Moving Information
Here is a list of helpful things to remember when you’re moving in and out of your apartment:
Before you Move
- Plan ahead. Because many people move around the first of the month, it’s important to reserve a moving truck plenty of time in advance.
- Forward your mail. Fill out a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service and give your new address to your family, friends, and others who will need it (credit card companies, magazines, cell phone carrier). You can access the change of address form online by clicking here.
- Contact utility companies several weeks before you move in to arrange for services that are not included in your rent. This may include gas, oil, electric, water, telephone, cable, and internet. You can ask the landlord or neighbors about what companies have provided utilities in the past.
- Avoid moving things you don’t need. If you don’t use it now, you probably won’t use it later. Old clothes, furniture, or books that are in good condition can be donated to charity.
- Get all the help you can. Ask your family and friends to help make your moving process go smoothly.
- Make a survival kit. Pack a small bag of essentials to keep with you, including tools, to make the transition and first night in your new home smoother.
Moving In
- Walk through the apartment with the landlord and take pictures of any damage before you move your belongings in.
- Fill out an apartment condition report so you can avoid being charged for pre-existing damage in the apartment.
- Make sure everything works (run the shower, flush the toilet, test the appliances, and double-check safety items) and inform the landlord immediately if maintenance needs to be conducted.
- Display your name on the mailbox or USPS will not deliver there. (Use only your first initial and last name for your safety.)
- Notify UMass Boston of your new address.
Before Leaving for Break
- Disconnect all electrical appliances including televisions, stereos, toaster ovens, coffee pots, and microwave ovens.
- Take all valuable items with you (laptops, jewelry, etc.).
- Suspend service on your mail delivery.
- Pull shades or close blinds and curtains on windows.
- Remove all trash before you leave.
- Secure and lock all doors and windows.
Moving Out
- Give your landlord 30 days notice that you plan on moving out, even if your lease is set to expire. You may want to request the landlord’s acknowledgement in writing.
- Clean the entire premises thoroughly and remove all garbage, furnishings, and personal items. You may be charged a cleaning fee to remove anything left behind.
- Return all keys to the landlord immediately. If you fail to do this, the landlord may decide not to return your security deposit.
- Cancel all utilities and schedule a shut-off date for the day you move out. This will help you to avoid being billed later for utilities you didn’t use.
- Change your address with the U.S. Postal Service. You can access the change of address form online by clicking here.
- Change your address with UMass Boston.
- Set up a time for you and the landlord to inspect the apartment and go over the apartment condition report you filled out when you first moved in. If the landlord is unavailable, you can ask an impartial witness to go through the apartment with you. Be sure to take pictures, especially if the landlord is unavailable.
