Your moving boxes are packed and you’re ready to move out of your apartment and into a new place! The last thing you want to do is clean a place you will never live in again. Remember the security deposit you put down when you signed your lease? Did you know that how well you clean your old space can actually play a big part in how much money you get back from your security deposit? Follow my tips below for ways to help you get your apartment deposit back in your pocket.
Talk with the Office/Landlord
You’ve made the decision to move out; now you have to tell your apartment office or landlord. This is the best way to know what they are looking for from you during the moving-out process. You can even have them provide you with a cleaning checklist so that you know exactly what you’ll have to do.
Leave your place cleaner than it was when you moved in
When you first walked into your new apartment, the floors were mopped and vacuumed, the windows and mirrors we clean and there was no dust in sight. That’s how it should be when you leave. When you close that door for the final time, it should look move-in ready for the next occupant. Scrub your apartment from top to bottom, from the ceiling fans to the baseboards. Don’t forget to clean the appliances and all surfaces throughout the apartment as well. Use a Rug Doctor® from your local U-Haul store to ensure that those carpets look as good as new!
Fix what needs fixing
Did one of your blinds break last year and you never replaced it? Or maybe you never replaced that light bulb in the closet. Now is the time to finish those basic home repairs you kept putting off. It may seem weird to fix something as you’re packing your bags to leave, but it may make a huge difference in the amount of money you’ll get back from your deposit.
Don’t forget the walls
It’s time to store your pictures and art that once hung on your walls. All of those come down…leaving behind nail holes and even peeling paint. The best way to fix your walls is to use spackle and some touch-up paint. Ask your apartment office if they have some paint or can recommend where to purchase enough for a touch-up.
What did you do to ensure that you got your apartment deposit back? Let us know in the comments section below!
