If you’re gearing up for a move this summer, you’re probably currently assessing the state of your present apartment or rental. However, after this initial scan, it can be easy to forget to clean or make the cosmetic improvements that you’ll need to leave your current home as you found it. Cleaning should always be a priority during a move, but this is especially important when it comes to clearing out a rental unit or apartment. This is not only the courteous thing to do but will also ensure that you get your full deposit back from your landlord.

Before packing up your things, do a walkthrough or a tour of your current home to take in what needs cleaning, spackling, or touch-up. This will also give you plenty of time to go get spackling or some new paint to cover up any holes or wall damage from pictures or frames that have occurred during your time there. Getting your deposit back often goes beyond just some light spackling, however. Read below for a complete list of things to look out for when assessing how to get your apartment’s full deposit back.

Apartment Improvements to Make Before a Move

No one necessarily wants to go through all of this before a move, but it is necessary to make sure that you’ve done your due diligence to leave your place in good condition and get your deposit back.

1. On Your Walls:

• Take out all nails, push pins, etc. from your walls, and patch holes.

Make sure to also take down all decoration and spackle over any damage.

• Repaint or touch up chipped paint.

This goes beyond just your walls but mostly applies to these surfaces. Go through the house and look for stray marks or stains on your walls and touch up or clean as needed.

2. General Cleaning:

• Wipe down baseboards and all doors.

Check out often-forgotten surfaces like doors and baseboards to wipe them down and free them from dirt or dust.

• Dust lights and high surfaces.

A lot of higher areas like lights or fans can easily accumulate tons of dust or debris just due to their location. Make sure to wipe down all fixtures.

• Clean windows and mirrors.

Use a glass cleaner to get rid of any dirt or stains.

• Deep clean all sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets.

Grime and muck should be deep cleaned from highly used fixtures like toilets, showers, and sinks. Even if you don’t notice it at first glance, your landlord probably will.

• Deep clean all appliances.

Leave those kitchen appliances looking good as new!

• Sweep, vacuum, and mop all floors.

This can be a beforehand or a day-of-move thing, but clear your floors and vacuum them thoroughly.

• Make sure all trash is taken out.

Having trash laying around is an automatic hit for your deposit. Don’t forget to take everything out before you leave.

• Double-check all cabinets, closets, and dishwashers to make sure everything is cleaned out and wipe them down.

It can be easy to accidentally leave behind items obscured in random closets, cabinets, or in the dishwasher. Go through these hidden areas and these things aren’t left behind! It can end up being a hit to your deposit if your landlord has to be the one to get rid of them.

If you’re looking to make a move this summer, take on your relocation the right way with Morse Moving & Storage. We’ve got the best moving service and best rates to ensure your complete satisfaction.