Moving out, deposit back.

Sell, donate or give away what you will not take

Every box costs money to move.

• Go room by room
• For a move abroad, check voltage and plug types
• Book collections for large items

Give notice on your lease

Most leases require written notice. Missing the notice period can cost a month of rent or more.

• Check the notice period in your lease
• Send the notice in writing with proof of delivery
• Ask for written confirmation

Tip: Set the notice deadline from your lease here, and Rootstep reminds you in time.

Cancel or move subscriptions and memberships

Notice periods apply, and some contracts can end early when you move away.

• List gym, phone, streaming and clubs
• Ask whether moving ends the contract early

Pack room by room and label boxes

Labelled boxes with contents lists make unpacking and claims easier.

• Create a box in Boxes for each box you pack
• Print the QR labels

Book final meter readings and disconnections

Without readings you may pay for the next tenant.

• Tell each utility your leaving date
• Photograph the meters on the last day

Plan repairs and cleaning before you hand over

Small repairs cost less than deductions from your deposit.

• Walk through the lease's handover rules
• Book cleaning or repairs

Set up mail forwarding or a virtual mailbox

Letters with deadlines keep arriving at the old address for months.

• Order forwarding from the start date
• Or choose a virtual mailbox that scans letters

Pack a suitcase and first-night box

Shipped goods can take weeks or months.

• Pack bedding, chargers, basic kitchen items and medicines
• Add children's favourite things

Cancel home insurance after the handover

You need cover until the keys are returned, and not a day longer.

• Send the cancellation dated the handover day

Hand over the home with photos and meter readings

Dated photos and a signed record are your evidence for getting the deposit back.

• Photograph every room
• Record meter readings
• Get the handover record signed
• Give a forwarding address and bank account

Pay final bills and cancel direct debits you no longer need

Forgotten debits and final bills turn into debt collection at an address you no longer read.

• List all direct debits
• Cancel what you no longer need
• Check the final bills