Once you have secured a place to live, the next exciting step is settling yourself into your new home. Use the checklists and resources below to help you through that process.

  • Schedule your move-in date.

    • Work with your landlord to determine when to pick up keys and gain access to your space.
    • Make sure you organize time to complete a walkthrough with your landlord. It is important to notate any issues with the space.
    • Check with your landlord to find out where to park a moving truck or other large vehicle, especially if you are moving into an apartment complex or a neighborhood with narrow streets.

    Set up utilities.

    • Tenants are often responsible for independently setting up all or part of their utilities. Some examples include:
      • Internet
      • Phone
      • Cable
      • Water
      • Electricity

    Notify those who need to know about your new address.

    • Some examples include:
      • U.S. Postal Service
      • Utilities
      • Credit card and Banking services.
      • California DMV and Voter Registration

    Consider a moving company.

    • Make sure to do your research before hiring a moving company, as Los Angeles has many different options.
    • Examples of resources are included below in our "Moving Resources" tab.

     

  • Confirm your move-out date.

    • Plan your move-out details in advance. Usually, the deadline to notify of move-out is mentioned in your lease. Notification is typically required at least 30 days in advance, sometimes more. Landlords can charge penalties for too short of a notice.
    • Put your notice in writing.

    Request an exit walkthrough.

    • This is an important step in getting as much of your security deposit back as possible.
    • Verify with your landlord what steps you need to complete upon move-out.
    • Ask your landlord about the specific date you can expect to have your security deposit returned.
    • Check with your landlord to find out where to park a moving truck or other large vehicle, especially if you are moving into an apartment complex or a neighborhood with narrow streets.

    De-activate utilities.

    • Contact any utilities providers that you are responsible for as the tenant. Research this process in advance, as may take time to stop or transition services. Examples include:
      • Internet
      • Phone
      • Cable
      • Water
      • Electricity

    Return your keys in person.

    • If you are unable to return keys in person, send them certified mail, return receipt requested and insure it. A landlord can continue to charge you until your keys are returned and can charge you for a lock change.

    Consider leaving a forwarding address with your landlord and other parties.
    Some examples include:

    • U.S. Postal Service
    • Utilities
    • Credit card and Banking services.
    • California DMV and Voter Registration
  • While OCSL does not endorse any of the following websites, examples of helpful resources include:

    SmartStop Self Storage12714 S La Cienega Blvd.
    Hawthorne, CA 90250
    (310) 725-0088 

    Oz Moving
    1611 Perrino Place
    Los Angeles, CA 90023
    (323) 796-0133
    info@ozmoving.com