Guide · Renting and leases
The Pre-Move-Out Walk
A friendly, practical guide to the walk-through before move-out, from scheduling and what to look for to small fixes, cleaning, keys and a forwarding address.
Where to start
- Moving out in the next few weeks?
Ask to schedule the walk a week or two ahead, then use the getting ready checklist.
- Found something during the walk?
Take a breath. There is still time. See if you find damage.
- Not sure if it is wear or damage?
The short version
A friendly walk-through a week or two before move-out prevents nearly every move-out surprise.
Bring the move-in report and photos, walk each room together, and agree in writing on anything to fix.
Ask before painting or repairing, clean thoroughly, and take a narrated video of every room when you finish.
Return every key and remote, and leave your forwarding address in writing so a later letter has a place to go.
Move-out and deposit rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Schedule it early
Plan the walk a week or two before move-out, so there is time to take care of things.
- 2Bring the move-in report
Compare today with the move-in report and photos, item by item.
- 3Fix small things the right way
Ask before repairing anything, and use a qualified person when needed.
- 4Leave a forwarding address
Give it in writing, so a later letter has a place to go.
Getting ready for the walk
From the guide. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. You are ready for a move out that ends with a handshake and a smile.
If you find damage during the walk
- Take a breath. Finding something now is a good thing. There is still time.
- Look at the move in report and photos to see if it was already there.
- Talk kindly about whether it is normal wear or damage.
- Agree in writing on what will be fixed, by whom and by when.
- Take photos before and after any repair.
- Keep copies of every message and agreement.
You did exactly the right thing.
Normal wear or damage?
Normal wear usually includes light scuffs, small nail holes, faded paint and gently worn carpet from everyday living.
Damage usually includes large holes, broken fixtures, burns, pet stains and missing items.
Local rules and the lease guide the details. A quick look at the rules where your home is goes a long way.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Move-Out Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving out: giving notice, cleaning, the pre move out walk, deposits, renewals and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- The Perfect Move-Out Checklist WorkbookA fillable workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Bunklow does not hold deposits or decide deposit disputes.