Your Moving Out Checklist

By Lev Novak

* Have you cleared up your debts, in either direction, with your roommate(s)?

*Are you matched up properly on rent, utilities, and the rest?

* Have you cleaned the apartment enough that any subletter who takes it won’t be angry at you, and/or you won’t be embarrassed?

*Speaking of that: have you cleared the plan with the subletter and the roommate? Do they know each other? Have they exchanged contact information?

*Does your roommate still have your contact information, should he need it?

*Did you budget money for “life happens” problems, like a cleaning fee being subtracted from your security deposit?

*Did you remember your security deposit? Or that you paid first/last, so you should’ve already paid for the last month of rent already?

*Do you have your landlords information if you need it, even if you just need it to fill out your application for the next apartment you sign for?

*Did you leave a little gift for your roommate to patch up any misunderstandings about who used who’s towels?

*Right, towels- did you remember your towels?

*Toiletries?

*Did you look under your bed and in the closet even though nothing would be there? Because at the very least, you kicked some socks there by accident. Don’t lose those.

*Are there small objects with sentimental value that you might forget to pack? Get those all in one place now and get them ready to go.

*If you have a subletter, leave them a scratch ticket on their pillow. It’s the nicest $2 you could spend, and that’ll help them forgive anything you screwed up accidentally in the future.

*Maybe a six-pack, too. It depends how much leeway you want to afford yourself in advance.

*Clean out the fridge. It’s the noble thing to do.

*Same with taking out the trash.

*Same with stocking the bathroom with toiletries.

*They can deal with the burnt out lightbulbs, though. You “didn’t notice.”

*Have you hit up your favorite spots in the area yet? Gotten one last beer or snack or whatever that you’ve always enjoyed?

*Have you made one last pass at the person or people you’d like to make out with now? Well, don’t. Because you’ll be back visiting, and it’s good to have friends in the area. Patience is a virtue. Don’t force things just because you’re leaving.

*But you can and should make a reference to “yeah, it’s my last weekend” said casually, but not too casually over a drink. If they’re interested, you’re ringing the bell. If they aren’t, it’s a very normal sentence. No risk.

*Balance the excitement of your new place with the quiet appreciation for your old one.

*Make sure you pack your towels. Everyone forgets towels.

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