When the academic year ends, moving out of student halls can feel like a rush. Between exams, packing, and arranging transport, it’s easy to forget the small details that could cost you your deposit.
Landlords and universities expect rooms to be left clean, undamaged, and empty of personal belongings. A little preparation can make sure you get every pound of your deposit back.
Here’s how to move out of your halls the right way.
Understand Your Tenancy Agreement
Before you start packing, read your tenancy agreement carefully. It outlines what condition your room should be in when you leave and what counts as damage or neglect.
Most agreements require you to:
- Leave the room clean and free of rubbish
- Return all keys and fobs
- Remove every personal item
- Report any maintenance issues before leaving
Failing to do any of these can lead to deductions.
If you’re unsure about something, contact your accommodation office or landlord early so there’s time to fix issues before move-out day.
Start Cleaning Early
Cleaning is one of the main reasons students lose part of their deposit. Leaving it until the last day means you’ll probably rush and miss something.
Start at least a week before moving out. Work through each area systematically and tick tasks off as you go.
Cleaning checklist for student rooms:
- Vacuum carpets and mop floors
- Wipe down all surfaces, windowsills, and skirting boards
- Remove any Blu Tack, pins, or sticky residue from walls
- Clean inside wardrobes and drawers
- Empty and clean bins
- Defrost and clean your fridge and microwave
Don’t forget shared areas. Many landlords charge every tenant for communal cleaning if the kitchen or bathroom isn’t spotless.
If you’re short on time, move your belongings into student storage first so you can focus on cleaning without boxes in the way.
Take Photos Before You Leave
Before you hand in your keys, take clear photos of every room, including walls, carpets, and furniture. This protects you if there’s a dispute later about damage or cleanliness.
Save the photos with timestamps and keep them until your deposit is returned. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle.
You can also take “before and after” shots if you cleaned or repaired anything yourself to show the effort you made.
Report and Fix Minor Damage
If you’ve accidentally marked a wall or damaged furniture, it’s often cheaper to fix it yourself before leaving. Small repairs are usually less costly when handled directly than when charged through your landlord.
Quick fixes to consider:
- Use white toothpaste or filler to patch tiny wall holes
- Replace blown light bulbs
- Clean any stains on carpets or mattresses
- Tighten loose screws on furniture
Be honest about any larger damage. Reporting it early might help avoid full deductions, especially if your landlord can fix it before the next tenants move in.
Empty the Room Completely
Leaving anything behind — even something small — can result in charges. Landlords often bill tenants for removal or disposal fees.
To avoid this:
- Double-check drawers and cupboards
- Clear under the bed and behind furniture
- Take rubbish to the bin area
- Return all keys, fobs, and parking permits
If you can’t take everything home, or you’re moving into new accommodation later, store it securely with Cheap Storage Manchester. You can get free van hire or free collection to make the move easier.
Be There for the Final Inspection
Some landlords or accommodation teams do a final inspection when you hand in your keys. Try to be there if possible. You can point out the cleaning and repairs you’ve done and answer any questions on the spot.
If they find something you disagree with, having your photos ready can help settle things quickly.
Once the inspection is complete, confirm when you’ll receive your deposit. Most are returned within 10–14 days.
Plan Ahead for Next Year
If you’re staying in Manchester for another academic year, it’s often easier to store your belongings over summer instead of moving everything back and forth.
Our student storage units are perfect for this, offering:
- No deposit
- 50% off your first 9 weeks
- Safe and secure facilities
- 7-day access for easy collection when you return
It’s a cost-effective way to avoid last-minute stress when moving between student homes.
Final Thoughts
Getting your full deposit back doesn’t have to be difficult. With early planning, a good clean, and a little organisation, you can leave your halls spotless and stress-free.
If you need somewhere to store your belongings while you move out or between terms, Cheap Storage Manchester offers affordable, flexible student storage options across the city.
Visit our Prices page or Contact us to get a quote and make your move-out as easy as possible.
