Moving In & Out

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