The Stress-Free University Moving-Out Checklist for Students

Moving out of your student accommodation? Here’s our handy student moving out checklist to help you pack all of your belongings ready for summer. So you’ve finished your exams, the sun is shining, and all you want to do is get back home to spend the summer with your family and friends.

Packing up your room, house, and all of the random possessions you have acquired over the year is probably the last thing on your mind. But it has to be done, unless you want to return in September to find a first year wearing your clothes and playing your PlayStation. So, let’s dive into our university moving-out checklist.

1. Timeline and planning

Start early

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is leaving everything until the last minute. Begin planning 2 to 4 weeks before your move-out day. This gives you ample time to handle all the small details and ensures you’re not rushing through the process. This university moving out checklist will help you to stay on top of things. 

Create a moving timeline

The first thing on the student moving out checklist is creating a timeline. This can help you stay organised and on track. Write down key dates like:

• Exam dates (to know when you can focus on packing)
• Move-out day (or specific lease end dates)
• Return dates for any borrowed items (like textbooks or university materials).

It’s also a good idea to schedule days for packing, cleaning, and last-minute errands. With your timeline in place, you’ll know exactly what to do and when.

Notify the right people

Don’t forget to notify your landlord or housing office about your move-out date. They may have specific instructions for cleaning, security deposits, and key returns. Also, update your address with important places like:

• Your bank
• Subscription services (Amazon, magazines, etc.)
• Your university (for official mail)

2. Student moving out checklist: packing essentials

Packing is much easier when you have the right tools. Here’s a list of essentials:

• Boxes (both big and small, for different items)
• Tape and markers for sealing and labelling
• Trash bags for quick packing of clothes or things you want to throw away
• Bubble wrap or old newspapers for fragile items
• Suitcases and reusable bags for heavier items

Packing tips

Start by sorting through your belongings. Separate them into categories like:

• Clothes
• Books and school supplies
• Electronics and valuables
• Kitchen items
• Bathroom products

Most importantly, label everything. You don’t want to end up scrambling through a pile of boxes to find your phone charger! If you can, try to use up pantry and bathroom items in the weeks leading up to your move. It’s an easy way to avoid packing extra things.

3. Cleaning and damage control

Next on the student moving out checklist is cleaning. Most leases require that you return your space clean, so be prepared to give your room a deep clean. Here’s a simple checklist:

• Dust all surfaces (desks, shelves, etc.)
• Clean the floors (vacuum and mop)
• Wipe down windows, mirrors, and any glass surfaces
• Clean the kitchen: wipe down appliances, clean the fridge, and disinfect countertops
• Bathroom: scrub the toilet, shower, sink, and clean any mirrors or glass doors.

Make sure to clean every corner, landlords or housing offices will check and can deduct cleaning fees if the place is not left in good condition.

Avoiding extra charges

Before you start cleaning, take photos of the room to document its condition. This can be helpful if there are disputes about cleaning fees or damage later. Also, check your lease for specific requirements on damage repairs and make sure you fill any nail holes, clean appliances thoroughly, and wipe down walls if needed.

4. Moving day tips

Plan ahead for transportation. If you don’t have a car, consider renting a moving van, using a ride-sharing service, or asking a friend with a vehicle to help. This will save you time and hassle on what can be a stressful day. 

Keep a “Moving day kit”

On the big day, it’s easy to forget little essentials, so pack a “moving day kit” with things like:

• Snacks and water to keep you energised
• A phone charger for quick access to your contacts
• Important documents like ID, keys, and lease agreements
• Cleaning supplies (like wipes) for last-minute touch-ups.

Before leaving, make sure to do a final walkthrough of your space. Double-check closets and drawers for any forgotten items, under the bed or behind furniture and any last bits of rubbish or leftover food.

Finally, make sure all windows are locked and the door is securely shut. Don’t forget to return your keys to the landlord or housing office!

5. Post-move to-dos

• Return items: If you borrowed anything (like library books or shared items from friends), make sure to return them. You don’t want to be stuck with overdue fines or missing items after you’ve moved.

• Check deposit refund timeline: Your landlord may return your security deposit within a specific timeline (usually 30 days). Keep in touch with them and ask when you can expect the refund. If there are any delays or issues, don’t hesitate to follow up.

• Reflect and celebrate: You’ve made it through the stressful moving process! Take a moment to reflect on your time at university and all you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re heading home or moving into a new place, it’s a significant life transition.

Student moving out checklist: packing tips:

• Buy some bubble wrap and good-quality, sturdy boxes
• Protect anything that is fragile with bubble wrap
• Heavier items should be packed into smaller boxes where possible, so that they are easier to carry
• Dishes and glasses (that aren’t still dirty) should be wrapped in bubble wrap or tissue paper
• Remember to mark boxes with ‘fragile’ where necessary
• Put expensive items such as laptops and phones in their cases and then into your main piece of luggage so that they don’t get lost
• Organise your clothes into piles to save your mum having to do it when you get home!

So now you’ve packed and you’re saying goodbye to your house for the summer, it suddenly dawns on you that you have a lot of boxes to take home with you. They’re not going to fit on the train, and they probably won’t even fit in Dad’s car, and even if they did, there’s no space at home for them to live for three months!This is where we come in; using Currie Easy Self Storage is hassle-free.

We can help you find a unit that’s the right size for all your things. We offer moving house storage at competitive rates for students, and you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe and secure. So all you need to worry about over the summer is not losing the key to your unit! Don’t let moving be stressful. Follow our university moving out checklist for a stress-free moving experience. Contact our team today for a free quote.