The Ultimate Moving-Out Checklist For Students


Mark Barrow

Moving out of your student home can be a daunting task. The end of the academic year is an exciting time, you’ve finished your exams, handed in your last assignment and are looking forward to the freedom of summer. So stressing about your upcoming house move is the last thing you need.

Before you jump into the packing frenzy, let’s create a moving out checklist together. It’s super important to keep track of everything you’ll need to take with you on your exciting new journey.

So, let’s get started!

1. Know when you need to leave your property

As you start getting ready to move out of your student accommodation, the first thing to tackle is figuring out your move-out deadline. Since different accommodation providers have various contract lengths, it’s important to check with your landlord or accommodation provider for the specific date.

If you’re staying with us at Luxury Student Homes, mark your calendar because all our contracts end on the 30th of June.

Once you have that date locked in, it’s time to dive into planning your moving out process. We’re here to help make this transition as smooth as possible, so feel free to reach out if you need any tips or advice along the way. Happy moving!

2. Make a list of all the things you need to take with you

Start your moving out checklist by listing all your personal belongings, like clothes, electronics, and toiletries. Don’t forget about any furniture or appliances that belong to you too. This way, you can avoid any last-minute panic or accidentally leaving something behind (or worse, taking someone else’s things by mistake!).

Here’s a helpful tip: Pack a special box specifically for your important documents, such as your passport and ID. Keep it close to you during the move, so you always know where your essential paperwork is.

By staying organized and making sure everything is accounted for, you’ll have a smoother, stress-free moving experience.

3. Gather moving supplies – boxes, bubble wrap

The next thing you need to do is gather your moving supplies:

• Boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Markers

You can either buy these at the local post office or order them online from Amazon.

4. Arrange for storage of your things if you need to

Sometimes you might not be able to move all your belongings to your new place right away. That’s where storage comes to the rescue!

We’ve got a great suggestion for you: LoveSpace. They specialize in collecting, storing, and delivering your items, and they’re perfect for students like you. The best part? They charge for storage based on each box, so you don’t have to worry about renting an entire unit. Plus, if you’re a Luxury Student Homes resident, you get a £10 discount. Score.

When you’re packing up your stuff for storage, remember to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This simple step will make life so much easier when it’s time to unpack in your new home. No more rummaging through countless boxes to find what you need!

5. Donate or sell unwanted items

As you start packing up, you might come across items that you no longer need or want. Instead of lugging them along to your new place, why not consider giving them a new purpose through donation or selling?

If you have unwanted clothes, non-perishable food items (like unopened tins and packets), kitchen utensils, or homeware (almost anything except duvets, pillows, broken or dirty items, knives, hangers, and underwear), you can donate them to The Liverpool Guild of Students. They have these awesome “free shops” where other students, food banks, and communities in need can benefit from your generosity.

Take a look at the Leave Liverpool Tidy website set up by The Liverpool Guild of Students for more info on things you can donate.

If you live with us, you can leave any unopened and unwanted food in a bag in your home when you leave. We will collect it and donate it to the local food bank in Wavertree. We can take longer-life products that can be stored for those in need (pasta, tinned food, cereals etc) – please do not leave fresh food as it can spoil quickly and not all banks have chiller facilities.

Looking to make some extra cash? Selling your items online is a great idea! Websites like Vinted, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace can help you earn a little extra pocket money.

One important thing to remember is to take everything with you. Most landlords typically donate or dispose of anything left behind after you’ve moved out. So, to ensure you keep full control over your belongings, it’s best to pack up everything you want to keep or donate/sell before you say your final goodbye.

6. Pack your belongings – efficiently

it’s time for a thorough search mission. Check every nook and cranny where you might have stashed your stuff. Our Luxury Student Homes properties have plenty of storage spaces, so don’t forget to give each of them a peek. You never know where you might have left something behind!

When it comes to packing your belongings, efficiency is the name of the game. Maximize the space you have by using smart packing techniques. Opt for smaller boxes for those heavier items, like books, and reserve the larger boxes for lighter stuff, such as clothes. That way, you’ll make the most of every inch.

Fragile items need a little extra TLC. Wrap them up with bubble wrap and packing paper to ensure they stay safe and sound during the move. Dishes, glasses, and anything sharp deserve that extra layer of protection.

Pro tip: Pack a separate box with all the essentials you’ll need on your first day in your new place. Think bedding, toiletries, and a change of clothes. This way, you’ll have everything easily accessible and won’t have to go on a wild search through your boxes for that toothbrush or your comfiest PJs.

Tick your belongings off your moving out checklist, you’re almost there!

7. Clean your house

let’s talk about the all-important task of cleaning your house. Checking your tenancy agreement is key because it spells out exactly what’s expected of you. It’s important to leave the house in the same clean and tidy condition it was in when you first arrived, although at Luxury Student Homes, we take care of professional cleaning and maintenance before the next tenants move in.

Here’s a bonus moving out checklist for cleaning and tidying up:

  • Take the time to remove any unwanted items, rubbish, and old food. Liverpool Council and Liverpool Student Homes usually arrange for skips to be placed in popular student areas during June and July. Keep an eye on their social media for updates on when and where they’ll be available. If you have any bulky items, you can contact Liverpool Council to arrange for their removal.
  • Remove any posters or white tack from the walls.
  • Deep clean mode: Give your bedroom, bathrooms, lounge, and kitchen a thorough cleaning. It’s all in the details, so pay attention to those nooks and crannies. See the tip boxes for helpful cleaning tips.
  • Make sure to empty and clean the fridge, freezer, and all the cupboards. Leave them spotless and ready for the next lucky occupants.
  • Clean all the crockery, plates, pots, and pans. Even if you don’t plan on keeping them, ensure they’re washed and ready for their next home.
  • Get your housemates involved and share the workload. Assign specific tasks to each person, like tackling the bathroom or giving the floors a good vacuum. Everyone pitching in ensures a smoother and fairer move-out experience.

8. Final walkthrough & return your keys

Just a few more things to check off your moving out checklist before you bid farewell to your student accommodation.

First, take a final walkthrough of each room. Double-check those drawers, cupboards, and all those sneaky hiding spots to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. It’s always good to be thorough!

Take note of any damage. Wear and tear naturally occurs over time from simply living in the space. That’s usually not something you’ll be charged for. But if you spot accidental damage, like those pesky burn marks on the carpet, there might be repair or cleaning costs involved. Make a note of who caused it and have a friendly chat with your housemates to decide if you’ll share the cost or if it falls on one person.

Take a final meter reading. It’s a quick and simple step that ensures everything is in order. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the meters too, just to be extra thorough. To ensure you receive an accurate final bill, it’s crucial to provide the suppliers with your contact details. This way, they can easily reach out to you and send the bill directly.

Before you bid adieu, remember to lock all the windows and doors. Safety first, right? And don’t forget to turn off all lights and appliances to conserve energy.

Lastly, it’s time to return those keys to your landlord or accommodation provider. If you and your housemates have all moved out and returned your keys before the tenancy ends, it’s worth giving them a heads-up that you won’t be coming back. Who knows, they might even be able to return your deposit sooner. It’s always nice to have those funds back in your pocket!

You’re at the finish line and your moving out checklist should now be complete, leaving you ready for the next adventure.

Keep up the great work, and if you have any last-minute questions or need any more advice, we’re here to support you. Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free move-out process!