PCSing: What to Do The Last Day Before You Leave

Ideally, on the last day at your house, everything is already done, and you are just waiting to hand off the keys and get back your security deposit. But if that is not the case, we can help you remember some basic steps you can take that will ensure you can return the house in the same condition as you received it. Then dive with us into a few other tips on things you shouldn’t forget doing in your last days at a duty station. 

Firstly, double check that your move out inspection is scheduled and the time of the appointment fits well into your schedule. Ensure all paperwork is in order and ask your housing office if they have a move out checklist that would help you target certain areas of the house, so they don’t get overlooked by accident. Discuss with your landlord the term “normal wear and tear” so that you can both be on the same page and avoid unnecessarily heated conversation during the inspection. 

If you prefer that professionals clean your home then look up a reputable cleaning company, get a quote, and decide if the price is worth it. Professional cleaners will have the right products to clean any area of the house, and your landlord should be satisfied with the level of cleanliness, especially if you show them a receipt as a proof. Professional move-out cleaning can be pricey and typically depends on the number of rooms that need to be cleaned. Budget roughly three hundred dollars if you plan on hiring an outside help. 

When cleaning on your own, ensure you have all cleaning products you will need. Go room by room because it will help you see the progress you are making. Empty bedrooms are fairly quick to clean, but kitchen and bathrooms typically take the longest to deep clean. Windows and appliances can also take up quite a bit of time and may require some rigorous cleaning. Then there are things that renters sometimes forget such as mowing the lawn one last time, and emptying out and cleaning the trash can. Once all your things are out of the house, and you completed all your miscellaneous tasks, take photos of the house for your personal record. In the end, have all house keys ready to turn in. 

Besides cleaning your house, there are a few other things you need to think about in your last days at a duty station:

• Check your mailbox and forward incoming mail to your next address
• Cancel the Internet, and make sure the last month of utilities is paid in full
• If you are moving from OCONUS station, verify that your phone account will be properly closed out to avoid any unwanted surprises on your next bank statement
• Return books and DVDs to the library if you rented any
• Do a final walkthrough of the house to make sure you won’t leave anything behind 

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