Deposits & inspections
The move-out timeline that keeps your deposit
Most deposit problems are timing problems rather than cleaning problems.
Give notice three to four weeks out, book the clean two weeks out for the day after your furniture leaves, and keep utilities on until after the walk-through. The clean belongs between the unit being empty and the inspection.
The window is one day wide
A move-out clean cannot happen while your furniture is still there, and it is worth nothing after the inspection. That leaves a narrow slot, and at the end of the month everyone in town is competing for it.
Book it when you know your move date, not once the boxes are packed.
Do not shut the power off early
Utilities ending on move-out day is the classic mistake. A cleaner cannot work without light, hot water or a vacuum, and a landlord cannot inspect a dark unit. Schedule the shutoff for the day after your walk-through.
Order of operations
- 3 to 4 weeks out: written notice, re-read the lease cleaning clause, book movers
- 2 weeks out: book the clean, set utilities to end after the walk-through
- 1 week out: confirm the walk-through in writing, patch and paint nail holes
- Moving day: everything out including garage and balcony, fridge defrosted
- After the clean: photograph everything, walk through, hand over keys
General information for renters, not legal advice. Illinois references are to the Security Deposit Return Act (765 ILCS 710).
Related
- What move-out cleaning costs, and what changes the numberStarting prices by unit size in the Rockford area, what raises a quote, and how the cost compares to a typical deduction.
- The final walk-through, and why you should be thereWhy attending changes the outcome, what to bring, and how to handle an item flagged in front of you.
Need a move-out clean booked?
Tell us the address, the unit size, and your walk-through date. You get a fixed quote back, not a callback to schedule a callback.