Moving can be one of the most stressful times of your life, but you can cut down on that stress greatly if you prepare properly and well ahead of time. And well ahead of time begins at least two months before your desired move out date so that you can give proper notice to your current apartment community. Check out this small move-out checklist below, with tasks in the order of time:

Two Months Out:

1. Decide whether you are going to move yourself, or hire professional movers.
2. Check your current apartment lease to determine what kind of notice you need to supply to move out.
3. Contact your insurance company to arrange for renters’ insurance at your new place, and to cancel the policy at your current.
4. Start collecting moving supplies like boxes and packing tape.
5. Give your current apartment community notice.

One Month Out:

1. Start trying to use up opened household items like detergents and frozen food, so you don’t have to worry about moving them.
2. Call your current utility companies and make arrangements for those accounts to be cancelled once you move out. You don’t need any surprises after you’re settled into your new place.
3. Hire a moving company, or call to arrange a moving truck for your desired date.
4. Start making phone calls to your banks, credit card companies, etc. to inform them of a change of address.
5. While you’re at it, file a change of address form with the Post Office.

Two Weeks Out:

1. Review your lease to fully understand what condition your current apartment community expects your apartment to be left in.
2. Get the utilities set up for your NEW apartment, so they’re ready to go on the day you get your keys.
3. Figure out the best way to use up as much of your perishable food as you can before the move.

The Week of Your Move:

1. Set aside a box to be your “Unpack First” box. These are essential items that you don’t want to get buried in boxes.
2. Pack a suitcase of clothes and toiletries you will need for the first couple of days after the move.
3. Confirm your appointments with your cable, phone, and internet provider.
4. Clean your apartment from top to bottom.

Moving Day:

1. Load the items you will need right away last, so that you can unload them first.
2. If you are using professional movers, double-check with them the necessary payment method before they begin their work.
3. Do a final walkthrough of your current apartment to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.
4. Close blinds, turn off lights and thermostat, and lock the door behind you.
5. Make sure to get a copy of your walkthrough inspection if one is provided, and leave your new address with your old management company so they can send you your security deposit!

This is a short list of tips, but ApartmentGuide’s list is thorough and comprehensive. Check it out.