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🏠 Pack It Up, Pack It In: The Student Guide to Moving

📦 June 30th → July 1st 

If your current tenancy ends on 30th June but your new one starts 1st July, you’re not alone, loads of students face this awkward gap.

Here’s what you can do:

  • Stay with a mate (ask early!)

  • Book a short-stay hotel or hostel

  • Store your stuff in temporary student storage – ask your new landlord or look online for short-term student deals.

🚚 Moving Out?

Let’s get you out without losing £££ from your deposit and with as minimal stress possible!

Watch the video below and read through this guide for moving-out tips and information on getting your deposit back.

 

 

🧹 Clear Out the Clutter

Got stuff you don’t want to take home or to your next property? Try to donate or sell it first instead!
👉 Check out our moving-out tips & where to donate or sell

 

🧼 Clean Smart

  • You're all jointly responsible for the cleaning of the house and it's shared spaces — so share the cleaning load (especially kitchens, bathrooms & hallways).

  • Oven & grill: clean it or risk a £95+ pro cleaning fee!

  • Toilet & bath: leave it sparkling, or lose £50-100 of your deposit.

  • Remember all the landlord/agent wants is a property returned in an acceptably clean condition to hand over to the new tenants moving in.

👉 Pro Tip: Everything takes a bit longer than it may seem. Set a cleaning date with your housemates early and use a checklist!

👉 Be the hero: Ask your landlord if they’ll do a pre-move-out inspection so you know what to fix.

 

💰 Deposits

  • You are responsible for ensuring that the property is returned in the condition that you found it

  • Expect deductions for damage beyond “fair wear and tear”. Fair wear and tear is considered to be "a defect which occurs naturally or as part of the tenant’s reasonable use of the premises."

  • Landlords must prove any deductions with receipts or evidence.

  • If your tenancy deposit does not cover the costs of returning the property to its original condition, the landlord or agent may seek ‘damages’ from you.

    Read more about the Tenant Fees Act 

 

📉 Utilities

  • Tell your utility companies your move-out date.

  • Take meter readings on your last day and send proof of payment of your final bill to your landlord.

 

⭐ Don’t forget to Rate Your Landlord

Before you wave goodbye to your current place, leave a review and help the next tenants out.
👀 Students rely on each other — your rating makes a difference!!

🚪 Moving In?

🔑 Before You Arrive

  • Arrange key collection & upon collecting secure the alarm code.

    • Make sure you have completed all paperwork, deposits and guarantor forms or you landlord could refuse to give you keys until it is completed!

  • Know your rent payment plan & have your bank details sorted.

  • Bringing a car? Check if you need a parking permit!

 

📸 On the Day

  • Take photos of everything when you arrive (even dodgy paint jobs).

  • Compare to the inventory — flag anything missing or broken in writing ASAP.

  • Ask for your Gas & Electrical Safety Certs — you have a right to see them!

  • Locate your water stop tap and fuse board for your knowledge! This will be useful incase of a leak or if you trip a fuse from knocking something in the move!

📢 If it’s dirty or unsafe, report it right away. Don’t get blamed later.

 

⚡ Utilities

  • Take your own meter readings on Day 1!

  • Register with gas, electric & water companies.

  • Try to register everyone in the house — it’s fairer.

 

🔐 Safety & Security

  • Lock up — even if you’re just popping out.

  • Don’t leave windows open in empty rooms.

  • Use the burglar alarm if you’ve got one.

  • Be cautious about who you let in — always ask for ID for contractors and double check your landlord has given you notice of their visit!

  • Got a bike? Lock it up!

📬 Don’t Forget:

  • Tell your uni, bank, insurer, and utility companies your new address.

  • Apply for a visitor’s permit if needed for move-in day.

 

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Getting On With the Neighbours

  • Knock on and say hi or pop a note through the door — it’ll go a long way!

  • Let them know if you’re planning a party (and keep noise down after 11pm).

  • Respect the area. Good vibes = fewer complaints & safer streets.

😕 Got Complaints About Your Landlord?

In first instance contact and report to your landlord about any issues. If they are code accredited and your complaint is not moving forward you can complain to us here.

If they’re not accredited, you still have rights. Check out the Right of Redress scheme here 👉 Click for info