Break it down to avoid overwhelm:
🍳 Kitchen:
- Empty and clean cupboards
- Defrost fridge/freezer (if applicable)
🛁 Ensuite Bathroom:
- Clean shower, toilet, sink
- If you have a shared bathroom, it's usually worth leaving this until a few days before the move
🛏️ Bedroom:
- Dust surfaces, wipe skirting boards
🍕 Food and supplies
- Stop buying lots of food
- Use up what you have to reduce waste
3/4 Days until Move Out
Think: finalise everything!
🚗 Confirm logistics
- Reconfirm lift/transport times
- Check access times for: Moving out/Moving into next place (if applicable)
📦 Final packing
- Pack everything except daily essentials
- Keep valuables separate
🧹 Cleaning focus areas
- Oven and hob
- Fridge/freezer (fully emptied and cleaned)
- Shared bathroom deep clean (if applicable)
- Bins emptied and cleaned
1/2 Days until Move Out
Think: final checks and finishing touches
🧹 Finish cleaning
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Wipe down all surfaces
- Remove any rubbish
🔍 Final checks
Check all rooms:
- Cupboards, drawers, under furniture
- Take photos/videos of the clean property
🔑 Keys and admin
- Confirm where/how to return keys
- Check any checkout procedures
Move Out Day
Think: is it clean, emptied and documented?
👋 Before leaving
Final walkthrough:
- Nothing left behind
- All windows and doors secure
- Take final photos
🔑 Key return
- Return keys as instructed
- Keep confirmation safe!
Final tips
⌛ Start early - everything takes longer than expected
🧹 Avoid last day deep cleaning
💬 Communicate with housemates early to avoid disputes
📷 Keep evidence (photos/videos)
💰 Use selling/donation apps to reduce waste and make money
✏️ Label everything clearly - especially if splitting destinations (e.g. home vs new place)
Res Life Team
The Residence Life Team create a supportive & engaging living environment for students, ensuring their wellbeing and fostering a sense of community within the campus residences.
