In Greater Boston, moving out often happens on a tight timeline. The outgoing tenant may need to be gone by noon on September 1, and the incoming tenant may be waiting on the sidewalk with a truck. In that rush, it is easy to leave behind half-empty cabinets, a full fridge or a pile of trash by the door. A thoughtful move-out takes a bit of planning, but it pays off: you are more likely to get your security deposit back, the next tenant walks into a clean space, and the street avoids yet another curbside mess.
Two Weeks Before: Plan and Notify
- Confirm your move-out date and time with your landlord or property manager, along with key return instructions.
- Schedule utility changes. Arrange for electricity, gas and internet to stop or transfer on the right date.
- Forward your mail through the postal service’s change-of-address process.
- Update your address with banks, employers, schools and other important accounts.
- Review your lease for any move-out requirements, such as professional carpet cleaning or returning parking passes.
- Find your move-in records, including any condition report or photos you took when you arrived.
Know Your Security Deposit Basics
Massachusetts has specific rules for how landlords hold and return security deposits, including timelines and the requirement to itemize any deductions. The state Attorney General’s office publishes plain-language guides for tenants and landlords. Reading one before you move can help you understand what to expect. If questions arise about deductions, those guides and local tenant resources are good places to start.
One Week Before: Rehome and Use Up
- Eat down the pantry and freezer. Plan simple meals to use what you have.
- Offer unopened, unexpired food to neighbors or call a nearby food pantry to ask what they accept.
- Rehome furniture and household items through neighbors, reuse groups and donation centers.
- Schedule bulk item pickups, including mattress recycling, following your city’s rules. Many cities use 311 for scheduling.
- Collect hazardous items such as paint, cleaning chemicals and certain batteries for a household hazardous waste collection day.
The Deep Clean
A clean apartment is the most important thing you can leave behind. Work room by room from top to bottom.
Kitchen
- Empty, defrost if needed and wipe out the refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean the stovetop, oven, burner drip pans and range hood.
- Wipe cabinets and drawers inside and out.
- Clean the sink and faucet, and run the garbage disposal if there is one.
- Sweep and mop floors, including under the fridge and stove if they move safely.
Bathroom
- Scrub the toilet, tub, shower and sink.
- Clean mirrors and medicine cabinets.
- Remove hair from drains.
- Wipe exhaust fans and light fixtures.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- Empty closets and remove hangers you are not leaving intentionally.
- Patch small nail holes if your lease allows, or ask your landlord how they prefer it handled.
- Wipe baseboards, light switches, windowsills and doors.
- Vacuum or sweep and mop all floors.
Document Everything
Before you leave, take clear photos or video of every room, including inside appliances, closets and cabinets. Make sure the date is recorded. This documentation helps if questions come up later about the apartment’s condition. Keep your photos with your move-in records.
Leave Helpful Notes for the Next Tenant
A short, friendly note can make a big difference for the person moving in, especially if they are new to the city.
- Trash and recycling days and where bins are kept
- Street cleaning schedule
- How the heat or thermostat works
- Where the circuit breaker and water shutoff are located, if you know
- Any quirks, such as a sticky window or a door that needs a firm push
- Nearby essentials like the library, grocery store and transit stop
Sample note: “Welcome! Trash goes out Wednesday night, recycling every other week. The back window sticks a little, so lift and push. The library around the corner is great. Hope you love it here.”
Check with your landlord before leaving notes, and do not leave personal information.
Moving Day: Final Walkthrough
- Check every closet, cabinet and drawer one last time.
- Make sure windows are closed and locked, and lights and appliances are off.
- Turn the thermostat to a reasonable setting.
- Take out the last trash and recycling following your street’s rules.
- Return all keys, fobs and parking passes as instructed, and get a receipt or written confirmation if possible.
- Provide your forwarding address to your landlord in writing for the return of your deposit.
Be Kind to the Street
Do not leave piles of trash or furniture blocking sidewalks. Follow bulk item rules, keep ramps and crosswalks clear and put items out close to collection time. A considerate move-out helps the whole block through one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Move-Out Checklist
- Move-out date, time and key return confirmed
- Utilities scheduled and mail forwarded
- Food used up or shared, items rehomed
- Bulk and hazardous items handled properly
- Deep clean completed room by room
- Dated photos taken of every room
- Helpful note left for the next tenant, with landlord’s okay
- Keys returned and forwarding address provided in writing
Leaving an apartment better than you found it is a quiet act of kindness to someone you may never meet. When the next tenant opens the door to a clean kitchen and a friendly note, their first day in a new home starts with a welcome.
Quick check: Why should you take dated photos of every room before moving out?
- To document the apartment’s condition in case questions arise about the deposit
- To post online for followers
- Because the post office requires them
Show answer
A. Dated photos create a clear record of the condition you left the apartment in.
