RE/MAX Advantage
Suite 116, 150 Chippewa Road, Sherwood Park, Alberta
P: 780.464.4100
F: 780.467.2897
Moving on Out Etiquette
Whether you are a homeowner who has sold the home and is getting ready to move or are a renter who is heading for a new place, there are some basic rules of etiquette when it comes to moving out.
While these rules may seem annoying or even excessive, remember that following guidelines and acting in a respectable manner may help make the moving process easier and might even help you get your security deposit back (if you are a renter).
Giving Notice
When you are getting ready to move, several people need to know when the house or apartment will be vacated. If you are a homeowner who has sold the house and is moving, the house should be vacant by the official date of closing. Ask your real estate agent for the specific date when you must be fully moved out of the home so that you are prepared well in advance.
Generally, most renters must give at least a 30-day notice before moving out, although some property owners or apartment management offices require up to 60 days notice. Read your rental agreement carefully to determine the required notification and submit your intention to leave in writing to the rental management within the specified time limit.
Cleaning Up
Let us face it, no one enjoys cleaning and the type of cleaning required when you are moving out often seems extensive. This is because everything that you own must be removed from the apartment or home and then the place needs a thorough cleaning from top to bottom.
Start removing all the boxes and furniture from the home. After all the boxes and furniture are gone, you can go around and pick up and discard any remaining flotsam and jetsam, such as stray pens and pencils, trash, or other small items that were overlooked during the packing period.
Go through and examine all walls, doors, windows and floors for damage and repair as necessary. If you are renting and the damage was there before you moved in but you did not make a note of the damage for the apartment management at the time, guess what? They will blame you for the damage and charge you accordingly. It is usually easier and cheaper to go ahead and repair the issue yourself.
Then clean out the refrigerator and wipe down all the sides, walls, bins and compartments, throwing away anything you are not taking with you. No one wants your old food or spilled juice left behind in the refrigerator.
Clean the other appliances, such as the exterior and interior of the stove, toilets, showers, bathtubs and sinks.
Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove excess dirt or debris, clean the countertops, and then sweep the floor thoroughly and mop. Do not forget to vacuum the carpets.
Check for any missing or burnt out light bulbs and replace as necessary and then do a walk through and make sure you have not missed anything.
Another option if you do not want to do the cleaning yourself is to hire a cleaning service to do the work for you.
Essentially, when you move out, treat the place the way you would want others to treat it for you before you move in.
Friday, May 18, 2012 - Moving Etiquette
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - New Listing - E3300093
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - How to Find a Good Moving Company
Wednesday, May 2, 2012 - Just Sold - E3291142
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - 10 Tips for Painless Packing
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