Moving out of your home
As the end of your tenancy approaches, it’s time to get organised and make your move-out as smooth and stress-free as possible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from planning ahead and decluttering, to cleaning thoroughly and securing your deposit. With a bit of preparation and the right support, you’ll be packed up and ready to go in no time.
Plan ahead
Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Remember that you’ll need enough time (and support) for admin, packing, cleaning, and the move itself.
Ask yourself:
- Where’s the paperwork? Does your tenancy contract have a moving out procedure and are there any rules I need to follow when moving out (closed windows, key drop-off points)?
- Do I have enough boxes? Is there a local shop where I could collect a free box?
- Do I need to buy products to ensure my home is left spotless?
- Where am I moving my belongings to? Do I need a lift? Do I know someone with a car, or do I need to book one?
Declutter and donate
Make packing easier by getting rid of things you don’t use much and any clothes collecting dust in your wardrobe.
- Take unwanted belongings to your local charity shop to donate what you won’t wear again (just make sure to follow their donation guidelines).
- Use Birmingham City Council’s Donate unwanted items scheme at your local household recycling centre. You'll find details on the Birmingham City Council website.
- Sell your items on places like Vinted or Hazaar – free your space and get some money back.
- Give any unopened non-perishable food or goods to the Community Pantry at The Guild of Students or to your local foodbank.
Local charities offering house clearances and recycling services
Local charities offering house clearances and recycling services
Birmingham City Council has provided the following information
|
Charity |
Services Offered |
Contact Information |
|
Birmingham Hospice |
Full or partial house clearances, donations accepted for resale. |
Phone: 0121 472 1191 |
|
British Heart Foundation (BHF) |
Professional house clearance service, sells suitable items to fund research. |
Phone: 0808 250 0030 |
|
Shelter |
Full (chargeable) and partial (free) house clearance services, donations accepted. |
West Bromwich Shop: 0121 553 3242 |
|
The ReUsers |
Rescues and recycles second-hand items, sells high-quality used goods. |
Address: Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB |
|
Upcycle Birmingham |
House clearance services, accepts donations to provide affordable furniture. |
Address: Unit 1, 4 High Street, Castle Vale, B35 7PR |
|
Betel Clearances |
Professional house clearance, recycles or resells items responsibly. |
Phone: 01564 822356 |
|
Emmaus |
Accepts donations of furniture and other goods, sold to support charitable work. |
Phone: 0300 303 7555 |
|
Islamic Relief UK |
Operates charity shops accepting donations of clothing and other items. |
Address: 388 Coventry Road, Birmingham, B10 0UF |
|
Birmingham City Mission Resource Centre |
Accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and household items to support people in need. |
Address: 120a Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, B5 6QN |
|
The Salvation Army Donation Centre (Bagley Road) |
Accepts donations of furniture, clothing, and household goods to support their charity shops and community programs. |
Address: Hagley Road, Birmingham |
Junkbusters
Run by the Community Wardens in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Junkbusters allows you to donate your unwanted items at the end of the year without cluttering up the streets of Selly Oak.
You can request donation bags from British Heart Foundation to be delivered to your door and volunteers will pick up when they’re full.
Get your deposit back
Your landlord will want the house returned in a good state. You might need to do more than just wipe down your kitchen counter. Take a look at our moving out checklist below.
If you have housemates, put together a cleaning schedule to ensure that everyone gets involved. Or consider booking a professional cleaner.
Make note of any damage or changes to the property to ensure you aren’t charged for damage you didn’t cause. And take photographs to prove you left your house in good condition.
Your moving out checklist
- Check your original inventory and make honest notes about anything missing or damaged
- Clean the oven
- Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer
- Cleaning out the drains in your kitchen and bathroom
- Wipe inside the cupboards
- Dust everything
- A lot of contracts insist that the garden is returned in the state it was given. If it’s your responsibility you may have to borrow equipment or hire a gardener.
- Cancel your bills and broadband
- Using your meter readings, let your utility and broadband companies know that you are moving address. You can close the account completely and open a new one in your new home, or you can simply let them know that you are moving and transfer the account. Don’t forget any accounts that you share with your housemates, such as streaming services, your TV license, or subscription boxes.
- Lock up and return the keys
- Always make sure windows and doors are secured before you leave and that you’ve done one final look for belongings and cleanliness. You should give back the keys on time, at the time and on the date agreed with the landlord or lettings agent (this may be in your contract, or in your moving out instructions).
Housing support
We can help you make the transition into the private housing sector as easily as possible.