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Move-Out Checklist

Every task for a Seattle move, grouped by when to do it. Check things off as you go; your progress stays in this browser, with no account. Add your move date to see due dates and export them to your calendar.

Move-out date I am

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30 days before

Give your landlord written notice For a month-to-month tenancy, Washington requires written notice at least 20 days before the end of a rental period (RCW 59.18.200). A fixed-term lease has its own terms; read it. How to do this: Give your landlord written notice
Reread your lease for move-out and cleaning terms Look for cleaning requirements, key return, carpet terms, and any nonrefundable fees you paid at move-in.
Find your signed move-in condition checklist Washington landlords must give one before collecting a deposit (RCW 59.18.260). It is your baseline for move-out. How to do this: Find your signed move-in condition checklist
Get moving quotes and book movers or a truck How to do this: Get moving quotes and book movers or a truck
Start decluttering: sell, donate, or schedule bulky-item pickup
Confirm the move-in date and key pickup for your new home
Owners: confirm the closing or handover date and what condition the buyer or next tenant expects Owners

14 days before

Schedule utility stop or transfer for move-out day Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities share an online start and stop portal; Puget Sound Energy has its own. Keep power and water on through your final cleaning. How to do this: Schedule utility stop or transfer for move-out day
Schedule utilities and internet at the new place
File a USPS change of address USPS suggests allowing at least 7 to 10 business days. Online filing has a small identity verification fee.
Reserve street space for the truck if you need it In Seattle this is a Temporary No Parking Zone reservation from SDOT; signs go up 72 hours ahead. How to do this: Reserve street space for the truck if you need it
Decide who does the move-out clean and book it How to do this: Decide who does the move-out clean and book it
Gather boxes, tape, and cleaning supplies
Set aside paint and chemicals for hazardous waste drop-off Seattle transfer stations do not take household hazardous waste; King County residents can use the free household hazardous waste facilities.

7 days before

Pack room by room, leaving a "first night" box
Eat down the fridge and freezer
Ask your landlord about a move-out walkthrough Not required by statute, but a joint walkthrough can surface issues while you can still fix them. How to do this: Ask your landlord about a move-out walkthrough
Handle small repairs you are responsible for Damage beyond wear from ordinary use can be deducted with documentation (RCW 59.18.280). How to do this: Handle small repairs you are responsible for
Give your forwarding address to the landlord in writing The deposit statement may be mailed to your last known address; make sure that is where you will be. How to do this: Give your forwarding address to the landlord in writing
Drop off donations and recycling

Moving day

Load out and check every closet, cabinet, and storage unit
Do the final clean once the unit is empty How to do this: Do the final clean once the unit is empty
Photograph and video every room after cleaning Wide shots, then close-ups of appliances, floors, walls, and anything noted on the move-in checklist. How to do this: Photograph and video every room after cleaning
Photograph meter readings if you can see them
Return all keys, fobs, and remotes and get a receipt or written confirmation
Close windows, set the thermostat as agreed, and lock up

After the move

Update your address with the Washington DOL within 10 days New to Washington? You have 30 days to get a Washington license and register your vehicle.
Watch for your deposit refund or statement within 30 days Washington landlords have 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or send a full and specific statement with documentation (RCW 59.18.280). How to do this: Watch for your deposit refund or statement within 30 days
Update your address with banks, employer, insurance, and voter registration
Check final utility bills for the right stop date
At the new place: complete and keep the move-in checklist How to do this: At the new place: complete and keep the move-in checklist
Keep photos, lease, checklists, and receipts together for at least a year

About this checklist

The deadlines in this list come from Washington law and official agency pages, which are cited in the linked guides: written notice for month-to-month tenancies (RCW 59.18.200), the move-in checklist (RCW 59.18.260), the 30-day deposit statement (RCW 59.18.280), and the Washington Department of Licensing's 10-day address update. It is general information, not legal advice. For the full plan, read The Ultimate Seattle Move-Out Checklist and The Complete 30-Day Moving Timeline.

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